Need advice

[Arobinson4372]

I first began this WOE in September of 2004. Over the course of one year I lost an amazing 70+ pounds and went from 270 to 195 or so pounds (can't remember what the all time low was). Then in August of 2005 I had to have a complete hysterectomy and from that point forward I had the hardest time sticking to the diet. Well I have now inched my way back up to 251 pounds and it makes me sick. I have tried to go back to this WOE but have had a harder time sticking to it and making it work. Please give me some advice as to what is the best way to make this work for me again. I know it worked the first time but its as if since the hysterectomy my body is totally different and it just doesn't work the same. I am planning on beginning on Monday, January 15, 2007. Thanks so much in advance.

Ashlie

[Laceylyn1031]

Re: Need advice

Hi and congrats on gettin back on the wagon. Just keep focusing on the goal!! Changing your eating habits is such a hard thing to do, you really have to just stay strong and not lose sight of what you want in the end. My failure the first time was the frankenfoods....diet soda, sugar free candy, basically feeding my sweettooth and not killing it during the first 2 weeks was my mistake and led to me eventually falling off the wagon. Sometimes I take a good long look in the mirror and think, I could be looking at a thinner healthier happier me if I just keep chugging along. Its mind over matter here, the cravings are terrible but just squish them, have some cheese or some bacon or chicken with the skin on, eat a deviled egg trust me the cravings will go away. Dont forget water and excersize!! You can do this Learn from previous experiences. I havent touched diet soda or eaten a bite of sugar free candy since I started because Im afraid of failing again.

[Wonder Woman]

Re: Need advice

Ashlie - so much of this WOL is mental. I would say the majority of it is mental and the rest is physical - as in a physical sugar addition.

It took me 3 years and gaining all of my weight back plus 20 lbs to finally get to the point where I was ready. In that 3 years, I started back over and over but never fully committed myself to Atkins. I guess I just wasn't ready. The first time I went on Atkins, I did a lot of mental preparation beforehand - coming on these boards, reading, looking for options at the grocery store. This time, I had to really mentally prepare too. I have been mentally preparing myself for this restart for a good 3 or 4 months. Even before that, I knew I would go back to Atkins, I just didn't know when.

Now that I'm on it, my cravings disappeared almost IMMEDIATELY and now I remember how I felt before. Completely in control of my hunger and impulses. I wish everyone could know that obesity is so often a sugar addition. I CAN'T do this without doing it the Atkins way. I do know that.

Also, I think it's important to recognize that your body IS different now. A hysterectomy is a huge deal. You are physically and hormonally very different. If you have any doubts about how you are doing physically, see a doctor. I just don't think that some people acknowledge what a big deal that surgury is.

[boonie stomper]

Re: Need advice

Get the book, Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution 2002 edition, read and do as it says, especially the before parts. Also, stay with us! Reading and posting every day makes a tremendous difference, because you are not doing it alone. You can start a thread in Journal Chats, post your menus for review, join challenges, and just plain have fun here while you lose weight. Best of all, if you run into a tricky spot, ask questions here and solutions will be suggested!


Good luck!! P.S. Weigh and measure before, too.

[Sarah1341]

Re: Need advice

Everyone has already given you wonderful advice. Don't give up!! When you hit that bump in the road, climb back on the wagon and keep trying.

[jroche5998]

Re: Need advice

Hey Ashlie, welcome back. As far as sticking to it I wish I had an answer because I needed it a year ago. I fell of the wagon hard when my newborn had to spend a month in the hospital (back in Sept 05) and I am finally just now getting back to it seriously and regaining control. I have restarted more times in the last 15 months than I can count. The only thing I can say is when YOU are ready you will do it.

[Kate113]

Re: Need advice

When I'm feeling discouraged, I come here and read, read, read. Or I pick up DANDR and read, read, read. I look at everyone's progress pictures here at ADBB. Then I look in the mirror. That's all it takes.

[BeccaResRN]

Re: Need advice

I am back on track myself again and I know it is soooooo hard to restart. My experience is that if I can make it through the first 24 hours I will probably be able to do it....If I make it 3 days I am home free...LOL

So I bought a bunch of great low carb foods staek hamburger cauliflower cheese cream cheese broccoli pepperoni chicken wings salad ranch dressing bacon cream

And I planned...as in wrote it down what I would have for the first 3 days...especially that first day...Lot of great foods. I have restarted so many times to do great right up to dinner then cave...so I enlisted my DH and told him I wanted to stick to my plan for 3 days and he said he'd help...he didn't suggest pizza or fast food and he helped make dinner and supported me

So I have now completed 4 full days and this is my 5th wow that was hard getting back in the groove but I am grooving now!!!!

[dreamof145]

Re: Need advice

Hi Ashlie. I started this WOE at 285 and went down to 175. At that time, I also had a hysterectomy. It is difficult to stay on plan during that time cause for the first few weeks, you can't continue your exercise and are more or less dependent on others for food. I had my husband cook up meals on the weekend and freeze them for me. That way, I only had to microwave my meals and I was still on plan. As soon as I was able, I resumed walking and other exercise. 6 months after my hysterectomy, I had two total knee replacements. So, it was sort of a double whammy for me. Its been almost a year since my knee replacements and I'm at 170. I'm still trying to reach my goal, but it is harder. It just seems my body isn't cooperating with my WOE as it did before my surgeries.

What I'd recommend is to make a plan (written out) on your food and your exercise. Stick to it. Even if the weight doesn't come off as fast or as easily as it did before, stick to the plan. I know it gets frustrating, it will happen. As you can, up the exercise routine. Follow the program and it will work.

The doctor told me that because of all the medication that I was taking with my surgeries, it has caused my body to react differently to losing. I still have more trouble and I'm not losing as I wish I should. But, I am not gaining and that is a blessing in itself. He told me that most women gain between 30-40 pounds with a hysterectomy and 20 pounds with knee replacements (thats his observation from the majority of his patients).

I'm sending you lots of hugs and positive vibes. We can do this. Its a challenge, but if we stick to plan, I know it will happen. Best wishes to you!

[SouLThinKing]

Re: Need advice

I agree with all the other posters. I work at an OB/Gyn Clinic. I see hysterectomy patients every day. Yes, your body changes and you can gain weight a lot more easily. But, this WOE does still work. You have to work a littler harder and stay away from the frankenfoods. Drink plenty of water and don't go more than 3 hrs without something to eat even if it's a deviled egg. You need to keep your metabolism burning all the time. Your hormones regulate how you burn your carbs/calories. You might need to get your thyroid checked about 6 months post op. Sometimes it gets out of wack. Please ask them to do the whole series. T4, T3, TSH, and I can't remember the other one. Take a vitamin also. You need to make sure your getting enough calcium since your at more of a greater risk for osteoporisis at this time too. Vitamin B12 is very important. Ask your Dr. Tell him/her your trying to lose weight. They do have good advice. Keep it up. Your worth it.
God Bless
Nichole

[Outback Jess]

Re: Need advice

Hey Ashlie, I know probably more than loosing weight, is staying on plan. I love what Becca said, if she can get thru the first 24 hrs. and then after day 3 she is home free.
I also loved the thought of getting some of the very best foods up front!
I would and did do that...By day 5 your blood sugars will smooth out and you will be in ketosis and feel like a new woman! But getting from day one to day five, well that's the battle huh?
Once you get thru one meal, fight like crazy for the next one...and the next one...and the next one...keep coming here and reading all the stories and posts, know that it works...