Hello everyone!

I have been lurking here for a long, long time. I couldn't get in when I first registered and I haven't had time since. My name is Joan (cecile is my middle name) and I am 50 years old and the mother of one adopted daughter, Ellie, who is 9. All my life I have had a small weight problem but to me it was big because I hated myself. During high school everone was skinny and I wasn't. I became a flight attendant and was on weight check for 5 years!!! Talk about humiliating. Then I discovered running and for several years I was OK. Women my age started gaining from babies and I didn't so they all caught up to me. I was pretty OK with myself until three years ago. I got breast cancer and the chemo treatment and subsequent tamoxifen put 20 pounds on me. Also, the chemo sent me through menopause in one month. I have tried everything to lose just 10 of those pounds and nothing has worked. I play hard tennis 3 - 4 times a weeks and work out with weights when I have time (which isn't often). I have known for a long time that I should get off sugar but it has been impossible. I have read every low carb book out there and could never last more than a day without sugar. I have read several journals (Nat, Marlaine(sp?), Homegirl, Not). I feel like I know you all. Anyway, Monday it finally clicked and I used everything you all have offered in the way of advice. So, TODAY IS DAY 5 OF NO SUGAR!!!!! I have been following Atkins induction but I think I will move to Protein Plan. I really want to eat healthy more than anything. I know the tamoxifen will make it hard for me to lose but Dr. Susan Love, author of the Breast Book told me that low carb might work for me. So, I am off on the adventure. I started using fitday and I will start a journal Monday. So, it is nice to finally "meet" you all. Joan

Welcome abaord Joan,

That's an interesting comment from your doctor. Was her comment made in person, or was it part of her book? We love intelligent doctors here

Wa'il

My first reply, how exciting!!!

I emailed Dr. Love about my weight gain problem. She states in her book (in so many words) that gaining weight during chemo is the ultimate insult to injury. I mean, we have been through enough, do we have to gain weight too? But she never said why so I emailed to ask why I gained during chemo (wouldn't you think at least I would lose then?) and why so many women gain on tamoxifen. She emailed back that I gained during chemo because of the anti nausea drugs (no complaint there ) and no one know why we gain on tamoxifen. I have seen breast cancer survivors gain 40 to 50 pounds on it. Anyway, then she said that I might try cutting down on carbs because women who are through menopause seem to lose better that way. Cool huh?
Cecile

I really enjoyed and admired your introduction and found much in it with which I could identify.

I suspect that I rarely went a day without eating some form of simple sugar: i.e. junk food.

I felt that I needed it: After all, Ben and Jerry were the BEST therapists going! Peanut butter cups were a form of religion to me.

BUT I finally did it. I have not had any simple sugars since early in April; I won't say it was easy at first but I will say that the cravings disappeared rather quickly.

Good luck; I know that you can do it!

Natalie

Hello Cecile

Glad you decided to join us. I know you will get great support here. I never could have done so well with out this forum. There is so much here. I like the recipes and helpful insights of the mentors.

Don't worry about the cravings. They will subside. I believe if you could make it thought breast cancer you will do great with your desire to lose weight.

Best wishesh, Angelfish

Hello Cecile

Glad you decided to join us. I know you will get great support here. I never could have done so well with out this forum. There is so much here. I like the recipes and helpful insights of the mentors.

Don't worry about the cravings. They will subside. I believe if you could make it though breast cancer you will do great with your desire to lose weight.

Best wishes, Angelfish

Hi my name is Jasmine. I am 25 years old and I live in Sunny Florida. I began at 5' 7 and 138 lbs. I have been active all of my life, and have never been able to drop the extra 10 pounds. I was working out 5 days a week ( burning no less than 700 calories at the gym at each work out) eating right, working with a personal trainer...and still could only maintain my weight. I was so discouraged until finally a friend introduced me to the Atkins diet. Within 2 months I lost the 10 pounds! I have maintained this weight for 7 months. Now I only go to the gym twice a week for those vigorous workouts, and I am always satisfied with my meals. This diet is truly amazing! I get to eat like a Queen, I am full and satisfied, and the best part - I have finally lost the weight! Good luck everyone!