Some Support/Advice-Trying Again!

[hopper116]

Hi All,
I found this forum and knew it was a Godsend! Back in 2004, my husband and I went on Atkins and did great for about 8 1/2 months. I lost 114 lbs. and my husband lost 108 lbs. We felt like new people! I found out to our shock that I was pregnant. We didn't think we could have children, but after 14 years of marriage, low carb eating and a bunch of weight off, I got pregnant! We were thrilled, but my doctor immediately took me off Atkins, and on the weight came. I had my son in May of 2005, and I've gained all my weight back. Needless to say, I am very down. We gave low carb another try about 10 months ago, but I honestly felt I wasn't losing or losing very SLOWLY. The first time it melted off, but last time was very discouraging for me. I want to try low carb again as I feel so much better without eating sugar, etc. Is it normal to lose so slowly if you've already did low carb? Also, do you guys find it harder now that a lot of the "low carb" products aren't so readily available? We didn't really use a whole lot back in 2004, but a few things like LC ketchup were nice. Any tips for trying Atkins a third time? Is it a good idea? Thanks in advance for the encouragement!
Stephanie

[julirama723]

Re: Some Support/Advice-Trying Again!

Stephanie--
This is my second time around, and yes, I noticed that the weight did not "melt" off as quickly as it did before...at least in the beginning. Don't let that discourage you. You and your husband have both seen amazing success with this plan, so you know it works!

One big selling point with me was that I wasn't as concerned that it SEEMED to be coming off slower--I felt better than I had in years on this plan, no mood swings, irritability, migraines, etc. At one point I asked myself, "Even if I never lost any more weight, would I go back to my old ways of eating?" and I sad **** NO! I feel great now!

But you know what, my weight loss has been steadily increasing since I've moved to OWL...I'm making sure I do Atkins "by the book" this time--before, I took too many liberties and did some things "my own way." It's a good idea to get the 2002 ed. of Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution--it's the most up-to-date and reliable version...for me it was important to read to finally understand WHY the diet works, and WHY certain things are done.

Check out the Second Time Around Club...lots of others who are back in the saddle again.

As for low carb products...I don't really use any. But it doesn't help that I'm currently living in a small town, and am not able to buy most of that stuff even if I wanted to. I know there are LOTS of recipes on here and at Linda's Low Carb website to make sauces, dips, dressings, and all sorts of recipes that are low carb AND really really good.

So....hopper116, glad you're here. Follow the book, follow the rules, and the weight will come off! You know it will, and you know you can do it.

[Outback Jess]

Re: Some Support/Advice-Trying Again!

Hey Stephanie,
Welcome to STAC...I think more than weight loss going slow, it's hard to get in and settled back with the diet, and avoid the liberties we took, or some of us took, as we tinkered with low carb, thinking we could, "modify here and there"...
I relate completely to Juli, I would not want to go back because of the reduction in sugar-emotions. I struggled terribly with all the emotions that came from the bloodsugar highs and lows...Now I am pretty calm and together. I've lost 45+ lbs in 4 months, so I think the weight is coming off very nicely, but I work out very hard.
The lifestyle is so much better now than on sugars and over eating and junk food.