Who has to lose 100 or more pounds?

[Jimsgems]

Victoria;

We all do it with His help. In Him I found strength and the ability to change in the way I needed and make the choices I've made. I know that is right, I'm just not that strong by myself. I know that. You are doin' good.

Hey, a little stress is what keeps us upright.

[cathiechas]

:wave: Hi,
I am a new Atkins dieter and I weigh 380. I want to weigh 180. I was just diagnosed with hypothyroid and am on medication. I have been on induction for a week and have not lost a pound. I am in ketosis but the scale says nothing. I feel a little lighter but I have so much to lose I am not really sure. Any advice? I thought the pounds would fall away fast at least initially, especially since my ketostrips are purple.
Cath in California

[liz175]

Hi Cath and welcome to the triple digits forum. We are the same height (I checked your profile) and have similar starting weights and goals. (I don't know my exact starting weight because my doctor's scale only goes up to 350.) You might want to start a diary and post some of your daily menus so people more familiar with Atkins can see if there are any hidden carbs or other problem points in them. There is lots of accumulated experience in this forum and on the entire website.

If you can, you might also to stay away from the scale for a while. Focus on eating this way for your health and get your menus under control with the help of other users of this forum. If you are not using a doctor's scale with a balance beam, the scale itself may not be weighing accurately. I bought a bathroom scale at Target and I've noticed it fluctuates a lot more than the balance beam scale I use once a week at the YMCA. I think that bathroom scales are particularly inaccurate for people at higher weights. You don't want to get discouraged because your scale is inaccurate!

[jraz]

I am new here also... I've been on LC almost a week now and have been losing weight, but my ketos stick is barely pink... so go figure...

I have to say this group is what first motivated me.. reading the posts and I know I can do it and I also have His help... :cheer:

Judi

[Jimsgems]

Hey All;

Just a gentle reminder that your progress doesn't always start with a "stick" or weight loss. When I stalled at about 100 pound loss, I didn't loose a single pound for three months! I lost a full suit size though, but not a single pound. I had to just hang out and do what I was doing and it finally broke and another 50 pound drop, I'm stalled again, and I'm just doing the do and with 40 more to go, I want to do it "faster", but it may well take me a few months just to adjust to my body size and needs, I can add in a little walking, maybe even go back to a week of induction and it could take another year for me to loose the next bit (approx. 30 pounds to goal).

I still have to remind myself that if I don't do it now, what will I weigh in a year?

Blessings to you.

[gapgirl420]

HEY JIM!!

I would be interested in knowing when your new CD comes out for sale...being originally from the East Tennessee Mountain area, I grew up hearing Gospel groups ...Love that type of music...
Any info would be appreciated!

Gap

[mean rn]

Hello all. I hardley turn the sticks color not sure why. I have decided not to weigh myself for a while it can become a addiction also. I am going to go by how i feel and how the clothes fit. Paul

[Jimsgems]

I just want everyone to know that being on the "stick" isn't necessary for success! I didn't want to spend the bucks for the "Keto-Sticks", when you've been out of work for a year you have to consider the realities. I just cut the carbs to the bone during induction and never looked back.

Hey, It's just a thought.

[PoofieD]

That it was only a tool.
And I have read here.and in the book I believe.. that the sticks turning darker or lighter are not an idication of good or less good lipolysis. That there is not half way.
Your either in it.. or not.
and that the difference in colour can be chocked up to how much fluid your taking in..
But then... remember I don't do atkins!
Poofie!

[heeels92]

Hi Chemlady

WOW!!!! What a story. You are an inspiration. You are right - I need to do this for myself. Thank you for opening my eyes about what I need to do - lose weight for myself. I feel like a complete whiner regarding my battle with willpower - I can do this - I understand that it will be difficult but I can do it.

Thanks for your words of encouragement.

Happy Losing.

Heeels92

[cathiechas]

Hello Liz,
I was wondering if the scale was inaccurate because it does go up to 390 but I dont trust it. Yesterday I ate this:
B: 3 egg omlette with cheese, 2 tbs salsa and 1 sour cream and 4 slices bacon
1/2 cup coffee with cream
L: 3 turkey hot dogs (0 carb) and 1 tb of mayo

D: pork roast w/ blue cheese dressing (make it myself so no sugar)

Snack: I have been reading that you can eat too much protein but I dont know what that threshhold is so I had some new dressing I tested out which is feta, mayo and sour cream, about 3 tbls

I have to say it is very weird to say I am eating so much fat. I have been eating the quantity that makes me satisfied and sometimes thats large like breakfast or small (dinner was just a small meal)

[Jimsgems]

cathiechas

Good Morning. Welcome.

I'm sure having too much protein could be a problem and I know I've not reached that limit myself, however I eat getnerally well balanced meals by Atkins standards and I take mega vit's.

You will just have to experiment a little to see if that is a problem, for you. We are all the same, yet different. Be Well.

[Cheryl R]

Cathiechas...

That's about the same type of food I eat in a day.

What brand of turkey dogs has 0 carbs? I've been looking.

I have Foster Farms and they say 1 carb each.

I wouldn't worry about how much you eat in the beginning... after getting off the sweets and flour you will find that you aren't as hungry and you will automatically eat less... at least that's what happened to me after a few weeks.

HI EVERYONE!!!!!!

[Daethian]

102 lbs to go to my goal weight ....

[willeke]

[COLOR=green]Good evening all,
I'm back after a ten day trip to the Netherlands (I'm Dutch and live in Ireland). We celebrated Sinterklaas there, with loads of presents and heaps of sweets. I didn't touch any of those, though. I was glad I didn't feel deprived or anything either! I ate a lot of dried sausages, they have no carbs, but are pretty salty, but are so easy to take with you. I also had too many macadamia nuts. I thought they were 2 carbs per 100 grams, but that's wrong, they're 14 gr carbs per 100 grams, so that miust be the reason why I didn't lose any weght.
I'm still in induction, have been so now for a month, and haven't lost an ounce, really.
Have started to be even stricter, no cheese, nuts and a minimum of cream for me for the next few weeks.
I don't understand why I don;t lsoe weight, though, because I test quite dark purple. The previous times I did Atkins I never got darker than the palest shade.
Ah well, I am convinced this will work now, I just have to get hold of the right end of the stick again!
Haven't had time to read all messages, just hope you are all OK!
cheers
Willeke

[/COLOR=green]

[mean rn]

Hello all where did everyone run to?

[willeke]

well, I've just returned, so you can't blame ME <g>!!

Have you been here long? I didn't find your first mails.

This is my 3rd time on Atkins and I am absolutely determined to make a success of it and this time it will be for ever.

Willeke
from Ireland

[chemlady]

I know I have been busy with the hustle and bustle of christmas.
I have been good to my woe but exercise is another story. Only did cardio twice this week so far but happy to report that I am closing in on that 100 pound goal. It Must feels good to tell people you lost a hundred pounds. Although 85 is no shabby number either. Can't wait to break 200. Theres a big rush to get the stuff out at work so I am equally as busy their. I never bought those test strips myself. Two kids, a mortgage and no husband means no money. There are alot of people who have to limit the cheese and the nuts or the scale won't budge. I know that if I have nuts thats what happens so watch the carbs and see what happens. Use fitday.com to get the real numbers. You may be surprised to see what you consume and good luck sounds like you had a great trip. I know I could use a vacation myself but thats a dream at this point. No money. Take care.
Laurie

[Cheryl R]

I'm still here too...it's just been busy... at work at home at my youth group...with my MIL... too much to do, and so little time.

I needed to come back to the forum for my fix!!! It helps ground me. I'm so fearful of gaining back during the holiday. I've caved to pressure this last week. I won't go into details... but lets just say... I'm back on day 2 of low carb again. I blew it last Saturday/Sunday/Thursday. 3 bad days in one week.

I know it will get easier after the first of the year... but I don't even want to gain back one pound of the 20 I've lost so far.

Hang in their everyone... enjoy the holidays... but remember to leave the carbs alone....

[jraz]

This is definately the season to be busy... Sure be glad when this month is over...

I've lost 10 lbs so far and am still so motivated, I have no desire to eat carbs infact my appetite is gone.. (I'm in shock)... plus I keep thinking of Jims story and that keeps me going...

I do have a question tho... everytime I start LC my right kidney starts hurting and I have upped my intake of water.... Any idea what else I can do.....

[Cheryl R]

I've read a lot about low carb in the last few months... never heard about the kidneys being involved.

Have you seen a doc? Maybe you have a stone or something? I would definately check it out.

cheryl

[cathiechas]

Hi All,
I want to say thanks for everyone's support. My husband, myself and my mother are all on Atkins and we are all reacting differently. I appreciate your feedback on my menu. I emailed the Atkins support line and they responded with interesting information. they recommended not eating more than 8 ounces of protein in one meal because too much will convert to glucose and also to limit fat because the fat we eat will be burned as energy first before fat stores go. So they said to play with how much fat I consumed. This explained why I was in ketosis at dark purple and not losing any pounds.

I have since modified and I am losing pounds and inches. I still eat to my satisfaction but I am a bit more conscious of the amount. My husband has never gotten beyond pink but he too is losing weight as long as he doesnt over do the protein and eats regularly throughout the day.

Have a great week all,
Cath

[Carol CA]

I have over 100 pounds to lose, too! I've been on Atkins almost a year.. and have lost only 41 pounds... but it's a good start.

I love Vicki's quote:This is no diet it is dedication to my self..... This is most definitely a dedication to oneself. I'm determined to make this work for me. So far so good! Now if that damn whoosh godmother would just twang that magic twanger. She's ignored me for over TWO months!
http://mswrite.home.mindspring.com/whooshgodmother.gif

[jraz]

Hi Cheryl,
No, I don't have a stone... It just seems everytime I do LC my kidney hurts and when I go off, then it goes away... One time I started LC and ended up with a kidney infection and was peeing blood.... So who knows..... and I have a feeling it's because I am eating so much meat... infact that is about all I am eating, meat, cheese and eggs... that's it...... so am going to take Cath's advice and cut down to 8 oz... and see if that helps.....

Thanks for the great info......

[bsayne]

I'm glad you made it back to the forum. This is a great place for support. There are a few things in your last post that stir up some concern. First the kidney pain. Second the comment about meat, eggs and cheese being about all your eating...really, or does it just feel like that? I tried to check in your journal, (yesterday) but couldn't find any recent daily menus. You may well be on the right track limiting protein to 8 oz, that said I would hate to think that's all your eating!

What plan levels do you follow? How much water are you drinking? Any medications, do you take vitamin supplements and what level of exercise are you working on...all these things can be a factor. Are you seeing a physician? Has he/she done your blood profiles? With your previous kidney infections, do you know what your function is like now? Are you consuming low carb vegetables? They are allowed, encouraged and very helpful in adding to the variety of a LC program. I know you mention doing LC before and having this problem then too, so maybe fine tuning your program may give you some answers or much needed relief.

I don't want to discourage you from learning this WOL and being successfull at it, I just want you to listen to your body and make sure you are covering all areas needed for a safe journey.

Feel free to post in your journal or mine and I can follow up with you if you like.

Bsayne

[jraz]

Thanks, :wave: You've given me food for thought... and (when I find the time) I will dig out my books and read them again... basically I've been winging my LC.... and the reason is....We live such a fast paced life style here... We are up at 4:30 am head to work (live in Bullhead City area and work in Laughlin Nevada)... drive to work, go to breakfast at work, eat lunch at work (the casino provides our meal, (the best on the river I might add))... and usually don't get back home until 6:30 pm or later... and I DON'T COOK!!!!, so usually by the time we are home, we just grab what is fast to eat to stop the hunger pains... and I usually grab a hunk of summer sausage and hunk of cheese and that will do me for the night... or sometimes I open a package of tuna to eat... anything fast and that I don't have to cook... lol I am trying to drink lots and lots of water, especially now that I know this LC causes me problems.... at work is where it's harder to drink lots of water, but I do what I can.... I always have 2 eggs and either sausage or bacon for breakfast everyday (at work) cuz everything else is high carb.... lunch I try to eat whatever meat they have... and that will usually be it... I will try to start eating more salads (yuck) and I started walking last night.. we live on a little over an acre so I can safely walk my backyard... so I managed to make it 3/4 of a mile yesterday... and this will become my exercise... (this I can do)... I am so determined to succeed this time and not look back... (I'd dearly love to have gastric bypass,) but my insurance won't cover it... and you have to change your WOE anyway, so I know I can do it.... thanks for the support and I will go check out my journal by this weekend.. have the employee Christmas party today (I work it) and it does not end until 9 pm my time, then clean up and drive 30 minutes to home... it will be late... again thanks... God's Blessings for a Happy Holiday... :bhug:

[bsayne]

I know how hectic it can get...I borrow my grandkids to tutor when I should be working on my own organizational skills and house cleaning and it all just piles up sometimes! It also seems no two people eat the same thing in our house so quick is good!

My fast meals can be prewashed salad or baby spinach with blue cheese crumbles or BC dressing or toasted sesame oil and I slap a steak or chicken breast or 0 carb hot links on the GF grill it takes about 10 minutes (if that) to slap together a salad add what you like...radish, cucumber, or bell peppers and add protein or my super quick "TV" dinner is sardines in olive oil or smoked trout (canned) on LC "cheaters" onion crackers spread with cream cheese first. I usually grab sliced cucumbers for my chips. I do try to prewash some veggies so I won't avoid them. If you hate them you just gotta trick yourself...like a veggie omelet with cheese add bacon too...I don't do the onions though...save the carbs for something else.

I'll check back in your journal to see how your christmas party went! I'm glad your considering vegetables.

Just thinking about how this is a pretty stressful time for lots of people. Quick meals come in handy and planning ahead whenever possible can help to avoid those high carb pitfalls that we see at so many holiday events. Stay positive and keep your options open. Make a plan before you go or better yet bring a dish you know you can eat. You can also eat first or bring a little something to carry you through. I have a LC survival kit in my car...really, and just knowing it's there at times is enough to keep me Sane through a scary menu!

We have all made an important commitment to ourselves with 100 plus pounds to lose, so how will YOU inventive triple digit folks handle these holidays and the inevitable situations they may present? Share your secrets, the carbs you save could help a friend!

Happy Holidays!
:rose:

Beth

[Carol CA]

We have all made an important commitment to ourselves with 100 plus pounds to lose, so how will YOU inventive triple digit folks handle these holidays and the inevitable situations they may present? I'm the designated holiday fudge maker. My fudge is famous in my circle. Trouble is, I love it, too. I've been low-carbing since January of this year. I can honestly say that I don't crave such things as candy, bread, potatoes, etc.... UNTIL I smell it! Last night I was making a batch of fudge. I'm invited for dinner at a friend's house tonight... and thought it would be a good time to deliver their fudge. Anticipating their digging into that fudge, I also made myself a chocolate cheesecake... which is simply AWESOME... even by non-low-carb standards. I won't feel left out if I can have some of that. Here's the recipe --
Chocolate Cheesecake

1 pkg gelatin
1/4 c water
2 oz Unsweetened Bakers Chocolate
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1¼ cup heavy cream
1 t vanilla
2 T DaVinci SF Chocolate Syrup (If you don't have this, it would be just fine with additional Splenda)
2T Splenda

· Dissolve gelatin in cold water and set aside.
· Put 1/4 cups of the cream in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
· Cut the cream cheese into small pieces and stir into boiling cream until cream cheese is smooth.
· Add the gelatin, vanilla and sweetener (to suit your taste) and pour mixture into largish mixing bowl and let cool down.
· While this is cooling, whip remaining cream until very stiff.
· After cream cheese mixture is cool, beat well with an electric mixer.
· Add whipped cream and mix again until thoroughly blended.
· Pour into a buttered or sprayed pie pan, muffin tins or ramekins.
· Chill until firm, about 2 hours. (Overnight is best.)

Breakdown for the ENTIRE PIE --
cals 2144
fat 222
carbs 31
prot 30

This recipe is simply heavenly! You can sprinkle ground chocolate or finely ground nuts on top for added eye appeal. Serve this to your guests with pride! (1/6 of the pie makes a nice serving size... which is only about 5 carbs. You can save on carbs by cutting the amount of chocolate... which is 8 carbs per ounce). Recipe is very versatile...so use your imagination.
Variations:
Pumpkin Cheesecake. Omit chocolate and chocolate syrup. Add ½ c canned pumpkin, 1teapsoon cinnamon, dash of nutmeg & cloves. Add Splenda to your sweetness taste.

Chocolate Kahlua Cheesecake. Substitute DaVinci Kahlua syrup for Chocolate.

The possibilities are endless! DaVinci’s Strawberry SF Syrup is superb. Come strawberry season, I’m going to use strawberry with strawberry halves on top… or maybe even slices in the middle… or how bout this… as a crust! I’m on a roll!
http://mswrite.home.mindspring.com/lc/lc_cheesecake.jpg

Anyway... be SURE to bring something YOU will enjoy to those get togethers. Diving into the sugary, high-carb stuff just won't be worth it... especially when something this good and this easy is available. Happy Holidays, everyone!

[rainbird]

wow....am I happy to find this thread. :D I have to lose 100 pounds and I felt so "alone"...It is good to see that others are actually losing the weight and share in the same goal of 100+ I hope to enjoy this group and share and learn....
My best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and new year to all :Party:

[Carol CA]

Hi there, Rainbird! Welcome to the board! I'm pretty new here myself... and just love it. You'll find lots of good support and advice here... from lots of good people. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your posts.. and your journal. You ARE going to start a journal... right? Good! :)

Where in California are you? I'm in Silicon Valley.

Happy Holidays to you and yours. http://mswrite.home.mindspring.com/xmas/x-wrth.gif :wave:

[rainbird]

Hi Carol,
thanks for the welcome! I am in Southern CA, about 30 or so minutes outside of Palm Springs. ...it is desert where I live, but the city is growing around me.
I have not checked out the journal section yet....but I will get to it.

[jraz]

:wave: Beth, Rainbird & Carol...
Beth, I did wonderful at the Christmas party.. I only ate the chicken and cheese cubes.... and drank water... and had another party at work today for our department and I only ate a little cheese because I was not hungry at all today.. (and I love it)... another party tomorrow night and I am taking a chocolate cake I made, and I did not even lick the spoon... lol I will do good.. I am so determined.... and I thank this group for playing a part in that... Rainbird, the support in here is wonderful... I am new also, but just reading the posts in this group has been so motivating... welcome... and Carol, I have a question for you.. I would like to print out your recipe, is there a way to just print only one post? This looks so good....
Happy Holidays all... Judi "J.R."
I do have to check out the journal area...I will after things settle down...

[Carol CA]

Judi...
Yes... you can print the recipe only a couple of ways.
First...
Select and highlight the text you want to print.
Go to File on the menu bar of your browser.
Click on Print.
When the print box comes up, under Print Range click on Selection.
Click on OK.

OR you can select the recipe text... and copy & paste it into a word processor such as Word or NotePad... and print.

I hope that's clear. If not... let me know!

[rainbird]

Hi Judi,
thanks for the welcome. You are so correct about the support here. I got home from work tonight and found that a friend of ours gave me a Christmas present....
a package containing, Dutch almond cookies, dutch mints, jelly babies, and spiced sugar cookies from Holland (they are Dutch)...oh, well.....I have not opened any of the packages, and I am taking them to my grandkids for them to enjoy. I sure did want to eat at least the almond cookies, and then I laughed,....If I had the cookies, I would have to have a big tall glass of milk... :daze: I decided to check my email instead and got to this board...THANKS, THANKS, THANKS....it is my first week and I am still craving the sweets....I work at a grocery store as a cashier and ring the stuff up all day. It does drive me a bit batty :roll: but now I can resist. I had a slice of jack cheese and a diet rite soda for my snack instead...
you guys are great!

[willeke]

Hi JimGems,
When I first joined the board, I talked about my husband who didn't like Atkins, but because he is diabetic, it would be so good for him.
Yesterday he asked me to give him some examples of daily menus for Atkins for diabetics! I am so grateful!
I am thinking of simple Atkins food, with the vegs and not so much fat and protein as some may take. Is that the right approach?
And what do you do for alcohol? Ron doesn't drink much but he likes a drink now and then to relax.

I pray that he will indeed take this giant step towards better health!

I am doing OK, don't lose much weight, but I can see I am thinner, so I just go on and will try to drink more water.

[bsayne]

Willeke,
The adjustments made to the program for diabetics usually involve close monitoring of blood sugars and proper adjustments to meds being taken currently. Especially if he is insulin dependent, having his physician monitor the changes as they can occur very rapidly. There is an area especially for diabetic questions here Diabetic & other blood sugar questions (http://forum.lowcarber.org/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=45) .

Welcome rainbird! So glad you found us! You are never alone in this forum!

Carol, Thanks for sharing your secret recipe...I was half afraid it was agoing to be the fudge...Thank you!!! I am dying to try it...did you also post it in the recipe dessert section for those folks who don't make it to the triple digit forum? I caved to a bit of pumpkin cheesecake the other day and duh, I could have made it legal and all! Thanks again. :D

If you haven't tried the Da Vinci syrup it is very good...I just added the Caramel to the collection and bought the French Vanilla for a Christmas basket for a diabetic buddy too! Their pancake syrup is my favorite. The bottles are large (tall) though so the next pantry I build will have some taller shelves!

This has been so much easier this year. Every friend based holiday gathering has had LC friendly items added to the menu...from Crab Louie to naked hot wings! It's been great!

Wishing you all much success and that the only dessert you willingly run into is LC and delicious!

Beth

[Carol CA]

The Da Vinci Butter Rum is my favorite in decaf with cream! Deeelicious!!

You know... no... I didn't post that in the recipe section. Didn't think of it. I have a couple of others to post, too... so maybe tomorrow. Thanks for mentioning that, bsayne.

[willeke]

Thanks for the tip, and no he is not insulin dependent and has all the equipment to do testing himself, so we should be OK!

About myself: I've been doing Atkins now since 6 Nov and have lost 10 pounds. Not as much as some, but I'm happy with it, Will have some nice LC stuff - desserts etc - at Christmas and if necessary will go back on induction after the New Year.
In all I've lost 21 pounds this year. Before I started Atkns again I lost 11 pounds in 10 months, so I am really happy that now it's going a bit faster and I'm already looking forward to next year's results!

Thanks for being there, it's great not to have to go this road alone, like I had to do the two times I did Atkins before!

Vilica
(phonetic spelling of Willeke)

[jraz]

I have made it through all the parties now and only Christmas to go... My last party on Saturday all I ate was cheese and a few bites of ham... nothing else available... but I was ok with that because I was not hungry anyway... This past week I have not been hungry at all and lost no weight and the reason is (I think) because I did not eat very much at all... I know that you have to eat to lose weight otherwise your body goes into a starvation mode and holds on to what you have... I may be wrong, but do think this is what happened.... So maybe this week I will pig out and see what happens (of course only on food I can have)... I know in the past I always lost more weight on the weeks I ate and ate and ate.... Darn and I was enjoying not being hungry... unusual, but I liked it...

Blessings to All.... Judi

[bsayne]

For those without journals and those that I may have missed...
A Very Happy Holiday Wish is being sent your way!

All the best to you and your families.

Think positive and do the very best you can...as no one can ask for more than that.

If you should partake in too much of those foods that make you feel so lousy...jump back in full force with the next meal and lots of water and you'll feel fine again real soon. We can do this folks!

Take care all,

Beth

[windy]

I too have in total over a hundred pounds to use. Never in my life did I think I would ever have to say that!!!! :rolleyes:

I have done well and am not having any trouble staying away from the things that are poison to us.

I will be coming here often to get any tips and pointers that I can. I do Curves for Women three times a week and love that too.

Have a Blessed Christmas every one and a wonderful day. Will get back on here this evening.

Windy (Linda)

[Carol CA]

Welcome, Linda! Good to see your message here on this beautiful Christmas day. You've found a super forum to come to for support, suggestions... and plain old fashioned friendship. The best way.. as they told me not so long ago... is to start your own journal. I'm looking forward to reading more of your posts.

Happy New Year, Linda! :Party:

[rainbird]

Hi all,
a Blessed Christmas to you also Linda,....thanks

good advice here.....I am enjoying the day...tomorrow I am back on the program and I am looking forward to coming back to this message board and getting support, (and hopefully giving some back) ecouragement is great here...thanks to all, and to all a good day!

[jraz]

Without a hitch... but of course I knew I would... My hb sure got a lot a goodies that he can share with his friends... and being around it does not bother me, for this I am glad. Hope all had a great Christmas...

Should be smooth sailing now...

[jraz]

I figured I was not eating enough protein, so I bought a can of protein last night that has 30 g protein.. and sure hope that helps me... since I don't eat much lunch (at work) I think this will be my meal replacement... Hope this helps... I know I need to search around and find info on drinking Protein Powder... Any ideas from anyone in here.... :wave:

[willeke]

Hi Judi,
I used to have protein powder for breakfast, when I was following a different regime (Radiant Recovery). I used to dissolve it in COLD water, add some sweetener and cinnamon and then microwave it for 2 minutes. It would become thick and was a nice warm protein drink. I don't like cold drinks, but if you do, you can make it into a shake. If you sweeten it with low carb syrup, it will taste even better and you could put some cream in it, too.
I must admit I like my Atkins breakfast a lot better - I fry some bacon and a handful of sliced peppers in olive oil, then break 3 eggs over that and scramble the lot. The taste is nice and this way I get some olive oil in also, which helps against constipation.
hope this helps!
cheers
Willeke [pronounced Vilica]

[Cheryl R]

Hi all,
Well, Christmas is over, and I've totally blown the low-carb. I don't know what to say... I thought it would be easy to get back on, but I've been trying since the day after Christmas.

I had a lot of stress on Christmas day... everything was going so good through the holidays...except not enough time to do all I wanted to do... but, on Christmas day, we took my daughter to her grandparents (her dad's parents). The live in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. The roads were all dry... until we got to the top of the hill in front of their house and hit black ice. We slid all the way back down the big hill, as I was looking back...all kinds of visions were going through my head, I though we were either going to go across the street and land in a ditch...or be hit by another car... but we got luck, we went crooked hit the snow bank created by the snow plows... slid back more, and then got to someone's driveway... the house at the bottome of the hill, where he had been keeping his driveway plowed, and we slipped into that and the back end of the van went kaboom into the snowbank... Oh how I think things could have been so much worse. We are all 3 ok, with sore necks and backs... and a few other sore muscles... but we'll be ok... and my deductible on the van is only $250. It's going in for the repairs on Monday, and I should have it back on Friday. It sure looks awful now... but it's driveable, and we taped plastic over the back window with duct tape...and the silver duct tape matches my van's color. The bumper and the back door and the tail lights are really bashed in.

Any way... too long of a story.. I'm starting to unwind from it, and am feeling physically better, so I have no excuse not to wake up tomorrow and start fresh on low carb right.... before I gain more weight back. I know I've gained a few... but I'll wait for my official weigh on on Jan 7th... I'm hoping to still be below 270 then.

OK...everyone.... it's a new year in under 4 days now... a time for a fresh start by all.

Cheryl

[rainbird]

Hi Cheryl,
Wow! I am so glad you are all three ok. Thank God....
This weather is crazy, eh? I live in a pretty sunny place in the desert, but we have had rain the past week off and on.
I have totaly blown my diet also...today I am trying to get back on track. I guess the week before Christmas was a dumb time to try and start. I got so depressed because I have gained 6 of the 11 pounds I lost back in just a few days. Seems so easy to put it on....hard to take it off. But I know the low carb works, I just need to get past those first few days, and then stay on it!
I know we can do this,......I just have to remember that carbs are just not good for my body.....kinda like an allergy, eh? some people can eats peanuts, and some will die if they do....I just have to remain in focus of my goal ....
we can do this!

[jraz]

Cheryl sure glad to hear that your accident turned out much better than it could have... Wow, someone was sure looking out for you...
Ok, after tonight the holidays are over... I am confident you both will get back on track... and become great "losers"....
I have now lost 15 lbs since I started December 2... I was on such a stall, so decided to add protein powder to my program and that has seemed to do the trick, I've lost 5 lbs this week... yea... So I feel better....
Make 2003 the best year yet... I plan on it... Judi

[Cheryl R]

Judy, I don't understand this protien powder? I thought that is what guys took to help buff up???? I am so clueless.
Can you expalain?
15 pounds in a month. Wow, my highest for a month ever ever ever in my life is 8.75 pounds. No matter what I do.

I'm hoping to break that this year... and some time have a 10 pound loss in one month. LOL... my real goal is just to have a net loss of anything for all 12 months of the year.

I know a lot of people have great success on this WOE... I'm one of the turtles... slow but steady. My20 pounds took a little over 3 months of staying true to the plan. That was with no exercise due to a broken foot followed by surgery on it.

I just started an exercise plan... doing the turtle thing on that too, startying slow and steady with an instructer. She is taking all my health issues into consideration and getting me a good start. She keeps telling me I am getting stronger and she's seeing improvement. (She's teaching me pilates)

Rainbird... you are so right... if we can just stay focused and on track... someone one told me in an email that like a tire with a nail in it.. over a period of time it will go flat... That's kind of how I see it... in a matter of time it will happen...

I feel like I can actually look back and say... ok, maybe I didn't lose a lot so far... but at least I'm starting the year out 20 pounds lighter than where I was in August.

I'm trying not to put numbers on my goals this year... which is hard for me. My goal is just to have a net loss of anything each month this year....

Good luck everyone and happy new year!!!!!!

:Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party: :dazzle: :Party:

[jraz]

Cheryl, I was reading in one of the threads in here about the protein powder helping with stalls, so I went to the health food store and bought a low carb powder and sure enough it was what I needed to jump start me...
I am excited for any weightloss, and hope you keep seeing less of me and me less of you,.. It's gonna be a great year...
If I can find that thread again I will let you know.. ok..
Judi :Party:

[Cheryl R]

Thanks for the info... and if you do remember the site let me know. I guess I could do a search for protien powder???

[jraz]

:confused: Ok, I know I've found that site twice and for the life of me I can't find it now... I spent hours last night searching for it... grrrrrrrrrrr.... I know I did not dream it...hahaha
If you find it, please inform me........ and I do not have CRS...lol

Make it an awesome day.... I will!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :thup:

[willeke]

Hi Jraz, what a shame, I was also waiting and hoping for an answer!
But maybe you could tell us then what you do with it. Do you take ir as additional food, or as a complete meal?
I am taking it for breakfast, I make a sort of custard with it, which I drink warm from the microwave, but am hoping for nicer ideas!
cheers and thanks
Vilica

[pink]

:wave: Hi, All...this is my third day and I'm feeling much better. It's four in the afternoon and I haven't felt like having some sugar, yet. That first day was a killer, second day got better and today better still. I sure hope this continues.
Anyway, by my stats, you can see I have more than 100 pounds to shed. I don't want to say lose, because I don't ever want to find them again. I used to be a dancer who practiced four hours a day, now I can't motivate myself to move at all. Hopefully, this program will give me the CERTAINTY to do some sort of movement. In fact, I am going to put on my sneakers and take Priscilla, poodle and Emily, terrier for a walk. That will make them very :) and will help me too.
Love & Light,
Pink

[Lolabug]

Welcome Pink!

Willeke/Vilica - how do you make your custard? I have a protein shake every morning as my breakfast. I add L-glutamine to it as well as psyillium husks. The psyillium makes it a thicker if I wait a bit (usually I'm in too much of a rush to wait!)

Alena.

[jraz]

Hope everyone is enjoying this forum as much as I am... I find myself spending all my home time in here (lately looking for the info I saw on Protein Powder... and I know I did not dream it...) lol

Congratulations to all in here who have made the decision to L/C... I know it is the best decision for me...

I am bringing my Protein Powder with me to work and if they do not have anything worth eating then I can have my powder which I mix with water... otherwise I use it as a mid day snack...

I am down 17 lbs and am so excited.... and yesterday I was able to get into a pair of pants that I'd bought without trying on and could not even come close to zipping.... Now I am wearing them.. yea.... That made me feel good.... So yes this is worth it.

Where did JimGems go to.... I miss him being in here.. He was my main motivation for going back on LC... His story inspired me so much and I've shared it with others... So thank you Jim wherever you are.....

Happy Birthday Elvis.....

[willeke]

Hi Alena,
I put in a microwave container; add a little bit of vanilla or almond flavor, add 3 tablespoonfuls of olive oil( have been increasing this); add about 3/4 cup of water and then 2 scoops of protein powder.
Mix the lot with a fork (or with the blender but I hate the noise). Then put the container in the microwave and cook it for 2 mins at maximum (850). Then it is quite thick so I add some cold water till it has the right temperature and drink it.

I just hate cold drinks, that was my main problem with drinking water, too, but now I just add a bit of boiling water to my glass of water so it's much nicer to drink.

I had stopped using protein powder, and had switched to bacon and eggs, but I got problems then , some of my menopausal problems returned, so I'm back on the soy protein powder and feel much better again.

Still hoping somebody will find that message <g>!

cheers
Willeke
pronounced Vilica

[jraz]

This really does sound good... I might try it hot... and like the idea of adding the olive oil.... thanks...

Can anyone tell me the difference between the Protein Powders? Is one any better than the other... Which is preferred...

Now back to searching.... I will tell you this... by reading so many posts, it's keeping me well informed... I love it....

[nn2lose]

Just wanted to raise my hand and join in... I also have over 100 lbs to get rid of ~ and having this forum is great... the whole thing!!! I've started a journal, and am an American living in the UK (with plans to move back this year with my Scottish husband), and one of my main motivators is I *DON'T* want to move to Arizona in September at the weight I currently am. It's just too darn hot!! Being fat just sucks in that kind of weather, especially since I'm embarrassed about my body I don't wear sensible, cooler clothes... :rolleyes:

I haven't yet read all 71 pages of this thread ~ but will get back and catch up after I go out today and buy (1) a scale and (2) more low-carb food!!

Happy Losing!!

[willeke]

Hi Happy Losing!
a quick welcome here, from Willeke - Dutch with American husband, living in Ireland!
I am very very busy right now, so only a few lines, sorry! Feel free to go and look in my journal, I will peep into yours later, also!
cheers
Vilica

[liz175]

Hi everyone, just wanted to chime in and say it is nice to see you all here. I've been swamped with work and kids lately, but I'm reading and posting when I can. We can all do this together!

JRAZ, I was also missing JimGems. He checked in a few days ago on the diabetes thread further down this list. He's starting a business and is very busy, but is still low carbing.

We do feel like a family -- I miss people whose posts I am reading when they are gone for a while. I think that those of us in the Triple Digits Club are often isolated when it comes to our weight in real life. I have a lot of friends and a close family, but none of them have any idea of what it is like to need to lose 100 pounds.

[CanadianT]

Hi there from Canada,
I have been doing low carbs for about 2 years now, i managed to loose most of my weight in the first year by changing the way i eat and exercising everyday. The 2nd year was abit harder, i had afew minor health problems, but i did manage to keep the weight off. I am doubling my efforts for 2003 and i am planning on reaching my goal by the end of this summer. I know i will eventually need surgery to remove all the excess skin i have, has anyone else had experience with this or knows someone who has gone through this, i would love to hear from them................ I notice some people talking about high protein shakes, i think i might have to look into that to help boost my weightloss. Another question, i find myself craving late day snacks, i normally munch on celery, but would like to try something different. I tend to retain alot of water when i have beef jerky, and i don't really like the taste of pork rinds. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

[Lolabug]

Welcome CanadianT

If you go to the Newbie forum, there is a post called Hot Links. Inside are links to all kinds of things that have already been answered.

for instance, the mother of all snack threads is http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=272423#post272423

Okay, not sure if my link will work above, but you should be able to find it inside the Hot Links.

Alena.

[CanadianT]

Thanks Alena,
I'm going to check that site out right now! :wave:

[jraz]

Wow, it's awesome seeing people posting on this thread... I, being a newbee here myself am sure glad to see others join in... I lke this thread and everyone in here seems so sincere...

AND.. Last night I did try the protein drink heated before going to bed and I put olive oil in it and it was so good and soothing... like having a cup of hot chocolate... thanks for that idea....

I decided to try what Dr. Atkins said about taking your temp, because everytime they check my blood my thyroid comes out fine.. well... here are my stats as of right now... and it's 7:27 am on 1/9...
Temp on arising: 93.3
Temp before breakfast: 94.2 (at work)
Temp after breakfast: 96.8 (at work and had 2 eggs with cheese and 4 bacon....
but my temp for years has always been at least a point under normal... ususally 97.6, so thought that was normal for me...not thinking it would have to do with my thyroid... hmmmmmmmmm
may have something here.... Well, I plan to keep taking it all day because I am now curious of the outcome....

Welcome to everyone.... It's great to have this input and support of others.... Thank you, thank you, thank you.... Judi (now I better get back to work...lol) :wave:

[jraz]

Decided to do the temp thing all day today and here are my results..
93.3 - When I got up..
94.2 - Before breakfast.
96.8 - After breakfast.
96.1 - ~ 10:55 am
95.2 - ~ 1:58 pm
96.0 - ~ 3:31 pm
96.8 - ~ 7:45 pm

I knew my temp is always low, but I wonder if my thyroid needs checking...

[BigMamma12]

Hi, I just came across the three digit club. As you can see I am very big and have lot's to lose. Today I am back on day one of Atkins. I really need to lose this water retention on me . I can barely move. Sometimes I feel that I need the stomach surgery, to lose the weight faster and my health isn't good like it used to be. I am getting more scared by the day. Has anyone out there had the surgery and then lost the weight on Atkins. I really so believe on Atkins, but am scared of going off it. I can't seem to control my eating. Any suggestions or support will help. Celina :confused: :eek: :confused:

[Victoria]

Jraz,
I read that if your temp is below 96.8 when you awaken, you should have your thyroid checked. I don't have my book handy anymore (lent it out), but I'm pretty sure that was the number.
It wouldn't hurt to get your thyroid checked. Being extremely tired and having dry skin and hair are other symptoms of having low thyroid function. Now...I'm not a medical professional...but that's what I've read.

Welcome Celina...I love your BigMama screen name. It makes me smile. I think the surgery is very life altering. Try low carbing for a few months and see if that helps with the food control thing. I like low carbing, rather than surgery...because it makes me feel I have control over my body, instead of my body having control over me. I don't know if that makes sense. But learning better nutrition can't hurt. It seems to me the gastric bypass surgery is giving up on being able to control your eating. It still doesn't MAKE you eat right...just less. But I know the feeling of not being able to control yourself. And I know how desperate one feels when there doesn't seem to be any HOPE. I feel like I've found hope in eating low carb. It's helped me to change the upward trend. It's still one day at a time...some days are better, and some are not. But I know what works for me. The trick is staying diligent. Victoria

[anjelica]

what hat? HA anyway, DANG! I love reading these posts, it is much more in the bracket I am in! To loose a hundred pounds is much more what i needed but for now i would just love to get below two hundred!
reading all your posts, especially those that have already lost a hundred and even more then two hundred pounds, WAY TO GO!
I just started LC'n and hope that I can make it a lifetime commitment, I know i feel MUCH better about me in general already, not to mention how much better i can breathe when i am not stuffed full of junk food!

HAPPY LC'n!!

[BigMamma12]

Hey Victoria.... Thanx so much for the great advice. I truly know what you mean about the body taking over . That's what I feel is happening to me now. I feel so out of control. That's probly why I am even considering stomach surgery. I do want to take back control of my body and my life. I'm at the lowest point in my life right now. I just keep praying I can make this woe work for me so I don't have to break down and have the surgery. I have time to get my butt in gear considering there is a 3 year waiting list where I am from. I just hope I get there. Talk to you soon.Celina

[jraz]

Thanks for the info... For the 3 days of taking my temps I was 93.3, 93.3 and this morning I was 94.5.. and yes... always very tired but I thought it was from the carbs that I've been addicted to all my life.... and have extremely dry skin and hair, and I thougt that was from living in Arizona where we have no humidity, guess it could be from other things.... I have made myself a doctors appointment for January 27 and I will see what she has to say... and I will take my daily temp readings to her and she can also look back on all the visits I've had and see that my temp has never ever been up to 98.6... Infact I wonder if that is the reason I never run a temperature... maybe a 98.6 would be high for me.. hmmmmmmm ya just never know... again, thanks for the information....

[Luisa777]

Hello my name is Luisa, I hope I am not too late. I also have to lose more than 100 lbs. I just started low carbing last week because I have tried every other low fat diet out there and the results have not been too great. Also Insulin levels are high and I just don't feel good about that :(
Anyways I am locarbing and I gotta say it's tough since I am a chocolate addict and carb addict, but I have to do this I have to lose the weight... hope to share news on losing those lbs and becomming a healthy new me!
Take care everyone :wave: and good luck on your journey to success! :roll:

[jraz]

You have made the right decision and the first step... Welcome...
I know that out of control and helpless feeling... I was there also... but after starting on the L/C for once I feel incontrol of myself... before I was hungry all the time and eating all the time even if I was stuffed, I was still shoving food in looking for that whatever it was I was craving, and I never found out what it was I was craving... It never went away.... but now WOW, what a difference and when I eat I actually feel full... and can stop... and I went one week with no hunger and wasn't eating very much so had to force myself to eat... (the correct stuff)...
I wanted that surgery and still kinda do but my insurance will not cover it and all it does it force you to watch what you eat... It is not an easy fix.... My step-daughter had it done and in four years she went from 350 to 88 lbs and was dying...(I do blame a lot on her) so she had to have the surgery un-done and is not a very sick little girl from all of this... but after the surgery she threw up for 4 years.. every time she ate she threw up.... (when they removed the ring that was around her intestin it was so small that it would not fit over my pinkie finger.. It never stretched out... plus I watched her on this program and she still tryed to eat like before... She was still compulsive.. that did not change.. only she shoved it in and then threw it up cuz that much would not go through that little hole... She never took control of herself like she should have.... She now has Lupus and heart problems and had a stroke this past year.. and she's only 40... and she almost 300 lbs again.... She does not recommend it...
Give low carbing a chance first and see what happens... but eat, eat, eat and be careful of what you do put in your mouth...
Memorize these powerful words....
IF IT IS TO BE IT IS UP TO ME.... you can do it.... and search back a few pages until you find JimGems autobiography... by reading this is what helped me become motivated and I know I can do it... and I know I am going to lose 100 lbs this year...
I am in control... and God is my pilot....
Bless You Cleina, now start reading posts.... I live in here now...
You can and will do it.. I know....

[cathyd]

Celina,
I started Atkins 12 days ago - as my last ditch attempt before considering surgery. I am doing great - the key for me seems to be to stay away from the low carb products and artificial sweeteners AND to always have food on hand because the nausea and headaches did me in when I tried atkins 1 1/2 years and 25 lbs. ago. I weighed in at 321 on 1/1 and am down to 307 today. My sister and 2 other women I know had the surgery and all had great success -- BUT -- I know of 2 women who died ont the operating table. I was considering the lap-band procedure. As I said Atkins was going to be my last attempt before subjecting myself to the humiliation of navigating the managed care web to get the supposedly less dangerous lap band. However, I feel wonderful - and did after only a few days on Atkins - much less depressed, my thinking is clearer and I have more energy - and I amd not having headaches or nausea (I think) because I am eating as soon as I begin to feel hungry rather than waiting until lunch break or until I get home or whatever and eventually caving to carbs. Before I started, I prayed for the ability to get through one day, and then I did it again and again - I'm not thinking beyond today for right now - I had to chuckle because I recalled the Seinfeld episode where George is in a slump, so he decides to do everything the OPPOSITE of his natural instinct - and his life starts to get better. I wich you the best of luck and the courage try once more.

[jraz]

Welcome... You both are in the right frame of mind to succeed... The first step is committment... After you get throught the first 3 days then it becomes easy... you get the carbs out of your system and then it becomes easier... and don't cheat... I am just like an alcoholic.... if I fall off the wagon (and eat carbs of any kind) then I am off for good.. I have done this so many times... so I know I can't cheat even one little bit... so this time I am committed and I will succeed.. and so will the both of you... and this group is a great motivator... Blessings...

[cathyd]

I got to rambling and didn't explain what I meant about George...somehow, I feel so rational and logical on ATkins, that I recognize my inclination to sabotage myself - with bits of forbidden food, too any LC treats and even too much thinking of what life will be like when I am no longer a size 30 with aching feet - and change my thinking midstream. I wish you well, Celina.

[madcreek]

I'm ready to join you! I've been carbing out for months now and need to get ahold of myself. Any encouragement will be happily accepted!!! My whole life would change if I could get over loving flour and sugar. I'm like a rabid animal when I get a bite of grain product - I can't stop.

[liz175]

Welcome, all you new Triple Digit Club members. :wave: I started low carbing six months ago, weighing over 350 pounds (not sure how much, the scale only went up to 350) and never in my wildest dreams thought it would be as easy as it has been. I have more energy than I have had in years and I'm happier than I've been in years. Just remember, as you get through the first difficult week, it will get easier and it is worth it! You can do it!

[anjelica]

:agree:

[anjelica]

lost my head, this was supposed to be on that last reply:

Thank you for the welcome!

In november a year ago someone had mentioned something about doing this diet, i had NO clue what it was, tho i have always been overweight i have never dieted, i figured i was fat and happy, that was all that mattered! HA little did i know..........

I did the low/no carb for 2 weeks and lost 12 pounds, i was AMAZED! then i just stopped. Jan 2 this year another friend mentioned needing to do SOMETHING I said, OK< i can do this! and I think (know) I can.... I think i have pretty good will power, and whoever said it was like being an alcoholic, i do think your right, I have done great so far and not even had any cravings for anything, even when people are eating my favorite things in front of me, BUT I think once i would stumble would be all it would take..........

HAPPY WEEKEND!

[pink]

It's sooo good to be here...I feel less alone. I feel surrounded by thin people...people in control...people who eat just to survive...people who forget to eat :daze: ...can't imagine!!! Anyway, it helps to know I am not the only one in this FAT place. Intellectually, I know there are many heavier than I am, but it's wonderful to share with all of you. I love to see the success on these threads...it gives me HOPE :rolleyes:
I now must go into the kitchen and continue my baking for an event on Monday evening. I am baking five different confections for about two hundred people. I must maintain the consciousness of not taking samples...it is good to repeat this many times - as a mantra, it helps. But, first, my dinner.
By the way, I, too have contemplated surgery many times, but it's too scary for me, not to even mention, the cost.
I weigh tomorrow morning, for the first time...a little nervous about my expectations. I wish the numbers weren't so important to me. I will commit to measure myself tomorrow, forgot about doing it, last Sunday. Talk about numbers... :eek:
Love & Light,
Pink

[Jimsgems]

Big Guys, little guys, we can do it. It doesn't take super human strength, just a desire to get it done.

When I stepped on the scales and it said 401 pounds I to was scared. I will not have the surgery, it is just too dangerous and unpredictable. It works, but at what cost? I’ve known two persons who died as a direct result of the surgery. One had it done and gained 200 pounds, he died at 480 pounds.

So I went to WW, hated it, went to oh, never mind same story. I went to Atkins because I really knew it works. I could be the “Subway Guy” for Atkins. All I can say is 356 days, 150 pounds lost, that’s exactly .41 pounds per day average. It wasn't hard and more important than the way I look and the weight I lost, I got my health back. I was, was an insulin dependant diabetic, not any more.

The photos tell the story better than I can so… BEFORE:http://www.jimsgems.com/MyPotBellyS.jpg
AFTER: http://www.jimsgems.com/NewJimNewandOld.jpg
Choose one.

You can do it also, it just has to be more important than being right about your weight.

[pink]

Jimsgems...you are inspirational! Words fail me...it is so nice to see someone who is achieving...thank you for your participation. Your photos are amazing! I know men lose weight at a faster pace than woman, but this boggles the mind :daze: Keep up your extraordinary success...you are a cinch to make all your goals.
:wave: All of you out there...How do you acquire the staying power? I always do well at the beginning, but, because of the amount of weight I have to lose, I lose interest, motivation, stick-to-it-ness...how do you do it? That is what frightens me...please give me your input.
Love & Light,
Pink

[Cheryl R]

Hey everyone... It's only been about 8 or 9 days since I've been to this thread, and it just took me over 1/2 hour to catch up.
so many new members...yea... new perspectives.

I hate that I can't remember the things I wanted to respond too.. One person said how do you stay on it... Determination is what works for me. When I started back in September, I promised to do 90 days... that would get me to thanksgiving... then I blew it (planned) for a few days and got back on track for a few weeks, then came Christmas... YIKES.. I really blew it, but got back on track. I weigh the same this week as I did 4 weeks ago, so at least I got through Christmas and New Years without gaining.

So on the first I got a new start, but a new start from a lower weight... YEA.

I am taking Pilates training too... but it's a really modified version by the instructer... she modified it to get me started. I have felt such changes since I started. I can actually pick things up off of the floor for the first time in a few years with out holding on to a table or something. I told my husband today that I've been bending over and picking stuff up off of the floor... and I proceeded to throw some things on the floor and picking them up, one after the other. He was laughing at me....but not at me, like laughing for me because I was so excited.
At my last class, I got down on the floor without any assistence from a table or anything... getting up, well, I'm still working on that one. I can't believe how flexable I'm getting. Wednesday, I am going to start a little weight training with her.

I am so motivated with the exercise now... It's like, wow, I've lost 20 pounds and I have started an exercise program... and I already feel so much better... now it's like how much better can I feel.

Yipee!!!!

Cheryl

[BigMamma12]

Hey, you guys really rock. I'm feeling way motivated already. Yesterday I spent the day crying because I thought I was all alone and was going to die. All you people out there who are responding are doing a great job. Can't thank all of you enough....words can't even express it. If I might ask....What is Pilates...never heard of it...sounds interesting though....My hubby did all the cooking for me yesterday...bless his heart. I had hamburger and onions fryed. Salad with ranch dressing. Some kielbasa and some pepperoni for a snack, oh yah and some marble cheese. Tried to drink lot's of water and had diet hot chocolate. Trying to figure out what to eat today..Maybe chicken and salad.....Celina

[madcreek]

Reading your encouraging posts first thing in the morning is my new way to start the day! Gets me reminded what I want to really do.

I can't believe that two days ago I was saying "just let me die". After I write this post my next thing to do is take a morning walk and get my metabolism revved up!

I also joined www.flylady.net (it's free) which is a site to help people unclutter their lives. My life is cluttered with fat and lots of papers and sentimental stuff from the past. Flylady says "you can't organize clutter, you have to get rid of it". I've been trying to organize this stuff for 5 years and now believe she is right. So 15 minutes at a time, baby steps, I will unclutter my life. I have the hang of it now - once you throw it in the trash it is forgotten! Amazing!

I want a before and after picture like I saw in here this morning and I want to be able to cross my legs and sit indian fashion on the floor once more!

[anjelica]

Jimsgems> 150 pounds in less then a year? OMG that is sooooo fantastic! I am not hoping for miracles, but WOW!!!! Good on you for doing that! What an accomplishment! I know several people that have diabetes from being overweight and it is so unfortunate, you are proof that it CAN be controlled with diet! BTW I LOVE seeing all the before and after pics! And cant wait to post mine down the road, THANKS!

Cheryl> Good for you for getting right back on the right path, the holidays are definitely hard to deal with, all that food, all those people, all those parties. Being excited to be able to bend over to pick things up off the floor is a great accomplishment! When the blood doesn’t all rush to your head and you think you are going to fall over or pass out. Being able to get on the floor without something to support you, Thats great!

Bigmamma> What a hubby! To cook for you like that and he did an excellent job! I am not usually home at meal times but when I am hub always makes sure my meat has no breading on it and all that other good stuff, so I guess I will keep him around another day or two :-p

Madcreek> flylady is great! I give you big kudo’s if you are trying to lose weight AND straighten your clutter at the same time! That’s a LOT of willpower and determination. Baby steps are definitely important!


You guys are all a huge inspiration to me already!

[pink]

First week, first weigh-in, 6.5 down, I'm happy. It's not one hundred, but it's a step in the right direction. This gives me motivation to move on. Thanks to everyone here...I couldn't do it without this daily cheering section :roll: All your successes give me hope.
Gotta fly.
Love & Light,
Pink :wave:

[Cheryl R]

Hi everyone...
It's morning, I had a steak for breakfast. I'm drinking lots of water.

I couldn't sleep last night, went to bed at 4 am. My husband made me get out of bed at 10. I usually like 7 to 8 hours of sleep. But, he knows that if I would have slept longer, I would not sleep tonight...(He's going off of past experience...and it would throw mywhole week off.)

Anyway. I was wondering... how many of you guys weigh daily/or weekly or monthly?

I weigh weekly, because I belong to a group called TOPS and we have weekly meetings.

My goal this year is just to have some sort of loss each month. That's all I can ask for. I think anything on the way down is ok.

PILATES: Um.. it's more stretching and lengthining the muscles and toning. I believe it was designed for people who do ballet. It uses techniques of breathing in deep, then doing the move on the exhale. Try this. Bend over as far as you can, with your legs straight. Then stand up, take in a deep breath to your belly, extending and lifting your rib cage, then as you slowly breath out through your mouth, bend over again in the same fashion... you'll go further down...and you will feel the muscles in your back and legs stretching. That is just one of the many things she has taught me.

OK... I am os glad to see so many people join this group that have over 100 pounds to lose. It excites me to know I'm not alone. My weight is not going fast on this way of eating, but it's going, and it hasn't gone any other way... so I'm sticking with it, and I will be a turtle loser... slow but steady wins the race. AND, for me it is more about how I feel in this body than what I look like, but I have to admit, wearing a size smaller clothes would be nice and I'm almost there. I know some people have a goal of wearing like size 5 or 6... but for me... my goal clothes size is to be able to wear size 14 or 16 pants and medium to large tops... instead of SIZE 26W-28W pants and 2X tops.

OK..ya all have a good day, and a great low carb week... I luv you all, you are so wonderful to know.

Cheryl

[anjelica]

I am guilty of weighing every day, or nearly every day, BUT by the end of the week I wont, I will only do it every thursday morning (the anniversary of the date I started.) Then in a month I will start weighing only every other week. I just started on the 2nd of Jan, so for the first two weeks, i usually lose and like to see that, i know that after the first two weeks it will slow down and i do not want to be sad, depressed, upset, you know all those good things when i get on that scale every day and it hasnt budged or has even climbed.

[BigMamma12]

:wave: Hey you guys are losing your weight great!!! WOW....Do I ever feel better just reading all your posts. I'm gonna keep coming here for sure. It's like a new life and I'm not alone. A very big Welcome to MadCreek...Thanx for the tip on flylady. Gonna check it out. I really hear ya about wanting to cross your legs and sit Indian style again. :spin: Angelica: I really do appreciate that my hubby does the cooking...love it....Pink: 6.5 loss....Great!!! you're headin in the perfect direction. Keep up the awesome job...... ;) Cheryl R: Steak yummy...do you ever have a bit of fried onions, green peppers and mushrooms with it? I would love to weigh myself once a week but need to find a place I can weigh myself. All scales around here only go to 350 lbs. Need to find a factory or something. Thanx for the explention about pilates. Will try the example you gave me. Thanx again for taking the time.. All of you are great!!!!Talk to ya soon. Going to eat now......something I'm allowed that is!!!! BigMamma :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave:

[CanadianT]

Hi BigMamma,
I hear you about the scales. When i was 470lbs, i had the same problem. What i did was get two cheapie scales (both identical) and i would put one foot on each scale and add up the two totals. It was a great way for me to keep track of my weightloss. It's such a nice feeling when i was able to weigh myself on just one. Keep up the good work and you'll get there!

:wave:

Toni

[BigMamma12]

Hey Toni....See your from Canada...Great!!! You sure did lose the weight WoW!!!!! Did you do it all on Atkins. How long did it take you? Thanx for replying to the scale thing. That is a super idea. I will go to Wal-Mart and get two of the identical scales tomorrow. Looking forward to knowing what I really weigh. And how much I am losing...Talk to ya soon....Celina :daze: :spin: :roll:

[dvellio]

I started out Feb. 4th with 180 pounds to lose. As of this week I'm down 168 and only have 12 to go.

I'm convinced that this WOE has saved my left leg, and probably my life. And I know that I feel the best I've felt in 30 years or more.

Since I've posted my story in the success story thread and my journal is in the journal thread and I am also creating a web site I won't bore you with all that stuff here again. But I'm going to put the links here so that those who are interested can look there.

My story is at:
http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=67438

My journal is at:
http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=67791

And the link to my web site is at the bottom of this post. I'm still working on the web site and on updating my journal but I have posted lots of before and after pictures, and I will continue to update the story as time permits.

[liz175]

Hi all you new folks on this thread. It's great to have you all here! I've been visiting the Triple Digits Club since sometime in the fall, but it is often rather slow. It's nice to have more company and more support (although I am sure that none of us really want to be here -- we'd rather have 20 pounds to lose).

I just saw in the weekly statistics that this is the most popular thread on the forum -- the most replies and the most views. I think that is because by the time we get here we are serious about losing weight and stick around to do it. On a lot of the other threads, people post once or twice and then disappear.

I've been low carbing since July and have lost over 50 pounds (not sure how much because of the scale problem discussed above -- I started out over 350 and my doctor's scale only went to 350). I won't bore you with my story, it's in my journal if you want to read it (click on the journal icon at the bottom of my post). Low carbing has been great for me. I have so much energy that I feel like I have lost 20 years off my life in addition to losing the pounds. I really think I have found a way of eating that I will be able to stick to for my entire life -- pretty good for someone who couldn't stick to Weight Watchers for more than two weeks!

[Cheryl R]

dvellio and liz 175. You couldn't possibly bore us with the details of your loss.. I am going to check out both of your stories right now. It is so nice to know it can be done.

dvellia... my co-worker/friend lost her left leg to diabetes this last january. I'm so happy you were able to overt that step. Myself I'm trying to overth the impending disc disease in my back. I've seen 1st hand what it could do to people. ... my twin for instance. I'm nipping it in the bud. I was told I could actually correct the curvature in my l-spine by doing exercises and losing the weight. I truely believe that, I've only been at the exercises since before Christmas and I can already tell a difference. And for the disc disease... only thing that will save that is getting the weight off of my belly that is pulling my spine forward. Also... I wanted to say, you look so much younger in your after picture and it even appears your hair is thicker... I'm sure that's from being in better health.

Anyway... I'm going to check out your stories now.

[BigMamma12]

I'm going to read about you right now. What an inspiration you are. :wave: Celina

[rainbird]

hi jarz, liz and anjelica and bigmamma and all....
I am so happy to have read your posts before I go to bed tonight. I have been having trouble "getting control"...I seem to do fine all day and then night hits...and so do I (the fridge) I felt so bad tonight that I blew it again this evening...until I read your posts...It helped me so much to see that other struggle with the same thing I do...although I know we will conquer this!
The morning will be a new day...I am going to pray for the Lord to help me through the day...and night. I never thought about praying for help in the eating area...just thought that it was such a silly, small thing to pray about...but you know, it is not. This is about getting control....I never even realized I was out of control until I started to try to eat less carbs. wow....talk about an addiction :daze: Thank you for your posts and encouragement ....

[Jimsgems]

I recently spoke and sang before a wonderful group of folks out here in Southern California (there are people here in So. Cal. who love Southern Gospel Music too). In the mid-part of the program I give a very brief testimony and I always explain that it is through HIS Grace, and Dr. Atkins that I have gained control of my life and lost 150 pounds in one year.

Then I also explain that I'm just not that strong... by myself. That always gets big smiles and a round of applause.

Through HIM all things are possible. End of Sermon, and all Gods Children Said... Amen!

[pink]

The only way I can begin to do this is to have trust in the Light of the Creator. I can't do this by myself...too lonely...too difficult, but I have Certainty and that will carry me through. I KNOW the Light is always with me...this will work.
Thanks, Jimsgems...I needed to hear what you had to say.
Love & Light,
Pink :dazzle:

[BigMamma12]

Hi there rainbird and all!!! Just read your post and I know what you mean about trying to keep control. I was waaaaaay.... out of control. So I sat down and collected my thoughts and I prayed with all my might. I need courage and strength not to give up. I know we all struggle at times and I found coming here and prayer is the best help yet. I'm so glad you sat and read up on here last night before you went to bed. You are absolutely right.....today is a new day. You can do it ....we all can do it. Especially together. I will pray for you today and everyday to try to help you stay away from those nasty carbs that haunt us (tee hee) I can't believe how powerful this addiction can be. Keep smilin' keep positive and stay here.....It sure has helped me to get in the low-carb state of mind. Talk to you and all soon.Celina :sunny: :D :sunny:

[madcreek]

I've been searching for all of you guys for 3 years and finally found this great place! You are all such an inspiration and your ideas and testimonials make it easier. I'm on Prednisone right now and am very hungry for everything. Just two more weeks of it and I'll be "less hungry" hopefully.

I don't weigh much anymore, try to be body aware of how my clothes feel on me which is a great gauge. Gotta get a battery for my scale!!!

I'm praying I'll get thru the first 3 days. My body actually itches when it wants more carbs and sugar. Has anybody had that happen to them?

[anjelica]

of course they are all right, prayer is a good thing! IT is definitely not something we can do alone.

The nights do seem to be harder, especially once the commotion of the whole day has worn off and i am finally alone, or just with my own two kids. One thing that keeps me out of the kitchen is sitting here reading all these wonderful words of wisdom, or laying in bed reading a book, or taking a nice long walk........so many things you can do to keep your mind off the food. But it does take a lot of willpower!

[BigMamma12]

Hey, madcreed and rainbird and all. I've been wondering why I have been so itchy. Is that what it is...bin driving my hubby crazy to scratch my back and all the places I can't get to. Even dug out my wooden back scratcher...Never thought that it was my 3rd day on begging low-carb again. Prednisone eh? I hear that it doesn't help at all when you take that medication and are trying to lose weight. Keep your chin up, you'll be off it soon. Also, I find if I am in a grazeing mood. Like nothing will fill me up, my hubby cooks a whole pound of hamburger meat and puts some onions and mushrooms in it. Then puts a bed of lettuce on a plate ,puts the hamburger mixture on top...sprinkles a little cheese or a scoop of cottage cheese and then a little drizzle of ranch dressing. Yummy...it keeps me going for a while. The hot and cold mixture is interesting too. Then I put a glass of water, a glass of crystal light and a glass of decaf coffee in front of me and go crazy...it does fill me up. But I know I'm not doin anything wrong. Hope these little tips help........Thinking of You....Celina :wave:

[Lolabug]

Whew! Took a while catching up on this thread. Welcome to everyone new.

Flylady.net - wonderful site, really helping me gain control over my cluttered home. So far I've flung almost 200 magazines this year!

Curves for women - great gym, 30 minute workout using both cardio and strength training, all women, very friendly

l-glutamine - a supplement great for controlling cravings for sugar and carbs. Helps to maintain digestive health too.

Jimsgem, so glad that you are back. you are always an inspiration!

cheryl, I'm over my gallbladder surgery too. Can't believe how I don't even think about it anymore.

I have some ground beef for dinner tonite, anyone have any different ideas for me?

Alena.

[madcreek]

Oh, I'm glad someone else is going thru what I'm going thru (even tho' I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy) with the itching. I'll get some l-glutamine today!

You might try Zantac for the itching - it helps because it affects the H2 receptors which are different from H1 receptors which Benadryl and those antihistamines cover.

My favorite way to have hamburger, and I used to do it all the time when I was low carbing before, is to take a bunch of hamburger, cut up fresh garlic, green onions, tomatoes and even some bell pepper, salt and pepper into it then barbecue. I used to make a bunch of them and refrigerate. They were delicious cold and easy to get to when I was hungry!

Here's to a whole day of making it the low carb way!!!

[liz175]

Hi everyone,

I do think a belief in God and the power of prayer helps. For me, it helps me to remember that I am human and I will have failures and what I need to do after a failure is pick myself up and continue trying to do my best, while realizing that at some point in the future I will inevitably have another failure. I will never be perfect because humans cannot be perfect, but I can try to be the best I can be. It also helps me to remember that I have an obligation not to do self destructive things to my body -- and eating lots of carbs is definitely self destructive for me.

Angelica, I'm with you on the walk at night. I walk after dinner (with my flashlight) at least four nights a week. I find that on the nights I walk, I don't have cravings in the evenings. Sometimes I'll have a small snack after I walk (I walk for 50 minute or so), like a piece of cheese or a few nuts, but then I am satisfied and don't crave more. For anyone having cravings at night, try walking if you can get out of the house (I realize that for some people with small children this may be difficult -- my kids are teenagers).

[rainbird]

:wave: wow....this place is great for encouragement! It is wonderful to see others that are sharing in the same goal, and even share in similar beliefs.
I am having a great morning! Started in prayer and now I am going to sign off and do some bible study....I still have not had anything to eat..just coffee.
I work strange hours that interfere with normal eating hours, so I am still working out the eating thing.
I will probably have some shrimp in butter with a salad and some cheese for lunch/breakfast before I get ready for work. I will have to grab a bar or shake at work for my "mid" meal at about 5:30tonight and figure out what to do when I get home from work late.....
I think I am going to save up for one of those walkers that are off the ground...I can`t think of the name of it right now, but the guy who sells it is kinda crazy with long blond hair???? anyway, I can do that at night, late when I get home and not have to leave the house. I have started water exercises at the jym, three days a week now...that should help some.
well, good day to all....I will look forward to checking in again tonight and seeing how all are doing...have a great day!
Rainbird

[anjelica]

Whoda thunk you could find a good reason to have teenagers? LOL I too am glad my children are older so that I am able to leave for a reprieve, altho I have to admit, i love walking but i HATE the cold weather. I like to use my steps when i cant walk, or even when i can. The new thing i have come up with for incentive is asking my kids if they can do as many jumping jacks as i can, that always gets em going and inspires me!

as far as eating times, it is reallly hard for me because i do daycare and have to feed them 3 meals and two snacks at set times during the day and i dont like to eat my first meal till about 1030 or 11 in the morning and then again around 430 in the afternoon, of course neither of those correspond with times that everyone else has to be fed! HA

[rainbird]

yep....mine are beyond that ...grown and married. I have just my hubby and dogs to deal with.
It has to be hard to have to prepare meals for the little ones and not eat what they are having. I don`t have to do that....I am greatful. My hubby is good about fixing his own lunch, as I am tempted so for the sandwich bread. that way, I don`t even have to touch it.
My hardest thing is that I am a grocery checker and I work late...so my breakfast is usually noon ....no lunch..a 15minute break. That gives me time to run potty and grab a shake or a bar on the run. Then, I get home anywhere from 10pm to midnight and have to think about dinner then?????
My days off are better, I usually get 3 days off where I can be more normal....the hours are hard for me. But the medical benifits are good...so I work. ...but I sure hope to retire some day

[madcreek]

I'm going to try the walk in the evening. I have nobody at home so can do whatever I want whenever I want. That can be a bad thing for people who like to spoil themselves!!!

I've made it thru this day without any carbs. Pray I'll make it thru the evening - that is my worst time.

It is so great to be able to come to this site and see all of your posts and to know you are all there doing the same thing I'm doing.

Thank you all for being there!

[chemlady]

Welcome newbies, this is the greatest place in the world for support. Jim I missed you where have you been? dvellio your story is amazing you have the bragging rights along with jimgems.
There will always be a beginning but you all control the ending. I never thought I would make it this far. Yet in almost 7 months I am approaching that 100 lost mark and it feels good and I am no guy. So ladies we can do it too. I will say that after about a month and a half I started exercising slowly and now I do but not more than 30 minutes 6x a week which I dont think is a lot of time to invest in yourself. I started out slow on the exercise bike because my knees hurt and walking was a chore with the asthma but I haven't used my inhaler in months and the blood pressure is in the normal range now and yes nobody looked at this three hundred pounder before but I am started to get a lot of notice now. I wish it could go off faster but I didnt gain all this weight over night so its going to take a while longer to be where I want to be. No more stretch pants for me. It feels good to wear jeans after a 5 year absence. I cheated a little over the holidays but I got right back on track. Im not perfect but determined this time. I feel like I can live life again instead of watching it go by. Good luck and keep lcarbing.
Laurie

[BigMamma12]

Hey everyone!!!!!! Day #3 of low-carb. That part is going great, so far. I went to Zellers today and did the 2 scale-thingy, to see how much I really weigh. That was a great suggestion by the way. Stepped on both scales and stepped off in a real hurry......my hubby added me up. I can't believe it. I am now the grand total weight of 455lbs. I am just crying my heart out!!!! I am so depressed and can't seem to concentrate on anything....I will have to re-do my stats. I am not giving up mind you but wow what a pow right in the face. I feel like I shouldn't eat anything at all. What's going on. Gonna give it a few day's and check again. Talk to you all soon.....Oh, by the way Lolabug I am going to try to get some L-glutamine tomorrow. Any dosage I should stick too. Any way to over dose or cause the body harm? Thanx Celina :(

[downrgr]

hang in there....after you get by the first 2 weeks, it is really easy.
Try to eat 20 or less carbs for 2 weeks and then go to 30 carbs per day. You will have twice the energy....it works...Greg..

[cathyd]

Hello all,
I've been reading these posts all week - really grateful for the comradery...I am doing well....day 12 on Atkins induction...I am still using my startegy of eating as soon as I feel hungry and eating food that I enjoy...I made a turkey yesterday and that yielded enough delicious meals for myself and my family for many days and I cooked myself a peice of salmon tonight, although I did get the twitches when I was doling out Oreos to the kids' lunchboxes...maybe I'll start having them do their own lunches....I feel very well - even my PMS was not as bad as usual - and incredibly even-tempered and happy. I made the NY Cheesecake from the recipe I got from this cheesecake which really helped me to get through those couple of days when I had sweet cravings. I have been weighing myself on Mondays and Fridays - down 2 more today - my big belly is going down - I joke to my co-worker that my 8 month belly is down to 7...thanks you all so much for participating in this forum - it's really helping me to check in...

[madcreek]

Hey Jimjems, Would love to hear you sing! I live about 45 miles from Orange CA.

I'm going to go have some bacon and eggs - a favorite food! And that's it for the night. I usually love to eat and read in bed (bad, bad) but I took all food out of bedroom today. One great step in the right direction.

Just being able to be truthful here is a great help!

[dvellio]

Several people have talked about cravings in the last 24 hours and I guess I will share my thoughts on that.

I'm not sure that I have experienced the kind of addiction to food that some seem to have. The closest I came to being addicted to anything was Pepsi One's and I was drinking a few of them a day until I decided in March to try getting off caffeine. What I had was a bad headache for about three days and that was enough to tell me that I probably didn't really need to go back on the caffeine. No real problem craving it after that.

But what I did experience was the habit of going to the refrigerator several times a day looking for something to eat. Most of the time I was not really hungry but I had this habit that I needed to feed.

My solution was to find some zero or very low carb snacks that I could fill my hands and my mouth with to satisfy the habit. For me in the beginning it was Cheddar Cheese cubes, Pepperoni slices, Canadian Bacon, and hard-boiled eggs. Once I got past the induction phase I added pistachio nuts and macadamia nuts to the mix and lately I've added spicy pork rinds. I can't stand the plain pork rinds but I kinda like the spicy ones. But the plain one's make wonderful French Toast. If you haven't found that recipe yet you should try it. The recipe can be found at:

http://www.lowcarb.ca/recipes/rrecipe012.html

I have taken to heart Dr. Atkins instruction to not go hungry and I can honestly say that I have not been hungry for even a minute since I started this WOE on the 4th of February, 2002. And I also have not counted calories. But I have tried to stop eating when I'm sated and not stuff myself and when I did the habit trip to the fridge I would only get two or three of whatever I decided to snack on or in the case of hard-boiled eggs usually only one.

What I found for me was that it was better to feed the habit then to pretend not to be hungry. And as time has passed I find that I snack a lot less then I used to. I will say that when it comes to the nuts I have to be a bit more careful. I usually ration myself and measure out what I think is my limit for the day at the beginning of the day and when they run out I use something else if I still feel I need something.

Long ago because of my weight I gave up sweets. Now I actually eat more sweet stuff then I used to. One of my favorite treats is frozen blueberries and cream. If you measure out a 1/4 cup of frozen blueberries into a small dish, put on a teaspoon or two of Splenda and cover with a 1/4 cup of Heavy Cream you have instant blueberry ice cream that is a wonderful treat. I don't do this every day but it is one of the things I reward myself with two or three times a week. And it only adds five or six carbs to the day. Besides Dr. Atkins says blueberries are really good for you.

I don't know if this helps anyone or not but they are things I've learned that have really helped me over the last eleven months.

Don

[BigMamma12]

Hi cathy D and JimGem.........and all out there!!! Great job on the loss of pounds. Keep up the great work and keep coming back here to let us all know how you are doing. There is alot of people here with great advice....here's to you!!! JimGem I'm going to make sure I don't try to starve myself and think it's going to work...I know it won't...and I feel hungry alot...but if I know I can eat and eat the right things I'm usually alright. I had my hubby and step-son make a locked cupboard for all their carbs until I get totally under control...Thanx for your input on cravings and such...Celina

[slowday]

Big Mamma

I'm no genius but I'd have to say that weighing yourself on the two scales would probably not be the most accurate weight measurement. It would probably put you in the ballpark but even if its off by 5 percent thats a difference of over twenty pounds. And its more likely that the scales are off, and possibly by more than 5 percent.

I would say that a lot of us here have problems weighing ourselves when we're over three hundred. And at over 400 it would be very difficult finding an acceptable scale to give an accurate weight. So take heart that the number your husband added up is probably inaccurate. I have a shirt that is my gauge. If its tighter, I've gained weight :eek: If its looser I've lost weight :D

The induction period into the Atkins army is two weeks. Basic training includes reading the book, counting your carbs, drinking your water, taking at least a multivitamin, eating till your full but not stuffed. You may encounter nausea, headaches, or more, but only for a few days. And its good to go on some forced marches, or at least a walk around the block.

The Atkins book will give you an information on what supplements will be useful and an idea of what dosage would be useful for any inductee.

In the meantime I'll have the post chaplin pray for your success. Stay with the program.

slowday

[Jimsgems]

Hello "madcreek", You wrote...
Hey Jimjems, Would love to hear you sing! I live about 45 miles from Orange CA.

Send me a note at "jim~jimsgems.com" (the ~ is actually in place of the "at" symbol, because this site doesn't allow direct e:mail addressing) ) and I'll find out if you are North, South or East. Ha! We ("Jericho" Quartet) sing all over Southern California. When we have a event, I'll send you a note.
http://www.jimsgems.com/Jericho3a283.jpg

Litterly we sing as far north as Sacramento, down to Bakersfield, Riverside, Long Beach, Orange County to San Diego and even El Cajon.

We get around, Be well. Jim

[jraz]

Wow, has this thread ever taken off... and this just excites me to no end... I am more inspired than ever...
and I like LC because I can eat.... and eat... and eat.... it's just the choice of what I eat that makes the difference... I am a compulsive eater and I tried WW with counting points, that was not for me.... I had to stop eating when I used up all my points... NOT!!!

I did find out that I can not eat those low carb bars because it really makes me crave more carbs and had to stop them... I do have an apple now and then to satisfy my sweet tooth, but that is only because I did Sugar Busters before and it was allowed, just had to to it at the right time....

I have now added CO Q-10, L-Carnitine, Foilic Acid, B-Complex. Coral Calcium, CLA. Atkins Basic 3, Flaxseed Oil, Olive Oil, and Protein Powder.... and the more I keep reading in these threads I will probably keep adding more... hey, maybe pretty soon I will just be taking pills and not eating food at all.... plus I am drinking lots and lots of water and I have to say my kidneys are not hurting at all... SO BE SURE DO DRINK YOUR WATER.... and I have a doctor appointment on the 27th to have my thyroid checked out... after taking my temp for 5 days and all of the temps have been way under normal... so I do think I have a problem and if so, that would explain a lot.... and now I have to go find coconut oil.... to add to my list and bring my temp up.... lol

God Bless each of you... and I feel such a warmth in this thread, infact in all of them... and BigMama... hang in there honey.. I wish you lived close to me.. I'd give you lots and lots of hugs... ((((((Celina)))))) You are doing just fine and you have made the 1st step in the right direction (like all of us here have)...the 1st step is in admitting we have a problem and now we are doing something about it.... I feel so much in control now.. where I felt so helpless before... I've lost 19 lbs so far and I can tell already... and yes I do weigh every day... Now that is one habit I am having a hard time stopping... and yes... Pepsi One was one of my addictions and everytime I ate popcorn I have to have a Pepsi One.... now I don't even want one... yea....

Now it is my bed time and I still have to go post in my journal... nite to all my new friends... and don't forget those prayers and I will pray for each of you and please include me in your prayers to... Judi

[jraz]

I want to hear you sing also.. You sing my favorite... How about coming to Bullhead City... We are always having guest singers at our church... Vern Jackson comes over here quite a lot...

I do the praise signing at our church and am always looking for songs with feeling and a message to sign... Would appreciate any you can tell me about... it is so beautiful to see a song as well as hear it....

Now I am off to journal and bed.. nite again...

[BigMamma12]

Thanx for replying.....You are all great!!!! I am really hoping that you are right when you say there could be a 5% difference on those two scales. I'm crossing my fingers. I just found out a half-hour ago that my sister (who has had the banding surgery) is taking me to her doctor next Tuesday to get me weighed there. Her doctor brought in a special attachment to the scales that goes to over 450lbs. She was 480lbs. before surgery. I will be so glad to at least get an accurate reading :D Whatever it is I will not give up...ecspecially with you all out here to listen to me and give me good advice :roll: I am going to bed now and I am going to pray for all of us ....ta ta for now Celina :thup:

[BigMamma12]

Did you lose all your weight with the protein power plan??? Wow :D 100lbs. down...How long did it take you...Thanx also for your reply to me...Celina :wave:

[madcreek]

I made it!!!! I actually had no sugar or flour today!!! The itching is almost gone. I may be able to get along without antihistamines tomorrow! I'm looking forward to more energy and more of what life has to offer but know I will feel like falling off the wagon. I did refuse candy tonight!

Rainbird, I admire you for watching all that food go by each day. I would have a problem with that!!

Chemlady, I hope I can say the same thing you are saying 7 months from now.

Big Mamma, You are two days ahead of me which gives me courage for the next two days!

downrgr, Nothing but protein powder?

Cathyd, Yum, I'm going to make cheesecake. My sister made one with Splenda one time and I lost weight eating it. Can you imagine, eating the most favorite thing in the world and losing weight!!! Yea!

dvellio, You gave me some great hints and the blueberries and cream sounds divine!!!

slowday, If I mess up in "boot camp" - I expect drill sargeant tactics!!!

jraz, Aren't we lucky to be a part of all of this.

I thank each and everyone of you for your posts and I've had a most wonderful day. G'nite All

[CanadianT]

Hi,
Using 2 scales might not be 100% accurate, but at least it gives you an idea of your progress. Stick to the basics about weighing yourself, always at the same time, and wearing the same type of clothing. When i started at 470lbs, i swear, i didn't notice any change in my clothing till i dropped down to around 400lbs, and then it was just slight. But I have always worn skirts and very loose clothing, so that might have been a factor as well. ;)

Toni

[anjelica]

Big Mamma, good for you that you are going to the dr with your sister for a much more accurate reading!
I think that my scale weighs lower the the dr scale or the scale at my moms, the one at home and the one at work, both weigh a little differently, but i always stick to the same scale when measuring. After all i really dont want to know how much i weigh at this point, i only want to know how much i am losing! lol

Your sister had the surgery and how has she fared so well? I will never forget yearssssssssssss ago when i was a teenager and worked in an icecream parlor, one of the older ladies that worked there had her stomach stapled, and when she came back to work she couldnt eat anything, just tablespoons of broth and as she was eventually able to eat, chew the food up and spit it out, UGH, who could live like that? I know technology has changed a lot now (that was 20+ years ago)

BUT>................ I am determined and this will work for me as it has for so many before me!

HAPPY TUESDAY!

BTW the lock on the carb cupboard is a Great idea!

[Lolabug]

Hi bigMamma,

There is a link here about the benefits of glutamine.
http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46359&highlight=glutamine

also, if you go to the Nutrition and Supplements Forum, there are many threads there about glutamine.

I prefer the powder form instead of the capsules and mix it with my protein shake.

I'm really glad that this thread has taken off so much. I'm having a lot of trouble getting back into the swing of things and reading about you all gives me hope. I have a lot on my plate at the moment and I need to focus more on this aspect of my life. Baby steps, baby steps. I love hearing about everyone's success and also how others have dealt with setbacks. Thanks everyone for participating.

Alena.

[Victoria]

BigMama,
I think it's great that you are going to the doctor's with your sister to get a more accurate reading of your weight. Ask the doctor if you can come in twice a month or so to check your progress. I did that when I first started, when I was over 300 lbs. My scale wouldn't weigh me accurately. They are usually more than willing to help if you're serious about making the change. In my case, there was no charge to use the scale, and they were all very encouraging.

Don,
Great post dealing with cravings. I appreciate the idea of having legal snack foods available. I'm boiling some eggs right now, because of your suggestion. I also think the blueberries and cream idea sounds truly luscious.

Well, you all have a great LC day. Thanks Lola for the link on glutamine. I've bookmarked the article and will read later. You are all so helpful! :rheart: Victoria

[karlita66]

I'm new to this thread but just wanted to say hello :)

Yesterday was a GREAT lc day for me but today didn't start off too good at all. (Poptarts for breakfast.. I need to stop buying them for my 17 yr old nephew that lives with me) Oh well I will do better the remainder of the day and will stay away from the evil carbs :) :) :)

Have a great day !!!

~Karlita~

[liz175]

Good morning everyone. I'm glad everyone had a good day yesterday. I had a generally good day, but on Mondays I never have time to exercise because I have to drive kids to various activities in the evening. I always feel better when I get my evening walk in and will make sure I take it tonight.

With regard to scales, I sometimes think it is a blessing not to be able to get weighed too frequently. I started low carbing in July and have no idea what my starting weight was -- just that it was over 350 (the maximum range of my doctor's scale). I didn't get weighed again until September, when I was in the doctor's office again, and I was down to 335 at that time. That was a nice surprise! Now that I can get weighed every morning on my bathroom scale (it goes up to 330), I sometimes get a little obsessive about it, worrying about minor fluctuations of a pound or two.

I do think that all scales weigh differently. I am consistently several pounds heavier on my bathroom scale than on the scale at the YMCA or the scale at the doctor's office. I post my weight using my bathroom scale (my heaviest reading), because that's the one I use regularly and because it always makes me feel good to encounter a different scale and realize that I weigh several pounds less than I think I do. The important thing is progress in the right direction (however slow), not the exact numbers.

[jraz]

A Morning thought.... to start your day with...

Kindness is a sincere desire for the happiness of others...
Goodness is the activity calculated to advance that happiness...

Make it a Blessed Low Carb Day.... God Bless... Judi

[anjelica]

Welcome aboard karlita! I think you will like this thread and this site in general! I just recently found it and am already addicted!

ah well, better then a food addiction i suppose? ;)

I buy poptarts for my kids, but have been lucky enough to stay out of them thus far, its still early in the game for me tho! lol For one i keep them in the pantry, as long as i dont go in there, outta sight outta mind? yeah right! and now we are getting ready to make chocolate chip cookies for snack, Ohhhhhhhhh how i love those raw eggs, i mean.. cookie dough! but, I know too that I possess the willpower I will need (I hope)

[madcreek]

I'm having a low carb latte for breakfast. It's nice and warm and makes my tummy feel good. Chocolate protein powder in hot coffee with a little whole milk to finish it off. I'm telling myself this is better than pop tarts but my flour/sugar mind says something else. I'm going to starve that flour/sugar mind right out of my head!!!

I'm going to check out low carb recipes today because I know I will get tired of the same old thing all the time.

Has anyone cooked with stevia as a sweetener yet? I'm interested in learning all about it. Madi

[dvellio]

Originally posted by madcreek

Has anyone cooked with stevia as a sweetener yet? I'm interested in learning all about it. Madi

Madi,

I haven't tried stevia, but I know that Splenda works wonderfully. It measures just like sugar, and bakes to perfection. I've taken a regular cheesecake recipe and used Splenda instead of sugar and made a nut crust with pecans and black walnuts and it was as good as any cheesecake I've ever had. And only about 2 carbs per slice.

Actually it was far better then the low carb Carbolite one I bought and tried.

Don

[madcreek]

How many nuts would it take to make a crust like you describe?

Oh no, I bought a whole case of Carbolite Chocolate cheese cakes. Am I going to be sorry? I also bought their bread mix and it was difficult to tell myself I was eating bread. It was leathery. So far, I've made one loaf and have 5 left to make.

I've got macadamia nuts in the freezer for when I'm off induction and out of boot camp!!! I wonder if macadamia nuts could be used for crust? I'm not much of a cook but maybe will become one now that I will have to follow recipes.

Your suggestions are always very welcome!!! You have shown us what can happen by doing all of this!! Madi

[Lolabug]

there is a great recipe for New york Style cheescake with a Brazil Nut crust
http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=36445

also, try the Sweet Treats forum, lots of good ideas there.

Macadamia nuts would work well. If yours are already salted, you can just wash and dry them for the cheesecake.

Alena.

[rainbird]

to eat a banana for breakfast...but, I am not going to beat myself up over it...just had to "confess" it. I have been so way much better about not eating the flour and sugar...baby steps...turn to big steps, right.?? I seem to be losing weight and everytime I blow it, I just get right back on track the next meal.
I also had eggs and bacon so the protien was there, and at least it was not my old breakfasts of Frosted flakes, milk, sugar, yes...more sugar orange juice with toast and jelly, right? I am striving for perfection....while walking in constant improvement.....
self control is my goal....

[BaileyWS]

I thought since the traffic was up here today, I'd write and reintorduce myself.

I've been LCing (again) for almost two weeks now. I had lost 60 punds earlier through Atkins, but went off about 6 months ago and gained 30 pounds back. So here I am.

I am still having a hard time, though. I had a few more carbs today than normal ... my daughter made some yummy vegetable soup last night and banana bread. I just had to have some for lunch today. The soup, of course, was laden with carrots and peas and corn and potatoes ... and the banana bread ...

It's been a rough couple of days. I'm a pastor of a church and we had two very significant deaths yesterday. One was a young woman (34) who died at home yesterday morning while her husband was at work. The other was a charter member of the congregation who, although older (87), died suddenly and unexpectedly.

I feel especially close to the young woman, because she was new to our community and church, she was struggling with infertility, and was also losing a lot of weight ... having had gastric bypass surgery in april 2002. She lost 200 pounds since then! We don't know if it was her heart, or something else ... still waiting on the medical examiner's report.

It's very hard to stick with LCing when you are not following a normal routine, when you are on the road spontaneously eating with families.

And the stress just wiped me out ... so I succumbed to the veggie soup and banana bread ... for energy and comfort.

[rainbird]

Hi Wendy,
glad to see you are back again....as we read through these posts we can see that we all struggle. It is the fact that we don`t give up that is great. We just get "back on the horse" as my dad used to say. I see you ride. How wonderful....I love horses although I have never been blessed enough to have one.

I am sorry to hear of your losses this past week, ....it is hard to not only lose loved ones, but you seem to be in a position that calls for you to be able to give comfort to those who are hurting. Our Lord, thank God....is able .....

I think the people that I have "met" here in just the few short weeks that I have known about this board are great! So much support in our desire to obtain good health and good choices.

The soup and the bread was just that...one meal. I ate a banana this morning also...oh well, the next meal is ahead of us...and the chance for good healthy choices. Sometimes, I think the stumbles on the road help me to avoid the pit holes....they make me grow and learn. Last month, I would have had cinnamon rolls, this month it was just a banana....we grow...thank God :wave:

[mary nappi]

SLANGE. I JUST TRIED TO SEND YOU A PRIVATE MESSAGE BUT TO NO AVAIL. JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW WE HAVE ALOT IN COMMON WITH THE ARTHRITIS.
SEND ME A PM AND WE CAN TALK MORE.

[madcreek]

My Scrabble friend came over for a game and we usually eat bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado sanwiches on sour dough bread. But, today I told her I'm on low carbs so she came over and I sliced some cheese, opened a can of olives and gave her some crackers and Pepsi.

I was perfectly happy with cheese and olives and was secretly thinking - ah, she's gonna one day ask me how I do it!!! We didn't get to finish our game but she will be back.

Thanks Lolabug for the recipe site - I'll check it out.

Rainbird: I was worried about the social situation and wanting to eat like my friend and I used to but I turned the situation around and feel good about myself. Social eating is about the hardest thing to handle I think.

BaileyWS: I'm so sorry about the deaths in your church and especially saddened by the woman who had the surgery and didn't make it. I was seriously thinking of the surgery but am so against it now. God Bless you in your ministry. Madi

[BigMamma12]

:daze: Hi, Everybody!!!! I do have some good news!! Yesterday I was so down because of the 2 scales I weighed myself on at Zellers. Although I am going to my sister's doc with her next week (because they go over 400lbs) to way myself properly I couldn't wait till then so I got weighed at my brother-in-laws factor..They are correct and go up to 1000lbs. Yesterday I weighed in at 455lbs. obviously not correct, but had to try the 2 scale thing any way. Today my correct weight is 437lbs. Even though that's still really bad and high, at least I know I'm not 455lbs and feel somewhat better. I know that the scale thing isn't the only thing that is important about losing weight, but I feel I need to start somewhere. When I lost weight before on Atkins...which I think was 2 years ago I think I lost 60 lbs. in four months,if I remeber correctly. It took awhile for my clothes to feel lose on me. So I do have a hard time with that. I can't believe how hard it is to find clothes at this weight. Right now I am in a mens 6x shirt and pajama tops....you know the ones that are supposed to go down to your knees? Well they fit me like shirts..... I don't have many pants, just jogging pants. I can't wait till I can wear Jeans again. That's a major goal for me. ANGELCIA: My sister is doing pretty good. She has lost 180lbs. in a year and a half. There is some things that she cannot eat, but there is alot of things that she can. She just makes sure she takes her vitamins everyday. She doesn't ever sit down and have a full meal. Just a little bit here and there. She had her stomach banded. It is about the size of a small boiled egg. If she puts more than that in it.....she does throw up. But has learned when to stop when she's ahead..... ;) KARLITA: Welcome aboard....look forward to seeing your posts! JRAZ: :daze: Beautiful message to start out all our days...bless you too!!!! BAILEYWS: Welcome back and so sorry to hear about your losses. I'm very interested on why the young womam passed away? My sister had the same surgery and is ok. Just wondering if there was any complications? Good luck with your daily low-carbing.....RAINBIRD :( You are very right...just a banana...don't beat yourself up...maybe your body was crying out for potassium....just a thought. MADCREEK: YAHOO FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D Good Job.....Your doing great. Don't let those evil carbs start calling your name..tee hee I was going to write down what I ate today, but am afraid I am taking up to much space. Do I go over to Journals and do that or if there was room would I do it here? Celina

[BaileyWS]

Hi all ...

I didn't mean to imply that the young woman's death was due to her surgery or weight loss ... we really don't know what it was. She had done very very well with the weight loss; her heart tested very healthy; she was seeing her doctors regularly; everything was good. The cause of death is still a mystery.

I am not against surgery. I think everyone has to make that decision for themselves. I am giving LC living one more chance to work before seriously looking into surgery of any kind.

My doctor recommended I look into the banding ... I like it because it's reversible and adjustable ... but I'm not ready for surgery.

It's good to see you all here ...

rainbird ... I have to admit, I don't really ride ... one of my goals when I lost before was that when I got below 240 I would go on onw of those trail rides ... which I did in Mexico last spring. The picture is old ... but it reminds me of the goal, that I had made it, and that I can make it again!

[BigMamma12]

Wow, I wonder what happened that she passed away so suddenly. Hope everyone in her family and her friends get some results. Keep us posted....ok? Hope you are well...Celina ;)

[Jimsgems]

Ya All;

I've never been one to back away or to sugar coat anything so I'm risking being very unpopular, so be it.

I have recently had two friends who have died due to complications of gastric bypass surgery and another friend who is dying a slow and painful death at this moment as a direct result of his surgery.

Do the surgeries work? Yes. Are they life saving? Yes, they can be. I have one fellow singer that had the "newest" surgery, "The Belt" he calls it. He has lost over 100 pounds and is currently doing quite well and the same for my neighbor.

So, would I do the suregery? NO! I wouldn't do it personally, the risks are just too great for failure and death. That is a very final result. If it is the only option, and if that is the honest truth, to you, then do it. Keep in mind this is major surgery, well just a thought. I thank God everyday I no longer have to give consideration to the surgery aspect of weight control.

Well it's not a popular position, but it's mine. Blessings to you all. Jim

[anjelica]

Jimsgems> I agree with you and know that surgery has never been an option in my mind. For one, i dont have that kind of money and would never be able to take that much time off work and have already seen more doctors in my lifetime then i ever care to see again! lol It took no surgery to put it on, why should you use that method to get it off?

BigMamma> that is Great for your sister!!!I personally cant even begin to IMAGINE being able to eat just enough to fill that tiny space and i cant STAND to puke! lol but.............

amazes me people that can stick their finger down their throat, yeah i know they dont have to do that, it just happens if they eat too much but UGH, i hate puking.

[madcreek]

I hate puking also!!! I've tried to do it but I'm chicken!!! I did it enough when I was a kid.

I like your saying that we put it on and we can take it off the same way.

I used to have an employee who had bulimia. She was a little tiny thing but she could eat more than I did. She would eat lots and lots of Corn Nuts and all kinds of things then we'd hear her in the bathroom - yuck!

[anjelica]

ewwww just hearing someone in the bathroom (or anywhere) erping is enough to make me want to do it!

My son had the flu new years eve, it started while i was still at work (where he was) the lady that works with me said you wouldnt have made it as a nurse huh? NO WAY! I'm like you better hit the toilet or the trash bag cause... it's gonna really suck when you have to clean it up! lol nah, i am really not THAT bad but..........ICK!

[slowday]

Big Mamma- Glad to hear about your 18 pound overnight weight loss. I said those two scales might have been off by 20 pounds and I almost hit it right on the nose. Good luck with the doctor and don't forget to ask him about that thyroid.

I have a few more days of the induction period to go. I go back to the doctor on Friday to get weighed and get the results of my pre-Atkins blood work. If his scale shows more than 350 pounds I'll assume he got his scale from Zellers and look for a new doctor. :D

Wish me luck. :thup:

Slowday

[pink]

I think it is very important to not judge anyone. We have all come to these threads at this point in our lives from different circumstances. We are not here to judge each other, but to support and love each other on this journey that we are ALL on. Whether someone has starved, or purged, or overeaten is not the issue, but that we are here for each other. Being able to write how we feel in a trusting environment is very important. Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. We should weigh our words on the scale of kindness. Remember, once something leaves your lips it is out there in the universe...you can't take them back. Their effect is made known. I will share a wonderful story with you...
A person was standing on a hillside on a breezy day, holding a pillow. That person ripped open the pillow and the feathers flew in every direction, as far as the eye could see. Now, the person had to put all the feathers back into the pillowcase. Obviously, an impossible task. Visualize this story before bringing judgement upon another...I hope it will soften your words. The smallest action will bring consequences 'round the world.
Love & Light,
Pink :dazzle:

[madcreek]

Didn't mean to make anyone think I was judging anyone. I was just describing my views and feelings. How could I be a judge of anyone after ballooning my very own self up to my weight? I have compassion and empathy for anyone who has an eating disorder of any type.

[BigMamma12]

What's up with that? I can't figure that out how I got 3 replies going on. Well I guess I can believe it ...I am very computer illiterage.
Hi Everyone..... JimGem: I was very against surgery at one time, my Doc suggested years ago when I told him I wanted a thyroid test, just to make sure nothing was wrong because I watched what I ate and took my supplements and was on an exersize program and just kept gaining..couldn't figure it out for the life of me. Then I ballooned up to this enormouse weight and it makes me feel like I have no other choice. But I do see a different light now because even though it is only day#5 I am feeling so much better. I'm always glad to hear your opinion and every one elses.
Angelica(by the way what a beautiful name!!!) The surgery up here in Canada is paid for. I wouldn't have the money for it either.....wonder if they have a payment plan....I could handle oh,, I'd say $20 a month hee hee...
Im with all of you on the puking thing.....yukkkky pooooooo!!!
SlowDay: Good luck at the doc's on Friday....you crack me up about those scales..I'm glad you stuck your neck out to suggest that they may be wrong...I probobly would never of checked..Thanx
Pink....I really think you are right we shouldn't judge each other, but I take everyone's here suggestions/comments out of love and hope for each other. I really like your story about the pillow...never thought of it that way....Have a great day all.......Celina :daze: :roll:

[Lolabug]

Hi everyone,

I have a question. I know what stomach stapling is (gastric bypass surgery). but what the heck is banding/belting?

Alena.

[BaileyWS]

Originally posted by Lolabug
Hi everyone,

I have a question. I know what stomach stapling is (gastric bypass surgery). but what the heck is banding/belting?

Alena.

My understanding is that the lap band is a relatively new procedure in the USA. Although a local doctor here has had years of experience performing this operation outside of the US. It is laparoscopic -- that is, there is only a small entry trhough the belly button. A ring of saline (I believe) is slipped around the stomack making it smaller. The size of the stomach is adjusted by the amount of saline in the ring. It is reversable -- because the ring can be removed and the stomach is still intact, and it can be adjusted by adding or removing saline from the ring. Recuperation is much less, because it is a laparoscopic procedure.

It is not for everyone though, and a screening by an experienced surgeon is necessary. Some insurance plans will cover obesity surgery and some won't.

My family doctor says there are good results from this procedure and she thinks it is good because of the non-permanent nature. I am not promoting the procedure, merely sharing what I have heard. Oh, because the size of the stomach is adjustable, the speed of the weight loss can also be adjusted -- it can be slower and more gradual. This is the procedure that Al Roker (NBC Today Show) had, I believe.

I am not promoting the surgery ... I have personally decided against it for the time being. But it seems to be a reasonable option for some people.

[jraz]

Here's a thought....

"A person is not old until regrets take the place of dreams..."

Of course I am gonna be 13 3/4 soon, and my dream is to be 150 lbs... (this year!!!). I will never become old!!!

Have enjoyed reading all the posts... What an awesome group this is.

[jraz]

I love reading the posts and getting to know each of you... and sharing our heart and feelings... That's what it's all about... I do my best to stay positive and have found out I do better... I used to be a murmurer and always though "Why me God"... I bitched and complained and it only got worse... I hated myself and had such low self-esteem and thought I was the worse person on this earth..thought I was nothing, I had no talent.... fat, ugly... suicidal, hated God for my life... Wow, was I ever WRONG.... first thing I did was get away from the now X who I allowed to help make me the co-dependant I was... then I found Bob (my blessing who loves me no matter my size) together we found God who has become first in our life... I had always wanted to learn sign language so I started taking classes and fell in love with the language... I'd always wanted to sing, but can't carry a turn in a bucket... but found out I can still sing with my hands (Wow, I have a talent!!!) so I now sign all the praise & worship songs at our church... and with my pastor and his wife having so much confidence in me I have gotten over being insecure... and maybe some day I will learn to interpert the sermon (that idea makes me nervous)... but I am doing something I never thought I'd ever be able to do... the first was getting up in front of a bunch of people... Now I love it.. I'm a regular ham... I used to be so shy and quiet... I teach the Orientation at my place of employment (and I am a ham there too!!!) Wow, what life has in store for you, you just never know... and I am loving my life... and I am so glad for my past because I am where I am today because of it... I appreciate where I am in my life... I am thankful for where I am in my life.... I LIKE ME!!! God is so good....
Thanks for taking the time to listen...
Love, Peace and Blessings to each of you... Judi

[ButterflyA]

I'm stepping in here and joining the club! I have about 107 lbs. to lose, and I've lost 23 already, so I know the 100 is possible. Just saying hello! :wave:

[mary nappi]

MIND IF I JOIN YOU ALL IN HERE....
I HAVE BEEN DOING ATKINS FOR TWO YEARS AND THREE MONTHS NOW, LOST 100LBS, TO START BUT OVER THE HOLIDAYS THIS YEAR I GAIND ABOUT 20 BACK SO I AM IN THE PROCESS OF LOSING THOSE AGAIN. I KNOW IT WAS STUPID OF ME TO GAIN BACK AFTER ALL THE HARD WORK IT TOOK TO GET IT OFF.
BEEN KEEPING MY CARBS LOW FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, AT 15 A DAY UNTIL I CAN GET INTO THE LOSING PHASE AND GIVE MY BODY A BOOST IT NEEDS.
WRITE SOMETIMES AND LETS TALK.

[liz175]

I always considered surgery before I found Dr. Atkins, but the death and complication risks scared me away. I couldn't justify taking those risks with a husband and two kids who love me and need me. I'm so glad I found low carbing because I'm finally losing the weight without surgery. It's a long, slow process, but I'm not in a race with anyone. I know I'll get there eventually, and if it takes me a few years, so be it! With each lost pound, I feel better and have more energy.

[CanadianT]

Hi All,
I had a pretty rough time over Christmas tooo. I also ended up gaining almost 20lbs over the holiday, and since Jan 1st, i have been able to drop over 10 of them. The first 10 were pretty easy, must have been water weight.
I understand where your coming from Liz, just like you, i decided to low carb rather than have surgery (i'm a chicken). But now that i have lost alot of weight, i will eventually need surgery to remove the extra skin :tears:

Toni

[anjelica]

Big Mamma> thanks for the compliment on the name, i have NO clue what led me to it years ago.

Butterfly & mary nappi> welcome aboard! nice to see you here, there are lots of great people here that are easy to talk to.

jraz> Good for you on all your lifes accomplishemnts! That is a long ways to come. It is very hard for me to get up in front of people also, and hard for me to do the one on one too but i have gotten SOoooooooooo much better! and will continue to strive. I was nominated to be president of the chamber of commerce last month and I turned it down, I knew I couldnt do it cause there was NO way i could get up in front of all those people once a month to conduct a meeting. (with all the pillars of the community? EEKS!

I also hope it didnt appear that "I" was judging anyone because I was not, and do not. matter of fact on my previous post i had typed something about anorexia and changed my mind. Eating disorders are just that in any way shape or form.
Hunger Point was on lifetime the other night, it was a good movie.

i dunno where that came from, sometimes i just blabber... HA

[madcreek]

Last night I broke down and binged. I feel discouraged today but have been "good" all day so far. Nights are so difficult. I've been self medicating with sugar to sleep and it's going to be a hard habit to break. Any ideas or suggestions?

[Luisa777]

I also broke down AGAIN!!! I have a chocolate chip cookie AGAIN!!! I feel so bad I did so good the rest of the day and I ruined it with a delicious right out of the oven cookie! :rolleyes:

Tomorrow will be better

take care :wave:

[anjelica]

madcreek> have you filled up on water before you started that binge? How about if you feel you HAVE to have something and wont be satisfied till you do, having one instead of the bag, or a small portion istead of a plate full?

I know, they say NO cheating on induction period exclamation point, but. ...... Can you find something to binge on that is legal?
maybe thats not a good idea either, LOL what do i know. You have done good today you say, just try to keep it that way! and remember that water, WATER, Water, water!

[madcreek]

At least I know I'm not the only one on the block!!! LOL

[anjelica]

Luisa> chocolate chip cookies? We just took some of those outta the oven too!

And what a hinderance, my job makes it hards sometimes, and i DID cave and have one, BUT that took care of that want or need and I am back on track (as i swallow that last bite) HA

Just remember because you make one mistake, you dont have to blow the whole day, forget about it and move on, carry on, proceed!

HAPPY DAY!

[madcreek]

I'm on my way to the store to get cream cheese and am going to make myself a cheesecake with Splenda and nut crust. I can be very happy with that and know I won't be messing up!!!

I actually lost weight bingeing on one of these cheesecakes at my sisters house!!! I know bingeing is not good but there's got to be a breaking point somewhere. I have to find new things to do to substitute for this ingrained habit!!! Leading an unplanned life is a great part of it.

Since I don't work anymore, my life is not structured enough.

Madi

[madcreek]

I do drink lots of water but may need to drink more!!!

[pink]

CanadianT/Toni...
You should begin a journal and post your food each day...it really helps. Besides, just to be selfish for a moment, you have had much success and a significant weight loss and others, including myself, would like to hear how you do it. You are an inspiration to those of us beginners.
Love & Light,
Pink :dazzle:

[pink]

Next time you feel that need coming on...run...I said run to the computer and get into these threads and read and write and write and write until it passes. Because this is an international forum, there is always someone on or about lurking in all the different time zones. Think about your goal, think about your health, think about the big picture and not the "itch" of the moment. I don't think it's such a good idea to replace another thing to eat. Because, it has nothing to do with hunger, but with our need to fill some sort of hole. I know it is hard. We can all suggest, but you have the ultimate power to change your life. Do it NOW! I hope you can make your itch stop soon. All the best :wave:
Off to take my Priscilla, poodle and Emily, terrier for a walk...it will also do me some good also.
Love & Light,
Pink :dazzle:

[madcreek]

Pink, Great ideas!!! Thanks for your support and I understand about the hole!!! Only trouble with running to computer is - I've already crawled under the blankets and it's warm and cozy there. I have to make a rule - no food in bedroom!!! Since I live alone, I've gotten "hermit" ways. All the rules are there for me to break!!! Such a rebel!

Journaling food is a great idea. I did very well with that when I was with Thin Within. I have paid so much to get over this whatever it is that keeps me on this destructive path but the money didn't do it, the groups didn't do it, I have to do it all by myself with the help of higher power. I pray a lot about it but I guess I have to do more work.

Hi Butterfly A - welcome to the club!!!! I have about the same amount to lose! Madi

[cathyd]

Hi all - I've been away from this board for a couple of days. Doing okay, but made a couple of "hidden carb" errors today and decide I need to stay away from the LC desserts - I went overboard on that jello + cream cheese cheesecake dessert - it was too sweet and got me craving for more...I managed to distract myself out of it, but I think I had better lay off them for awhile. LC'ing is mfaking me alot saner in dealing with my family and work. I am amazed at the difference in my interactions with my 12 year old daughter. Thanks to all of you for being part of this forum.....you are helping me to hang on...

[pink]

Madcreek...
Absolutely no food in the bedroom! Make it an effort to go out of your way...now your'e thinking :yay: . A little creativity goes a looong way. You can do this.
Love & Light,
Pink :dazzle:

[madcreek]

I did fine tonight at bedtime. But guess what, I woke at 3 am and drank water but that didn't do it for me. I had a peanut butter sandwich. I will conquer this. It's almost 4 am and I'm now going back to bed. Tomorrow - maybe I'll do better. It's one hour at a time right now. :rolleyes:

My itch is still here but is getting more manageable.

If I can just make a breakthrough on the "night feedings", I will be so happy. I may have to take all food out of the house for awhile and eat at local restaurants for a couple of weeks. I did that in August 2000 and it worked. That is the way my friend did it, he had nothing in his kitchen to even make something out of and ate at restaurants. He would walk there. The restaurants are about 2 miles from my house so I'd really get in shape while walking for breakfast. I will do whatever works because I'm going to be thin again!!!

[slowday]

madcreek

One of the ideas that the good Dr. Atkins has is to toss out any high carb foods so that the temptation is not there to eat it. If you have kids or in my case a wife who eats high carb foods, it becomes a problem. So you made a peanut butter sandwich, with bread. Why do you have bread?

Go to that pantry, look at the high carb foods and say -Devil, get thee behind me. And if not behind thee, then at least into the trash can. If you don't have it, you can't eat it.

My wife used to eat late at night. Part of it was insomnia, part of it was knowing no one was around. Part of it was not eating enough during the day and making up for it at night. Her hunger woke her up sometimes, and sometimes it was just a pattern she had fallen into. But she did work herself out of it. I'm not sure what did the trick, but she fell into a regular routine of getting up and going to bed at the same time seven days a week.

I'm sure we all have patterns we need to get out of . Where I work there is a candy bowl. Whenever I'd pass the desk where the bowl is located, I'd always snag a piece to eat. I've had three or peices a day from that bowl six days a week for about six years. Now when I pass that bowl my left hand has to physically restrain my right hand from diving into that bowl. Its like a science fiction movie as my right and left hand struggle for control.

I don't crave candy anywhere else but I conditioned myself to dip in there and now I have to uncondition myself. Its a small hunk of chocolate but it carries with it years of habit. I haven't eaten any of the chocolate since I started induction but I never pass by it without thinking about it.

You may want to ask your doctor why you don't sleep through the night. Hang in there one day at a time, or at least one night at a time.

slowday :)

[madcreek]

I could have had a tablespoon of peanut butter but that bread just called to me and I succumbed to the temptationl. I will get stronger and like your wife will get over it. I've been doing this for several years and so it's pretty ingrained.

As I said, I'm getting rid of all carb foods and will get things planned so this doesn't happen anymore. I have terrible insomnia and the doctor gives me stuff for it but I still wake up. It's going to take awhile to get a different routine. I've been a night person all my life and would much rather sleep all day but the world isn't make like that.

I can empathize with your wife about the night feedings. Part of it used to be a control issue but that is no longer the case. I am in complete control except for the little demons within that must be quashed.

This is my third day on lowcarb. I will be completely lowcarb very soon. I have Atkins bread mix to make but haven't done it yet because of kitchen remodeling. Atkins bread is just not the same as real bread but I can pretend well enough that it is.

I can see your left and right hands trying to behave at that candy bowl - it's like a cartoon in my head!!! LOL

I thank you for your encouragement and am so glad I found this forum at last. Madi

[Lolabug]

Hi Madcreek,

I know exactly what you mean about wanting to sleep all day and be up all nite. I'm just the same way, ever since I was born.

There is a supplement that you get in the States called melatonin. It helps to re-set your sleeping cycle. A lot of people in the airline industry use it. You should look into it, lots of info on the internet.

As well, remember, it's fat that satisfies, not carbs. Carbs just re-group and call out for more carbs. Nasty things!

My recent before bed treat has become a cup of chai. It's spiced tea with Splenda and whipping cream. Very rich and satisfying.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Alena. (still struggling)

[liz175]

For everyone who just started Atkins, I want to let you know that after being on this WOE for half a year, all my inclination to binge is gone. I've been going through an incredibly stressful week and I just realized that the thought of dealing with the stress by eating did not even cross my mind. Once your blood sugar stabilizes, all your inclinations to binge will also probably pass. The trick is getiting through the first few weeks until your blood sugar is stable.

Since the important thing is stabilizing blood sugar, if you have an inclination to binge, try doing it with something that is not likely to impact your blood sugar. Protein foods are the obvious choice, but I know that sometimes they are not satisfying. Nuts are okay. If you eat enough of them you may gain some weight (or stop losing weight), but they are unlikely to have an impact on your blood sugar, so you should find it easier to return to your eating plan and the urges to binge should diminish. I personally don't like pork skins, but if you do, those might also be a good choice for binging without raising blood sugar. Bread and cookies will just start a vicious cycle of blood sugar spikes that keep triggering urges to binge, which is how we all got to be members of the Triple Digits Club in the first place! If you must eat bread, make sure it is whole wheat with lots of fiber (read the label) -- it will have a much smaller impact on your blood sugar that way. (If you're not familiar with the glycemic index, you might want to download one from the web. The index rates all foods in terms of their impact on your blood sugar and I found it really valuable when I started low carbing.)

One suggestion I once read somewhere was that if you have the urge to binge, tell yourself that you will wait half an hour and if it doesn't go away you'll give in to it then. Set a timer on the stove if you need to. Usually, it will pass in half an hour, especially if you have a cup of warm herb tea or decaffeinated tea and eat something legal. I drank herb tea almost every evening when I started this WOE. It really helped control the binging urges.

The urge to binge will pass!

[chemlady]

Madcreek I know what you mean about night eating. I too have a problem with this even though I have lost a great deal. I really don't watch to much tv anymore because they went hand and hand for me. My mom says she eats all day when she stays home all day so maybe getting out is an option and lastly have something low carb available like cream cheese and celery or a low carb candy bar. I made the cheesecake and froze it into individual pieces and take one out every now and then. Just had my last piece from one I made for thanksgiving. I try to spend my time at night either exerciseing, listening to music or a nice bubble bath. water bottle is always with me and most nights it works. Of course my house is full of stuff that could make me fat in about a week because I have two small children who love chocolate and chips. Remember you are doing this for you and know one else. You will feel better and the bonus is that you will look better.
Laurie

[jraz]

Thoughts for today...

I've learned to pick my battles; I ask myself, Will this matter one year from now? How about one month? One week? One day?

and

The best discipline, maybe the only discipline that really works, is self-discipline....

When you fall off the wagon, put yourself back on.... and one day you will feel so secure on that wagon that nothing will cause you to fall off.... I know... I've fallen quite a few times myself... (and I can't say I won't again...) like I said before... I know this time I have to stay on the wagon cuz sugar is my alcohol... one little bite is all I need to make me fall big time... and blow everything I've accomplished thus far.... (done this a quite a lot, and am tired of doing it over and over again...) So forgive yourself, and don't beat yourself up for it... cuz that is wasted energy... and will not accomplish anything, you can't go back and undo what you've just done... so maybe the next time you will not fall into that sugar trap... JUST SAY NO!!!! and after 3 days without sugar it is out of your system.. and I was told that it takes 3 days to get one teaspoon of sugar out of your system... Mainly forgive yourself... Think Sugar/Carbs = Poison!!!!!
I am confident you all will make it and be an inspiration to others... and can use this hard time to help others that will come across the same problem...
Make it a Blessed Day... Judi

[madcreek]

Wow you guys, this is the first thing I read this morning and there are so many good suggestions here. I'm going to summarize them for myself and print and posts so I can read immediately without even using my computer.

Like:

SUGAR/CARBS = POISON IT TAKES 3 DAYS TO GET SUGAR OUT OF SYSTEM.

HAVE PLANNED LOW CARB SNACKS READY IN FRIDGE

URGE TO BINGE? SET TIMER AND WAIT 1/2 HOUR.

CUP OF CHAI WITH SPLENDA AND CREAM MAKES GOOD BEDTIME SNACK

I do feel different today. I woke up feeling lighter in my head, so even with my "goofs", I feel I'm making progress. Here's to my morning latte' with protein powder and here's to all of you!!!

Have a super day!

[BigMamma12]

Hey everyone: This is or was (trying to stay positive here) my biggest downfall. Night time comes around and I used to only think...what can I eat now.....Like you guys I make sure I have some kind of drink around. Sounds like the CHAI is pretty interesting...If I can ask without sounding silly....is this spice tea bought or do you make that yourself also....I really do want to try it ...have the splenda and cream but just ordinary no-caf. tea. Ya know it's funny..I used to do the 1/2 hour thing with the timer and the whole time I was.....hurry up I want that chocolate ,oh hurry I want it now...running around like a crazy person. By the time the timer went off I think I actually wore myself out and couldn't be bothered...so funny! I know what you mean about trying to stay on the wagon. I'm finally on and want to stay there. It's day #6 and things are going well. The L-Glutamine seems to be working ok, but then so does Atkins..I was off the wagon for soooooo long. But I do need to keep using Self-Disapline and not be to hard on myself if I do slip a bit....I don't watch alot of T.V. anymore either... I'm usually on this darn computer trying to figure it out , or reading all the support here. Which really helps!!!!!!!!!!!! I know what you mean about sometimes, even when it's the ok kind of food to eat-you go on a binge...I think this will take a long time to conquer, but we can all do it...the last time binged I ate a whole pound of cooked hamburger with oninons, green peppers and some cheese and mushrooms and ate the whole thing....didn't feel guilty and loved it. But now trying to remind myself or ask myself why do I want to binge eat? Slowly getting better....When I first started Atkins (the first time around) two years ago.... I found that I couldn't sleep through the night because I had too much energy...imagine that!!!! I found that I would sleep for a few hours and then want to get up and go go go ....it's great. Well sometimes if I don't have to do something the next day , then I would be tired. CathyD....great you are holding on and noticing changes

:daze:
already...we are all here for you...keep coming back..... :wave:

[karlita66]

I just wanted to jump in here since I need to lose 100+ lbs. I used to be a MAJOR binge eater... but as long as I'm really trying to stick to the Low Carb WOE it's easier not to binge.

I didn't really follow any eating plan through the holidays and a couple months before that as I was going through fertility treatments and the hormones were hard on my system. I'm taking a break from all that and I'm trying to get back into the Low Carb eating.

It's going fairly well but it would be better if I could get rid of all the bad stuff in the house (My 17 yr old nephew lives with us so I buy things for him to eat after school) I'm going to stop buying the things that I like though so I'm not tempted.

[pink]

I was outside feeding the stray cats, then came in to feed my babies: Priscilla, poodle and Emily, terrier. Suddenly,without any provocation a sugar :devil: wave came over me. This is day eleven and I got really scared :eek: . I will not let this happen...I will not sabotage myself. I will win over my momentary desire. I ran, not walked, ran to the computer and here you all are. I read all your posts about binge eating and remembered how often I used to do it.
I remember, when my husband and I started to date, we lived eight hours away from each other. We would spend the week-end together and then I would drive him to the airport and upon his departure, I would drive directly to the market and buy all kinds of things loaded with sugar, go home and consume them and then feel :daze: sick for the rest of the evening. Thank goodness, I don't do that anymore. But, now, one descretion would be a binge for me.
After reading, I feel much better. I will now go into the kitchen and prepare dinner. Just wanted to let you all know how appreciative I am of all of you. So glad you are here.
Love & Light,
Pink :dazzle:

[DWRolfe]

Originally posted by pink
I was outside feeding the stray cats, then came in to feed my babies: Priscilla, poodle and Emily, terrier. Suddenly,without any provocation a sugar :devil: wave came over me.

Interesting...maybe it's worth more consideration. I mean, something triggered you and it doesn't seem as though it was chemical...more like emotional.

I mention this only because I've been there (probably 100% of us has) and it's worth examining so that next time you can recognize it for what it is and deal with it head on.

I know for sure that I associate sugar with comfort and reward...how about you?? Were you feeling anxious about something?

And why the heck do we "comfort" or "reward" ourselves with things that aren't good for us? I hate that.

Glad you posted...

Donald :wave:

[slowday]

And why the heck do we "comfort" or "reward" ourselves with things that aren't good for us? I hate that.

I went round and round trying to figure that out until I kept seeing parents appeasing and rewarding babies with juices or sweets. Kids like the sweet taste and they get kind of conditioned to it. Its kind of primal. Trouble is, you begin to associate comfort and reward with sugar. Its kind of instinctive.

My parents weren't like that because of my mother's diabetes. There wasn't a lot of sugar in the house, but there were french fries. My mother loved to make french fries. And for the real reward we went to McDonald's. So for me comfort, reward, and those empty times were all soothed at the arches. I started later than babyhood, but its no less potent. I have sworn off fast food like alcoholics swear off booze.

I hate it, and I miss it :( ; but its gotta be out of my life or I won't have one.

slowday

[anjelica]

Way to be Slowday, and you are exactly right!

[jraz]

I am really thinking that the full moon is making me want to pig out... (I haven't and won't)... but can't stay out of the fridge looking for something... I am not even hungry, infact am full, but in my head I am wanting something else.... and don't know what.... so guess I'd better go to bed... this is like those ole before LC feelings..... I had some Crystal Lite last night and tonight, maybe that is triggering the old ways... hope not...
Am going nite, nite...
Blessings to all.................

[msmoon]

My life has been a cycle of success and failure. I still have a hard time understanding why I am so willing one minute say....."hey I am doing really good, looking really good, feeling really good" and then poof! There I am binging and gaining back every bit plus more. :eek: Very scarry. I still have that fear. I still get rushes where I just want to seat down with some Ben and Jerry or a nice oven fresh bagel laced in butter. I cut out all things white and refined back in July with only 3 slips of eating an ice cream cone. Since Dec, 21, 2002, I have not eaten any thing that was not allowed during induction.......well I did eat some sweet potato one night and wished I could have heaved it up when I found out it was not allowed. Aside from that.....no cheats. But still, I have a bad little person inside me that is telling me to sabotage myself. I keep trying to get to the bottom of it all and actually I can see all the whys and hows and whatfors, but it still hasn't taken care of those urges. I am like alot of you that posted on this thread saying nights were the worst time for eating urges. Thank heavens I can come to the board and read and (maybe) jump in on a thread. It helps me a great deal. I really want to get it right this time, now and forever. Sigh, will these urges ever go away, or at least diminish enough so I can laugh them off? :confused:

[madcreek]

I see several of you have journals but I don't have one that I can find. How do I get one?

I woke up this morning more alive than I've been in such a long time. That sugar was really poisoning me!!!

I didn't even take a nap today. What's wrong? LOL

If you get a chance, read the history of sugar. You will be amazed.

I know why I associate sugar with comfort. My mother was a health nut and we never got sugar. My parents were divorced when I was five years old. My dad used to make a pan of fudge and sneak it to me and my sister. It became a symbol of comfort and rebellion at the same time. It is as insidious as alcohol to us.

[pink]

I read your post a few times...thanks for the interest. I don't recall feeling anything, at that moment, except an ever so transparent veil of sweetness...I could just about smell it. You know what I mean...like when you are driving down the street and you pass a big bakery and that aroma comes wafting through the air...it's insidious. I love it and hate it at the same time. It's part of who I am. Everyone knows me as the chef who bakes the best desserts. I certainly come by it honestly. My parents come from Vienna - home of whipped cream and tortes. In the evenings, especially in the winter, we would have coffee with whipped cream. Well, this was some tangent I have gone off on, wasn't it? Funny, how one thing leads to another. They say smells are the strongest links to memory. But it was a cerebral smell, not a physical one. It was manifested in my brain and not my nose. Hmmm, wonder why? I will meditate on this issue just before I drop off to sleep and see what it brings to mind in the a.m.
Thanks for bringing this to my attention, Donald. :bhug:
Love & Light,
Pink :dazzle:

[pink]

Does any one recall which vitamin you are missing when you get a Charlie Horse in your calves??? When I go to stretch out my legs in the morning, I have been getting them quite frequently. I can feel the knots in my calves. They take awhile to subside. :help:
Love & Light,
Pink :dazzle:

[Jimsgems]

My Dear;

It is Calcium. Not really a Vitamin, but who is quibbling.

From the periodic table of elements; Symbol "Ca". Atomic Number 20. Atomic Weight 40.08. It is needed to complete the neuro-transmitter chemical chain that when it’s not available in large enough supply in the body can give us muscle cramps (Charlie Horses).

Now it’s known, I’m a geek! LOL

[dvellio]

Actually low potassium or magnesium either one will cause bad leg cramps and Atkins can leave you depleted in either.

I've not had a problem with magnesium on Atkins but I do take a lot of supplements. I do need a potassium a day though to keep the cramps away.

If you read my journal you will find a list of all the supplements I take.

Speaking of journals, Madi if you go to the link below and read the first post you can learn how to start your own journal.

http://forum.lowcarber.org/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&forumid=85

Don

[Lolabug]

Hi bigMomma,
about the chai, yes you could make it yourself. In fact, my ex used to make it and it was delicious. Pretty much the only nice thing I can say about him. :eek: But I prefer to buy my own. I've tried two different brands and the one that I like the most is Celestial Seasonings Mountain Chai. They have it in both regular and decaf versions. I have some at work in regular and I have the decaf at nite. I've seen this tea in Dominion, Loblaws and also Bulk Barn. You may have to look around for it, but it is delicious. Let it steep for a while, then add Splenda and whipping cream (unwhipped).

If you want to try to make it yourself, here's how my ex made it.
1. Get a saucepan and fill with water. Put in tea. Add spices and heat. He would use: cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise, anise, vanilla bean, white cardamon, green cardamon, black cardamon. He would use a mortar and pestle before he added it to the liquid. then he would simmer the whole thing until he was satisified. He used honey or raw sugar, but of course, use Splenda. It withstands heat. Add the whiping cream, strain and serve. You'll probably have to adjust ratios of spices and tea until you get it the way you like. It should be silky smooth when you drink it.

What do all of you do to stay focused? I'm having a really hard time getting back on track. I can't seem to finish even one day. :help:

Alena.

[AmaniNura]

I too have over a hundred pounds to lose. My top weight was 320 a few years ago.. I lost down to 210 and then started the job from hell for the person trying to cut back on bad foods. I work in sales. I gained up to 294 pounds and feel horrible. I felt so good back then.. I am feeling very discouraged and could use a buddy to help keep me going. Do they do that here? Is there a a sort of mentor program or low carb buddy program? I know how it feels to be thin.. and I know how it feels to be fat. I like thin better. Any help, suggestions for keeping motivated and keeping a positive state of mind.. would be appreciated. Over a hundred pounds is alot to lose.. and reaching my goal seems sooooooooo far away.
I am thankful I have this forum to share my feelings with others in the same boat.

:wave:

[AmaniNura]

I too have over a hundred pounds to lose. My top weight was 320 a few years ago.. I lost down to 210 and then started the job from hell for the person trying to cut back on bad foods. I work in sales. I gained up to 294 pounds and feel horrible. I felt so good back then.. I am feeling very discouraged and could use a buddy to help keep me going. Do they do that here? Is there a a sort of mentor program or low carb buddy program? I know how it feels to be thin.. and I know how it feels to be fat. I like thin better. Any help, suggestions for keeping motivated and keeping a positive state of mind.. would be appreciated. Over a hundred pounds is alot to lose.. and reaching my goal seems sooooooooo far away.
I am thankful I have this forum to share my feelings with others in the same boat.

:wave:

[madcreek]

Finally got a battery for my scale and it says I weigh 277.5 lbs this morning. Weight loss, weight loss!

Now to start my journal and make better plans so this will keep happening! Madi

[AmaniNura]

Thats great! I have a scale under my desk at work.. and as of today.. my scale is not being nearly as kind to me. I have lost nothing since monday. argh.. my trusty scale will be giving me a different story on monday though.. I am sure! I am very happy for you.. keep up the good work.. :thup:

[madcreek]

For encouragement from you AmaniNura and all of the other wonderful people who post here!

I have been looking for a forum like this for 2 years and finally landed in the right place for me.

All of the ideas, suggestions and empathy here has been a big boost for me. And knowing it is possible to get to goal from such a "big" number of pounds to lose is icing on the Low Carb Cake!

I have energy these days and my depression is lifting. I have hopes for the future "good life"! I know my fat makes me withdraw from a social life. I used to get up in front of people and speak, sing, play piano and organ but you wouldn't see me there these days. I even got to the green room at "Wheel Of Fortune" but saw myself on TV and opted out!!! Social phobia is part of being fat. I remember being in the corporate world and the fat discrimination there. One of these days . . .! I think I hit bottom when my yearly rash didn't leave me this time. I knew my body was telling me something, that I had "Taken it to the limit one more time". It took more than 25 years to get to this point so 1 or two years of extreme "restriction" is but a tiny price for good health. This time I'm changing my lifestyle, not just my diet. I plan on being a low carber the rest of my life. In the "Eat For Your Type" book, I should be a low carber anyway because of blood type.

I'm so thankful to each and everyone of you for your encouragement, empathy and help. Madi

[Jimsgems]

Hi Amani;

Here is some advice you didn't ask for... (when has that ever stopped me, LOL) STAY OFF THE SCALE!!!

I started Atkins and couldn't weigh on a "Normal Persons Scale" and I just did the plan, within a few weeks my clothes didn't hurt me so much and on the 85th day I went to my Doctor and got on his scale and I'd lost 85 pounds. I had averaged 1 pound a day weight loss. Now almost a year later, I weigh only one or twice a month.

For me, the weight loss was secondary to my health and how I feel. I just strongly suggest anyone doing any plan... STAY OFF THE SCALES.

For you-all who have seen my "Big Pants" or the "Oh, My Gosh!" photo, I apologize, but I'm puttin it here anyway, :D
http://www.jimsgems.com/NewJimNewandOld.jpg 150 Pounds Later. Best, Jim

[AmaniNura]

Jim, I love ya! I know scale watching is a no no.. and I know that it can be a catalyst to cheating when you get discouraged from seeing the same numbers day after day. I had lost 105 pounds the last time I was on the ATkins diet.. and at the point where i had less than fifty pounds to go.. I was at the college i attend one evening .. feeling pretty good about myself and some well meaning man said hi to me.. struck up a conversation in the elevator and then proceeded to tell me he liked "full figured" women.. I felt like someone punched me in the stomach. I am soooooooo happy for you.. and your weight loss .. its people like you who encourage us. I know I will get the weight off.. I have my own personal issues with losing weight that stems from my childhood and my discomfort with attention when I am thin. I also know how it feels to be a normal size.. I like it. It hurts when people tell you.. awe.. you have such a pretty face.. if you could only lose weight.. I will never turn away advice of any kind.. I receive it with alot appreciation and hope that you will keep in touch with me.. throughout this 100+ pound journey.. You are my inspiration!!! Thanks :wave:

[AmaniNura]

Jim, I love ya! I know scale watching is a no no.. and I know that it can be a catalyst to cheating when you get discouraged from seeing the same numbers day after day. I had lost 105 pounds the last time I was on the ATkins diet.. and at the point where i had less than fifty pounds to go.. I was at the college i attend one evening .. feeling pretty good about myself and some well meaning man said hi to me.. struck up a conversation in the elevator and then proceeded to tell me he liked "full figured" women.. I felt like someone punched me in the stomach. I am soooooooo happy for you.. and your weight loss .. its people like you who encourage us. I know I will get the weight off.. I have my own personal issues with losing weight that stems from my childhood and my discomfort with attention when I am thin. I also know how it feels to be a normal size.. I like it. It hurts when people tell you.. awe.. you have such a pretty face.. if you could only lose weight.. I will never turn away advice of any kind.. I receive it with alot appreciation and hope that you will keep in touch with me.. throughout this 100+ pound journey.. You are my inspiration!!! Thanks :wave:

[madcreek]

Letting that little black box direct a persons mood for the day is a terrible thing to do. Thin Within recommends body awareness such as the way your clothes feel on you more than the numbers on any little machine designed to put you in a terrible funk if you didn't lose weight.

My sister weighs each and every day and has a doctors scale. She has gotten her weight down that way but she is much more disciplined than I am.

I prefer to weigh once in awhile and the only reason I weighed today was, I wanted to see that percentage be higher on my stats. I think each person has to work the scale thing out for themselves. I think I will weigh one month from today. It will create suspense and body awareness skills. Madi

[AmaniNura]

Jim, I love ya! I know scale watching is a no no.. and I know that it can be a catalyst to cheating when you get discouraged from seeing the same numbers day after day. I had lost 105 pounds the last time I was on the ATkins diet.. and at the point where i had less than fifty pounds to go.. I was at the college i attend one evening .. feeling pretty good about myself and some well meaning man said hi to me.. struck up a conversation in the elevator and then proceeded to tell me he liked "full figured" women.. I felt like someone punched me in the stomach. I am soooooooo happy for you.. and your weight loss .. its people like you who encourage us. I know I will get the weight off.. I have my own personal issues with losing weight that stems from my childhood and my discomfort with attention when I am thin. I also know how it feels to be a normal size.. I like it. It hurts when people tell you.. awe.. you have such a pretty face.. if you could only lose weight.. I will never turn away advice of any kind.. I receive it with alot appreciation and hope that you will keep in touch with me.. throughout this 100+ pound journey.. You are my inspiration!!! Thanks :wave:

[pink]

Thanks guys, Don & Jim, for the supplement information...I will purchase them Saturday night...hope it relieves the cramps - too :eek: awful. I'm usually the one with this kind of info...I guess it left my memory bank - overdrawn again.

Madi... :cheer: Congrats on the weight loss!!! :cheer:
With a little planning, it will work for you. I know, when I'm eating out of control, so is the rest of my life. Everything falls into place, when my food is in place. But this program is amazing!!! I have never found this much energy before. I've been up to 2:00 and 3:00 o'clock in the morning writing. I usually fade by midnight. Giving up sugar and grain has made such a :roll: difference...who would have thunk it.
Love & Light,
Pink :dazzle:

[AmaniNura]

my computer was hanging up.. LOL.. oops

[BigMamma12]

:rolleyes: Thank-you so much for getting back about the Chai. I will look around for that brand. I wonder if I could find it at Zehrs, Sobeys or A&P? It is worth the look. It sounds so yummmy!!! I like the idea of making it to suit your own taste too. My hubby would be the one to try out this marvy recipe, I can't imagine myself trying to make it homemade....(did I mention patients is not my thing) ha ha...hubby loves to cook and experiment in the kitchen......I was way off track for such a long time and you know what is keeping my focused now.???? I am honestly scared...I'm scared of dying.....At the weight I'm at I can barely walk, barely breathe, barely bathe myself, get dressed.....it took me a half hour the other day to put my own socks on...I'm not the person I used to be... I don't like this at all...I told myself I wouldn't let myself go like this and I did....but today is day #7 and things are going ok....I'm gonna do it this time...I want to live!!!!!!!! I want to do the stuff I can't seem to do anymore. I have another reason to live....My sister died in April /02 and she was only 36 and weighed over 550lbs and couldn't move anymore...she left behind a 10 year old son who adored her.....she was his life.........I'm raising him now....wouldn't want him to lose another mother........ya know what the cute little bugger does....he keeps all carbs away from me and tells other people to, too. He reads carb counts on all food. If he see's me eating something different he askes me if has sugar in it....can't lie to him.....Like I said I have a lot to live for.....love all you guys out here tooo......All the best :spin: Celina

[AmaniNura]

Celina, I have a ten year old son.. that is adopted. My other sons are grown. I can honestly say he is the light of my life. I would not be able to make it through the day without him.
He is such a good kid. I know he needs me and that is one major motivator to sticking to things.
MY son plays soccer and I want soooooooo much to assist in coaching in the spring.. but right now.. I couldnt run even if I was being chased. I am looking forward to changing not only my appearance but my energy level and the way I interact with my son. Kids are such a motivator...
Keep up the good work!!

[Jimsgems]

I confess, I'm guilty of liking full figured women too, (Real Women), I actually prefer the German term, Zoftig.

To me, skinny is a major turn off, just as much as the other end of the spectrum, but some folks just don't know how to say it in a way that isn't offensive.

I aways complement folks in genuine concern, and truth. It cost so little and it can brighten the day, a little. Beauty is so much more a reflection of the inner being, or physical concerns. We all are so much more than our shells.

[jraz]

1st off.. love the name and the color... too cute....

Now take this as a grain of salt... but when I had leg cramps last time and I mean I really had lots of leg and feet cramps... I had an internet friend tell me to put a bar of soap in bed with me and that I would not have cramps... and so I did try this and do you know for me it worked.... only when I was in bed!!!!!!!!!!! lol... Can't explain it... but maybe it was all in my head...lol
ok.. that's my 2 cents worth...
Make it a Great day.. I will..............

[BigMamma12]

Madi, Congrats on the weight loss.....keep up the good work (or is it down) tee hee :roll: Hey pink it sure does give us energy, being on this low-carb way..eh....I'm up so early in the morning.....I just come here and see what's going on...Love it.....AminNura: I have been told the same thing my whole life....about the pretty face......but...........oh, and I also have some sort of uncomfortableness about when people start to notice I'm losing weight...what's up with that. ?????Good,for you about losing 105lbs.....It is my goal, but sometimes I can't imagine....I can't even imagine the feeling......but I'm going too........(positive thinking here) Yes JimGem you are a great inspiration, been checking out your Journal..it's great that you have them for all to see...by the way luv your pictures..Wow!!!!
Madi: if I could be on a scale everyday I probly would for the first little while...I know we are supposed to listen to how we feel, but it's been so long since I could get on a house hold scale... I'm hopeing I calm myself down by then Ha ha (can't imagine)also I'm so glad you found this place...I've been looking too....Always love to see your posts....glad your depression is lifting :D

[AmaniNura]

Hi Jim,
I want you to know.. that men who appreciate a woman for herself and not her jeans size is a rarity and greatly appreciated. I was not really offended by his interest in full figured women.. but I had worked so hard to not be considered a full figured woman.. it just kind of set me back a little thinking that even though I had lost over a hundred pounds at that point.. I was still viewed as large by men. It took the wind out of my sails. I am working on both the inside and the outside of me. :) I am plan to make it to the point that I look "healthy" but it has never been my dream to be skinny.

You have done GREAT.. any advice about how to get ketosis in full gear??

[pink]

Judi...SOAP??? Who knows? I say, whatever works is okay with me. There is so much we don't know in the universe, I would be the last to consider anything beyond the realm of possibility.
Love & Light,
Pink :dazzle:

[Jimsgems]

Amani;

For a man, I can only speak from this point of view, big isn't a bad thing. I'm envious of the Formula One Gran Prix racers, they are smaller me in a physical sense, I fit more easily in a Monster Truck, LOL. I have never been offended with being big. When I was big and fat, I offended me. But my self worth isn't too wrapped up in my physical apperaence other than being clean and neat.

I do understand the frustration, but being big isn't bad, just like being small isn't good. Being the way we are is perfect in the moment. We can change it (to some considerable degree), alter it, wear bigger clothes or smaller clothes.

I'll also assure you that there is absolutely nothing about being full figured man or woman, Thank God! Our self-image can get in the way of that, another small thing to consider, he might have tought you were very attractive, even beautiful without knowing your history, he may have just liked you the way you were in that moment in time.

While I do know something about the way you felt, all I'm saying is it may have caused unintential hurt, that he didn't mean. Or, he may have been a total ass. I don't know for sure...

Well just a few random thought from a totally demented mind. Be well.

[AmaniNura]

Thanks Jim... I will keep that in mind. I am hoping next week will be a better week for me.. drop by my journal to say hi once in awhile.

[Jimsgems]

I will. Thank you. Jim

[madcreek]

My cravings seem to be settling down and not bugging me as they were 2 days ago. I'm amazed at the change in me in only 4 days.

I used to nap two to three times a day and I haven't felt like I needed that. Now for the exercise. I've always hated exercise but as a kid used to walk and hike for miles. So, that will be my choice for exercise. I did do a short walk this afternoon and was out of breath by the time I got back.

I think I will take Don's suggestions and do 3 short walks per day until I can build up some stamina. I got a new pedometer but its the kind you program and I have to read the instructions. I got as far as getting it to crow like a rooster at 1:15 pm everyday. Now for the real programming - tell me how many steps I take each day!!!

G'nite all, Madi

[Jimsgems]

Madi;

The revitalization from this way of eating just has to be experienced, telling someone about it just doesn't translate well.

It just sounds like it's too much to believe. Cool Huh?

[madcreek]

I did this in 1997 (think it was) and lost 22 pounds, then again in 2000 and lost those same 22 pounds again. I think this third time is a charm. I weigh more now than I have ever weighed in my life and it was getting really scary because the pounds kept piling on and I felt helpless.

I'm more in control of my life now than I was the two times before and think this time it's for life. My whole attitude about it has changed. It's not just a way to lose weight - it's a lifestyle change and I know I'm allergic to grain and sugar!

How long does it take for a person to grow up?

A sad thing happened in my family yesterday. My cousin passed over. She was so depressed and unhappy here. She was not able to see that any change in her lifestyle would make a difference. She had everything going for her except her depression was severe. I tried to encourage her but it didn't work. She died of congestive heart failure due to obesity at age 65. She was a sweetheart and I will miss her so much. But, she doesn't have that struggle anymore. Madi

[Jimsgems]

I am very sorry for your loss. My sister-in-law did the exact same thing, in her case she just plain willed herself to death.


To your question about how long does it take a person to grow up. My answer is, I don't know, I'm still waiting.

I have lived with cronic depression most of my life, for me it is addressed many ways, my belief in God, my airborne military training and the kind of person I am. I get depressed, but I just keep doing , keep activity levels up and I deal with it pretty well, overall. God isn't through with me yet.

I think if you have a purpose larger than ourselves, we tend to not focus on our situation and I just tend to deal better when I'm doing stuff.

Again, I am so sorry for your loss. As long as she is remembered in your heart, she still "lives" in your memory.

[madcreek]

I think food allergies have a lot to do with depression. We don't even realize it. At least I didn't until this time around.

Somewhere I read that before mass production of sugar, it was treated as coke is today. Just the "rich elite" were able to afford it and they snorted it up their noses to get high. Now, we eat 140 pounds of it per year per person. I'm going to have to find that book again!

I just know I've grown up enough to realize I have to eat my veggies and protein and not be really particular about having this elaborate diet I must follow. Having been raised a vegetarian, it is difficult for me to eat a lot of meat though. I tend to rely on dairy products and eggs but it seems that this way of life makes it AOkay. The only meat I really love is bacon!!!

I agree with you, having a project or passion that is larger than ones self is a great deterrent to depression and that pity potty we all seem to end up on once in awhile.

[CanadianT]

Hi MadCreek,
I am very sorry for your loss. I know it must be a very sad and difficult time for you. I hope you can find a way to use her passing as a way to inspire you to keep up the good work on your LC'ing. With my job, i was envolved in caring for a little boy with genetic disabilities. He also recently passed away. He was the bravest little boy with the biggest smile you could ever imagine, even in pain, he would try his hardest to smile. And when i get alittle down, i remember his strength and courage, and i use it to my benefit. We all have to keep fighting, and it is worth it. When i started at 470lbs, i couldn't image ever loosing as much weight as i have. And here i am, 2 years later, less than half of my weight is gone!!!
No matter what happens around me, i have to think about myself and my goal. Nothing is going to get into my way. When you find that inner strengh in you, grab ahold of it, and don't let go. You can do it!! :roll:

Toni

[liz175]

Madi,

I am sorry to hear about your cousin. I know it is difficult to watch someone dying, know they could be helped if they could just help themself, and be unable to do anything about it. I have a relative who is doing the same thing right now and every time I see her I want to cry. However, she resists all our efforts to help her, no matter how supportive we are.

Congratulations on starting with short walks. When I started low carbing in July, I got out of breath and my back hurt taking short walks around the neighborhood. I had to swim for exercise because it put less strain on my body. Now that I have lost over 50 pounds, I am able to easily walk at a rapid pace for over an hour at a time on hllly trails -- it's a wonderful feeling! You weigh less than I do, so if you keep it up you should build up your stamina.

[slowday]

Maddcreek

JimGems is quite right. Sometimes people just will themselves to die. And sometimes its with such a quiet resolve that by the time you realize what is happening the only thing you can do is pray that God will come and take them home so the suffering will end for them.

But for the rest of us, we grow up when we realize that we have a lot of choices, but the only one we can make is the right one. So we give up addictions and exercise and even take supplements.

My wife has been talking about giving up white flour and sugar since I've known her. And I always laughed at her. But here I am giving up those things, and exercising and taking a row of supplements every morning. Its because I still have a lot of choices about what to eat, but only one right one. Growing up is a pain in my a**. But what the heck, might as well.

Only on an Atkins thread can you feel pity for someone who was raised a vegetarian. Eat Bacon..live longer. :D

Canadian T....Love the new avatar. If you're not careful such public displays of lost weight may inspire us. JimGems and his pants, and Dvellio with his incredible shrinking man were bad enough. Now you come along with the before and after. I love how the width of the after is only 2/3 of the before. Did I mention DW with his belt picture. Too much inspiration before breakfast. On the menu this morning, eggs, sausage, 8 supplements an thirty ounces of water.

BTW...BigMamma...went to the doctor yesterday and got weighed and got my blood results. Lost eight pounds and the blood results put me in really good health.

slowday :)

[CanadianT]

Thanks Slowday, if my pic can be an inspiration to others, than all the hard work i have done is worth it. I just hope i don't crack too many forum members monitors with it, lol.............. :D

Toni :wave:

[madcreek]

Canadian T, Yes, your pic is a great inspiration!!! What a difference time and lifestyle change can make!!! I'm so sorry about your little caregiver boy. When we think of our "disability" we have much to be thankful for - we can change it. He couldn't and could still enjoy life and smile.

Making lemonade is one of my favorite things to do. So - I will remember my cousin with fondness and remember her goodheartedness. I have one picture of her when she was 4 or 5 at Christmas time. That will be the picture etched in my mind because she told me she was so happy that day.

I'm writing this while I'm doing my bacon for the week. I like to put it on a slow skillet and get it crispy. I get bacon ends and pieces because many of them have so much more lean than the regular slices. I come in here and write a paragraph or two then jump up and go to the kitchen. I get a bit of exercise that way.

Walking in earnest has to start today. I've got to figure out how to program my pedometer!

It is so beautiful today, just like spring. Madi

[madcreek]

Liz175, I'm so proud of you for being able to walk because of the loss of 50 lbs. I think when I lose 50, I will be bouncing off the walls I will feel so light!

But, when I was 150 lbs lighter than I am, I felt fat. Is it because we think we are fat back then that we got this way? I will have to wait and see when I get 150 lbs lighter.

I know what you mean by backache and pain. That will get better with more walking. I guess we have to go thru the pain!!!

Madi

[BigMamma12]

:) Hi everyone.........glad to see you all come back and keep posting you are all a great inspiration..MADCREEK: Glad to hear that your cravings are calming down, it feels great doesn't it. Sometimes I can't believe the energy that is starting to come to me. Used to (like 10 days ago) have panick attacks if I had to make a trip to the washroom, because it was so hard to get there. Even little things like that are getting better for me...Mind ya I'm not running any marathons anytime soon...but baby steps are good....I will not give up.....Sorry to hear about your loss...good to see your looking at the good/positive things about her...that will help you through some tough times...JIMSGEMS: I suffer from cronic depression also, but like you I keep trying to trudge along and keep positive...although somedays I feel like covering up my head and telling the world to just go away...taking medication for it too...I've been on it for 8 years and I am 31.........I also agree about food allergies helping depression...Oh, and about growing up....I don't know either...I've been told......if the stereo is too loud then your too old....tee hee....love my music and I refuse to grow up..... :daze:
LIZ175: I have just re-newed my membership to the YMCA and I am going to go to aqua-arobics. I was in it before and loved it...It felt so good on my back and joints to get in that heated water...but I'm going to wait a bit more till my chest cold goes away and I can breathe properly again......but it is a goal...SLOWDAY: Great news about the weight loss and blood work....keep up the good work :spin: Cheering for ya!! Does your wife do low-carb with you too? Forgive me if this has been asked before...CANADIAN T:What words can I find..... :thup: awesome, awesome, awesome, pics....love them WOW!!!!!!!!! :eek: You go girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Gotta run(Not Literally)and write in my journal...Today is Day#8 yeh......

[jraz]

Just had to tell you that you make me smile... In just a week you have come a long way.... I can see you glowing and becoming an inspiration to the others in here.... You go girl.... I am confident that you will achieve your goals... and never stop posting cuz I love reading your posts....

[jraz]

:thup: Way to go... It does get easier... the 1st 3 days are the hardest.... now you are on your way to a slimmer, healthier you....

Sorry to read about you cousin... I pray she is now at peace.

I have enjoyed this group so much... I've learned from each and everyone of you... and I love the pics... keep posting them... what a motivation they are....

I do think I have a thyroid problem because of my temps being under 98.6 all the time... I guess if I ever had a 98.6 I would probably be running a fever... I never run a fever... maybe this is the reason... I made me a doctor appointment for the 27th to check this out...

Ok, post reading time.... happy weekend all..........

[AmaniNura]

I broke the plateau.. All week nothing.. today I am at 286!!!

Woo hoo! wish me luck on next week.

[madcreek]

I just love it here! This forum is the best!!

And a congrats to AmaniNura for falling off the table! I never thought I'd say that to anyone!

JRaz: On the thyroid thing, don't believe what your doctor says. If you are borderline, they usually say you don't need thyroid. My temps are never over 98 degrees in the morning and my doctor won't give me thyroid. There are alternatives to thyroid medicine which can be purchased on the internet. It has something to do with T3 and T4 something or others. I'll have to read it again.

Oh no, Big Mamma - I turned the stereo down tonight but only because the phone rang!!! LOL

[jraz]

After reading the Atkins book about temps and then in the thyroid area... I think this is me... I started taking my temps on Jan. 9 and every day since... My wake up temp runs from 93.3, 94.5, 95.3, 94.7... you get the idea... Since doing this I've never had a 98 temp... and boy do I have all the symptons... this just makes so much sense to me... Back in the 60's I had the radioactive pill I took, with the machine scanning over the neck test and they put me on pills then, but if I remember correct, I maybe took them for a month.,... and never since... I've had blood tests and they all come back normal... so whos to say... I made an appointment for the 27th to see what the doc says...

Ok, it's bedtime... so will say nite all... God Bless each of you..

[jraz]

:cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :rose: Congratulations.... I understand how good that feels.... and it will keep happening more and more.... Whoo Hoooo.... :roll:

[pink]

I haven't been here since Friday morning and all the success is amazing!!!

Madi: Can't believe you are the same person who just a few days ago was writing about night eating...can you? Unbelieveable what can happen without ingesting sugar, etc.
So sorry about your cousin...your memories will keep her spirit alive.

Jim: You are such an inspiration to me. Of course, the pants, but, I, like you am a very spiritual person. I have been studying Kabbalah for the last nine years and it has made tremendous positive changes in my life. And, growing up is not on my agenda at the moment either. Come visit me in my journal. We'll do coffee.

Toni: Your photos are a miracle...just like you are. Thanks for being here.

My second week ends tomorrow. I will begin working out tomorrow morning...I have promised myself. I used to be a dancer...haven't moved in a long time...but I commit to it here and now.
Hey, it's nine o'clock and the Rolling Stones are on HBO...see 'ya.

Love & Light,
Pink :dazzle:

[BigMamma12]

JRAZ: Thanx for all your kind words. I love it when people smile.... :D This place must be God sent because if you all saw me on this computer you would laugh till ya pee'd......I have no idea how I found this forum :confused: But am I ever glad...I'm here and you are too.....Keep up your great efforts :thup:
This weekend was a challenge for me. Went to have a sleepover at my sister's and everyone there had tons of junk food and I mean yummy junk...my hubby packed me cheese, cooked hamburger patties, diet pop, porky's, fish in the cans, chicken and turkey in the cans and lot's of water and some flavoured sardines. I did just fine. I second guessed myself when the bolognie came out. My favorite food but don't know when to stop at a couple of pieces...hopefully that will come in time....
AMANINURA: WAY TO GO..........KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK :eek:
MADCREEK: I'm with you about, don't listen to your doctor about the thyroid thing....I have had mine tested so many times and I bet on the test I'm borderline but I keep getting ignored. Maybe I will do the temperature thing in the am's when I get a new thermometer....see what happens then.....I requested to see an endocrinologist for more in detail tests of my thyroid, haven't heard anything back....don't know how that works where your from, but I just told my doctor to refer me and he did and away I went....oh, yah....keep that stereo cranked :p ha ha
PINK: What is Kabbala if I may ask? Positive changes....I could handle that...good luck on your upcoming second week..Celina :wave:

[madcreek]

BigMamma: Stereo has been cranked since I got a new one last night!!!! 100Watts - it's been a long time since I've had such a good stereo - a JVC. Music is such a soothe for the spirit. I listened to Breakfast with the Beatles - one of my favorite shows, and tonight I'll get to hear Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion and it will sound big!!!! I'm into all types of music, country, gospel, classics, rock and roll, folk, bluegrass and what else is there. Current person I love to hear the most is Norah Jones - wow!!! What a great voice and her inflections are wonderful. I love the Gaithers and the Heritage Singers for the gospel thing. I used to be married to a jazz saxophone musician who played for Frank Sinatra, Anita O'Day, Lou Rawls, Vikki Carr, Nancy Wilson and many others. So, music and my life are synonymous!!

Last night was difficult for me - I fell off but picked it back up this morning and have been soooo good all day. Falling off made me feel badly all day just like I had a hangover.

I'm glad you had plenty of good snacks so you were able to stay Kewl!!!! I've got to get busy and boil some eggs right now so I'll have quick snacks for the week. Madi

[BigMamma12]

Hey Madi: Great to hear from ya.....I know music is great isn't it...I just love it too....jazz sax....wow...could never get tired of listening to that..Sorry to hear about your rough night last night, but it does happen....we are only human....we try our best...you keep that stereo and chin up and just keep truggin' along like nothin' even happened. Oh, isn't it amazing how the body feels after those extra carbs....I've done that before and been so drowzy and just pure sluggish...said to myself "boy won't do that again" :o Until the next time...ha ha.......Repeat when necessary......carbs are cruel, carbs are cruel, carbs are cruel.....
Great idea about the eggs, I wish I could get into eggs again...I really over did it awhile back and can't even think of eating them now...so I'll just wait and try them again some day....I used to love making the devilled eggs and just cold plain out of the fridge...keep up the good work of thinkin' ahead.....that's the way to do it.....talk to ya soon :wave: Celina

[cathyd]

I just spent some time catching up on all of your posts - so much encouragement! I had a bad day yesterday - after 18 days - I grabbed a couple of cookies - got right back to business today. I am getting kind of sick of eggs for breakfast and started eating 2 cheesburgers the last couple of days - any other ideas for breakfast?

[rainbird]

Hi All,
I am so sorry for your loss Madi, ....my thoughts are with you.
I have been reading these posts through and I don`t really have much to say tonight. I just wanted to say hi to all ....I enjoy your "fellowship" on this board and take comfort in that others struggle the same battle I do...
good nite all....
rainbird

[jraz]

By the time I get here, I have forgotten who said what... How do you all do it??? I want to answer each of you or talk to each of you on a one on one.... but.......... CRS I guess... lol so forgive me...

Whoever fell off the wagon... remember don't beat yourself up... just be sure to climb aboard immediately.... I can't afford to fall off anymore... I yawn all the time anyway and when I've had just a few carbs, it makes me just want to lay down my head and take a nap... even if it's just for 5 minutes.. and that is a horrible feeling... I have to drive now (my hb was diagnoised with MS a couple years ago and believe me.. you don't want him driving...lol) and when I was on the carbs... whoooooooooaaaa the drive home was hard, cuz I just wanted to close my eyes so bad... it's a 30 minute drive home too.... so I fought the sleepies all the way home.... now without carbs I am handling this much better.....

Now am headed to bed so I won't sleep through work tomorrow... Nite all and God Bless each and everyone of you...

[madcreek]

It's a place I can go for empathy, sympathy, encouragement, laughter, knowledge that there are others out there struggling for their very lives as I am. I've been searching for a long time for this and feel as if I have found a "family".

I've belonged to several other forums but they just didn't fill the bill as well as this one does.

Nobody who is thin knows how "fat" discrimination can affect us.
It cost me my job, my love, my ability to get another good job and so many things. It cost me my already damaged self esteem but if that would have been in order, maybe I wouldn't be in this predicament now. Just ask Dr. Phil!!!

So, today, I spent 5 minutes just loving myself and loving life as it is. I did breathing exercises, breathing in and then pushing all of the air from my lungs with my diaphram. My "coach" says we have to get all the bad air out - don't concentrate on deep breathing, concentrate on pushing the bad air out. That's an exercise I can do on the bed and it makes me feel good I'm exercising even if it is just breathing techniques. And it does make a difference.

I'm not tired of eggs or whatever yet but can understand our lack of food diversity. I did download the recipe for french toast made with pork rinds and am going to try it. I'm also going to try the pizza recipe with pork rinds as a crust. I like them especially the hot ones. I imagine the bland ones would work great and it will be a bit of variety. Why not cheesecake for breakfast? I can go along with that!!! Yum!!!

We have to learn a whole new way of cooking and enjoying new foods. I was so tempted to have a peanut butter sandwich (took one for school lunch everyday in 3rd grade and have never lost my love for them) last night but didn't. I did discover a neat way to make a peanut butter sandwich though that is easy. I spread it between two thin cheese slices - it was great!!!!

It was a great life during my jazz era. My kids were exposed to the arty life and learned many things a lot of kids miss out on because they had live music in their living room so much of the time. I was the band mom and used to make 2 loaves of bread each week for the guys. I really miss being around live music and one of these days when I get thin, I will be back into that life again.

[slowday]

peanut butter between thin slices of cheese, actually sounds pretty good, and something I'm going to try pretty soon.

I thought I had a pretty good day yesterday. The DW was out with some friends and I got to stay home, do some work and watch my Eagles turn into Beagles as they got run out by the Bucs. Oh well. Then when I thought that things couldn't get worse, when I plugged my foods into fitday, I discovered I was about 700 calories more than I planned and about 15 carbs over the 20 induction allows. Ouch. Gotta read them labels more carefully.

When my wife got home she put me on KP and made me clean up my greasy mess; bacon grease in the skillet, meatza grease on the baking sheet and turkey thigh grease in the crock pot. The great thing about KP in the Atkins army is no potatoes to peel. :D

Today, I go back into induction. No strawberries, no nuts and no pepperoni for a long while. I start back to the gym tonight, having been cleared by the doc for more strenuous exercising.

I'm primed for a really good week. I hope everyone here has one as well.

slowday :)

[Lolabug]

Hi everyone,
I just got thru reading 4 pages of posts! What can I say? all of you are such an inspiration to me. Thanks for sharing of yourselves and your lives.

I'm finally gearing up to start my plan. I just have to finish painting my kitchen, moving half of the stuff back in and I'm on my way. I also have a good friend of mine who is going to be my "diet buddy". We are going to be accountable to each other and have regular weigh-ins. I know that that will help me. We are also going to put money in a pot whenever we lose weight at our weigh-ins. If we gain weight, then the other one will take money out of that person's pot and put it into their own. We're calling it our "new clothes fund".

Have a great day everyone!

Alena.

p.s. I had my thyroid checked. The clinical range is between 0.5 and 5 (I think). However, my own number is 3.1. A regular doctor would consider that "normal". Yes, my temps are low too. I'm working with a special nutrionalist and his idea of a normal range is 0.5 to 1.5. He got me on T3 medication. I've only been taking it a week so I can't really say if it is doing anything. It takes a while to set in. there is a really great website all about thyroid. about.com or something like that. Get yourself well informed before you see a doctor.

[jraz]

We do not err because truth is difficult to see. It is visible at a glance. We err because this is more comfortable.
-Alexander Solzhenitsyn-

hmmmm peanut butter between cheese slices... I love peanut butter and mayonaise sandwiches and they do make peanut butter slices now... but don't think I am interested in trying that...

This is the best and most motivated forum I have ever seen.. Thanks to all of you for making this place a great success... I am a success because of all of you...

And Madi... I love all the music you listed... love Big Band, and Gospel, Hymns, Jazz, Golden Oldies, Old Country... etc...

Blessings to All.......

[jraz]

Remember I said I pee blood when on LC, well it started today... and I am in such pain... it's like giving birth.. maybe worse... did go to the doctor and got meds that i hope kick in real soon... Wish I knew how come this happens and I've been drinking gallons of water... My doc is a fan of Dr Atkins and does not think this is my problem... but everytime I go on LC I start peeing blood... and am passing lots of clots... grrrrrrrrrrrrr... Will write more later.. right now I am headed to bed... can't stay off pot over 2 minutes.... This is not fun......

[madcreek]

Jraz, It is terrible that LC makes you have bladder and kidney problems. I'm going to look that up. I love surfing!!! I hope you find a cure for it!

I'm glad some people like the idea of my peanut butter sandwiches. I think they are easier open face than squished.

I've been such a good girl today. So far, my LC morning latte to which I've added cinnamon. That makes it sooo yummy. Then my Scrabble friend came over and to celebrate my weight loss brought cold cuts and cheese slices for us to munch on. It was a good 3 game match! Her son needs to get into this style of eating and I was talking to her about it. Proselytising already!!!

Then, a 10 minute walk which got my blood pumping. And now it's computer time.

Love your clothes fund idea, Lolabug!!!!

I changed scales today because the one I was using seems to have a short in it or something. I says error all the time, so I threw it out and am using my old scale. I hope it is as accurate, oh well, I can't weigh for a month anyway even though I'm so curious. I feel lighter!!!

Madi