Confused and not losing

[lulu3425]

This is my second time around on Atkins. The first time, I dropped weight faster than I had ever done before. It was amazing; I felt good and I was eating foods that had always been forbidden. Then, I got sick. My doctor said it was kidney infections from the high protein. After several infections and bouts with pain, I get off of Atkins and gained my weight back. Well after several times of being in the emergency room and months later, the doctors realized it wasn't my kidneys and urinary tract infections, but my ovaries. I had surgery and have been fine...no more pain.

Now I have been back on Atkins for about 6 weeks. I lost the first 5 pounds quickly, but since then I haven't lost anything!! I remember the quick weight loss the first time (20 pounds in the first month). I'm stuck. Any advice or suggestions? I eat alot of nuts; can they be the reason I'm not losing?

[Jenileigh]

Re: Confused and not losing

I wish I had advice and suggestions. I don't. I'm pretty much in the same boat. I did Atkins years ago (back in the late 90's) and the weight fell off. It came off so quickly I never felt like cheating. I was content with the way of eating because I knew I was losing almost daily.

This time around its hard. The weight is stubborn and not coming off quickly and there are days that I feel like I'm eating this way and giving up sweets for nothing. I know that isn't true, because I do feel better, but I want to look better too.

I am losing but its ever so slow. It is a harder battle the second time around. I wished I had some answers too. All I know is that I'd prefer to eat this way to lose than any other way out there, and I know I'm not gaining eating this way either, so if I continue, surely sooner or later the weight will start moving again and I'll be able to keep it off by committing to this way of eating for life. It's my only hope.

Make sure to reread the book and that you aren't somehow having something you shouldn't. I've even given up my three packets of splenda a day and drink nothing but water. I know I could eat things before and lost that I can't have now and lose. Be strict. Hang in there.

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Confused and not losing

>>I eat alot of nuts; can they be the reason I'm not losing?>>

Nuts aren't allowed on Induction.

Also ... please don't compare "this time" with "last time" ... it will never be "last time". You have to deal with the body you have now.

>>I did Atkins years ago (back in the late 90's)>>

I hope you're reading the 2002 edition of the book ... some things have changed since the late 90s.

For a refresher, you can check out:

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-low-carb-dieting-faqs/6782-what-rules-induction.html

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/atkins-low-carb-dieting-faqs/6781-what-foods-can-eaten-induction.html#

[Jenileigh]

Re: Confused and not losing

Yes, I do have the correct book. I realize things have changed, hence the above post. Trying to figure out why things have changed and what we are doing differently/wrongly is the goal.

[mission to lose]

Re: Confused and not losing

This is my second time around on Atkins. The first time, I dropped weight faster than I had ever done before. It was amazing; I felt good and I was eating foods that had always been forbidden.

Now I have been back on Atkins for about 6 weeks. I lost the first 5 pounds quickly, but since then I haven't lost anything!! I remember the quick weight loss the first time (20 pounds in the first month). I'm stuck. Any advice or suggestions? I eat alot of nuts; can they be the reason I'm not losing?

Lulu,
Welcome back.
One tip, why don't you post your age, sw/cw/gw, height. It sometimes helps people give you a better answer when they have a little info about you. Just a thought! Hope you stay with us this time.

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Confused and not losing

>>Trying to figure out why things have changed>>

Dr. Atkins learned new things ... so the plan evolved.

I realized I mixed up comments from lulu3425 and Jenileigh ... sorry about that.

[lulu3425]

Re: Confused and not losing

It's really strange; I've never seen my body react this way. I have always fluctuated 2-3 pounds DAILY. If I ate too much one day, I saw the result on the scale the next morning. If I ate less one day or exercised more, I would see a loss the next morning. Since I've been on Atkins (extended induction), the scale does NOT move. It's bizarre. I stopped eating nuts, increased my water intake, exercised and nothing. On the other hand, I went to a wedding and ate a heavier meal with wine and still nothing the next morning (I thought surely I would gain). So, its been several weeks and the scale hasn't moved. It's like my body is fighting me all of the way.

Also, previously when I was on Atkins, I used the ketosis strips. I could always tell I was in ketosis because of the way I felt. This time, I don't feel like I'm in ketosis. Does the program still strive for that ketosis stage?

[atkinsgal08]

Re: Confused and not losing

Why not give us a typical day's menu ... with net carbs and quantities.

How much water are you drinking?

And ... stop thinking about last time ... it will only drive you nuts ... this is now.

[Barb1965]

Re: Confused and not losing

As Atkinsgirl said you need to quit comparing against last time, that was then this is now. Also I'm curious, when you said that you had ovary problems and had surgery to correct it, did they remove them by any chance? If your ovaries were removed with or without hormone replacement it is going to be a tougher battle, ask me I know. I was never overweight until I had my ovaries removed, with or without HRT its a tough battle. Good luck!

[chinadoll]

Re: Confused and not losing

I think Barb probably hit on a big one with the ovaries. Your hormones are going to be way different from last time and that can play havoc with weight loss. It also may cause you to lose it in entirely different places. However, posting your age and stats and a daily sample menu could still give us better information on which to advise you.

[Skeptika23]

Re: Confused and not losing

Can I make one suggestion?

I didn't lose a "lot" of weight my first time around - 15 pounds total - but I did lose a lot of inches in places where it mattered, and got down two pants sizes by the time I had to go to maintenance due to pregnancy.

I suggest you try measuring as well as weighing yourself - measure your neck, bust, waist, hips, and thighs. It really helps you keep on track, because you are still making measurable progress, even if it isn't on the scale!