Barb
Tue, Apr-09-02, 12:22
Let me introduce myself:
Did you hear the one about a yo-yo dieter who tried everything from liquid protein, OA, Weight Watchers...only to gain hundreds of lost pounds back and then some...over and over and over? Well, that's me, Barb. Since I am new, I am posting this on the Newbies forum; I apologize in advance if I should have posted on a different forum.
After you read the following, is there any hope for me?! I am praying that some of you have experience with the same issue I have and can offer some guidance and hope. I am beginning to think I am a lost cause. Thank you!
My top weight nearly 25 years ago was 340...I have had great success along my quarter century path. I once lost 200 pounds while in OA (eight years)--only to gain all but 40 back. So you can deduce, I have great set backs, too. I won't call them failures, as I have not given up hope. However, I am almost to that point.
Eleven months ago, I weighed 254 lbs. I joined Weight Watchers and was successful for 8 months--although the weight loss was very slow. Then I hit a four-month plateau, got discouraged and went on a three-day binge. I went from 197.25 all the way back up to 208 in a matter of days. While struggling, I came across the Atkins infomercial. Being desperate, I immediately bought the 1999 edition of the book and began the program instantly 3/24/02).
The first week, I lost an astonishing 10.75 pounds. I was jumping with the joy of hope! The second week, I gained 3 pounds--I was not too surprised because I knew the previous loss was mostly water. However, I am three days into my third week, and I am still gaining. I was hoping to see the reverse by now. I am still eating under 20 carbs a day; however, I added macadamia nuts to my plan two days ago.
I bought a book titled: How to Get the Most Out of Your Low Carb Diet (or something like that) authored by Laura Richards. She had some startling information regarding hidden carbs, how to read labels to determine the correct carb count that isn't listed on the label. I learned I was eating about 6 hidden carbs a day in my sugarless gum and a plethora of other helpful information.
HOWEVER, I am beginning to panic. By the way, I am in ketosis; belong to a gym and water exercise 3-5 times (1 hr. each session--have been for 8 months); haven't gone over carbs; keep my fat higher than my protien ratio; gave up diet pop; don't drink caffenine. Strikes against me: I do take medication for hypertension (ACE inhibitor and a beta blocker), and I am a yo-yo dieter, so I think I have metabolic resistance. What do I do about that? Although not fond of doctors at all (I would rather be audited by the IRS), I do have an appointment 4/22/02 to discuss my blood pressure prescription and to get a total blood work-up done (including thyroid--although I think my thyroid is working just fine).
I am confused about calories. Do any of you count calories (the beauty of Atkins is not counting calories, but they do count, I know...rats!) For a 53 yr. old woman who exercises 3-5 times a week and works as an administrative assistant (fairly sedentary) how many should I eat a day on the average? I hate to count calories, but I must take an intelligent and disciplined route to reach life-long success. I cannot continue to gain on a weight-loss program!
I am open to suggestions; I need help!
Thank you,
Barb
Did you hear the one about a yo-yo dieter who tried everything from liquid protein, OA, Weight Watchers...only to gain hundreds of lost pounds back and then some...over and over and over? Well, that's me, Barb. Since I am new, I am posting this on the Newbies forum; I apologize in advance if I should have posted on a different forum.
After you read the following, is there any hope for me?! I am praying that some of you have experience with the same issue I have and can offer some guidance and hope. I am beginning to think I am a lost cause. Thank you!
My top weight nearly 25 years ago was 340...I have had great success along my quarter century path. I once lost 200 pounds while in OA (eight years)--only to gain all but 40 back. So you can deduce, I have great set backs, too. I won't call them failures, as I have not given up hope. However, I am almost to that point.
Eleven months ago, I weighed 254 lbs. I joined Weight Watchers and was successful for 8 months--although the weight loss was very slow. Then I hit a four-month plateau, got discouraged and went on a three-day binge. I went from 197.25 all the way back up to 208 in a matter of days. While struggling, I came across the Atkins infomercial. Being desperate, I immediately bought the 1999 edition of the book and began the program instantly 3/24/02).
The first week, I lost an astonishing 10.75 pounds. I was jumping with the joy of hope! The second week, I gained 3 pounds--I was not too surprised because I knew the previous loss was mostly water. However, I am three days into my third week, and I am still gaining. I was hoping to see the reverse by now. I am still eating under 20 carbs a day; however, I added macadamia nuts to my plan two days ago.
I bought a book titled: How to Get the Most Out of Your Low Carb Diet (or something like that) authored by Laura Richards. She had some startling information regarding hidden carbs, how to read labels to determine the correct carb count that isn't listed on the label. I learned I was eating about 6 hidden carbs a day in my sugarless gum and a plethora of other helpful information.
HOWEVER, I am beginning to panic. By the way, I am in ketosis; belong to a gym and water exercise 3-5 times (1 hr. each session--have been for 8 months); haven't gone over carbs; keep my fat higher than my protien ratio; gave up diet pop; don't drink caffenine. Strikes against me: I do take medication for hypertension (ACE inhibitor and a beta blocker), and I am a yo-yo dieter, so I think I have metabolic resistance. What do I do about that? Although not fond of doctors at all (I would rather be audited by the IRS), I do have an appointment 4/22/02 to discuss my blood pressure prescription and to get a total blood work-up done (including thyroid--although I think my thyroid is working just fine).
I am confused about calories. Do any of you count calories (the beauty of Atkins is not counting calories, but they do count, I know...rats!) For a 53 yr. old woman who exercises 3-5 times a week and works as an administrative assistant (fairly sedentary) how many should I eat a day on the average? I hate to count calories, but I must take an intelligent and disciplined route to reach life-long success. I cannot continue to gain on a weight-loss program!
I am open to suggestions; I need help!
Thank you,
Barb