Starting over--a picture is worth 1000 words

[pamelainaustin]

Well, this is really painful to me but I am posting a picture of myself taken about 2 weeks ago on a cruise with my DH celebrating our 25th anniversary. Tried to avoid the camera as much as possible but I did not realize HOW BAD I really looked. Have gained at least 5 more pounds since then...I am 8 lbs less than my starting weight 12/01/2007.


Started Atkins a little over 2 years ago and lost 40 lbs in 8 months. Did not do the rungs like I should have (the order was right but I was lazy about tracking carbs and never determined my CCL) and participated way too frequently in the alcohol rung. Amazingly, for a year, I maintained my loss within 3-4 lbs.

Then, in September of 2009 I made the decision to end my 30 year addiction to cigarettes. I took a medication called Chantix and smoked my last cigarette 9/16/09. I have now been off the medication for about 6 weeks and am a NON SMOKER!!

Sadly, since September I have also gained 28 pounds and gotten far, far off track. Along with the weight, my low back pain, sleep problems and irritable attitude have returned. I must get back on track and get this weight off.

Restarted induction yesterday and so far, so good. I already feel better after 2 days of eating on plan and drinking all my water. Will try to remember to check in on the STAC roll call every day. May also start a journal.

Pam

[Desertthorn]

Re: Starting over--a picture is worth 1000 words

Congrats on the non-smoking. That is amazing, and glad you remember where your old friends are. Welcome back

[paminmd]

Re: Starting over--a picture is worth 1000 words

Hi Pam-
Welcome back!
Congratulations on quitting smoking. It is great. Don't you feel so much better able to breathe? It makes it easier to exercise, too
(I also quit my - 34 year- smoking habit in 2009)
Pam

[EverLosing]

Re: Starting over--a picture is worth 1000 words

I HAD to read this post when I saw you were the poster!! I've seen you lurking in my journal now and then!! But you don't post over there!! Feel free! Welcome back!! It's great that you've come back to what you know works!! You're going to make it to the top of the mountain and you're going to be feeling great in no time! Congrats on kicking the habit!

[Alaskansonya]

Re: Starting over--a picture is worth 1000 words

I totally understand...I have been off for about a year, not counting a month mid-2009 where I tried to restart! I gained back 40 pounds!!! So I too am hitting it hard and trying to relose those pounds and then some!

[ADreamComeTrue]

Re: Starting over--a picture is worth 1000 words

Hey! Welcome back!
Way to go on quitting smoking, I know that can be very hard.
I wish you the best of luck with your weight loss and with all the other goals that you may have!!

-Christie

[MsBurry]

Re: Starting over--a picture is worth 1000 words

You've done the best thing you could do for yourself. Congratulations and enjoy being SMOKEFREE!!!

[Georgiana]

Re: Starting over--a picture is worth 1000 words

Welcome back!

Congrats on quitting smoking!

[barrnone]

Re: Starting over--a picture is worth 1000 words

Welcome Pam, and congrats on your 25th. Hope you come out and post often. We'll see you around...good luck!

[pamelainaustin]

Re: Starting over--a picture is worth 1000 words

Hi everyone--

So nice to receive all these warm welcomes from Deserthorn, Sonya, Christie, Dyan, Georgiana and Barrnone. Glad to meet all of you and thanks so much for taking the time to say hi.

Pam--a big CONGRATULATIONS on kicking the butts in 2009. I am so glad I finally did this. You are right, it is easier to breathe, exercise and I can smell things much better.

Everlosing, sorry for lurking in your journal and not properly introducing myself. I haven't posted anywhere (except an occasional shout out at our mutual friend OzLover) lately due to being pretty much off plan and not having anything positive to contribute. You have had a rough time in the last year and I hope things are gonna go better for you in 2010 cause you deserve it. Will pop into your journal one of these days

Well, today went well until I got home from work. I was a little hungry and totally without thinking went to the freezer and grabbed a handful of raw almonds. After I ate them, I realized they are not on induction
Won't make that mistake again.

Well, going to bed now--it is supposed to get down to 12 degrees tonight which is pretty cold for central Texas--brrrrrrrrr!!

Pam

[adreliluc]

Re: Starting over--a picture is worth 1000 words

Hi there!
Glad to see you posting!
It's hard to post 'before' pics... good for you! We all have to find out motivation somehow..
Good for you for quitting smoking!! You'll lose the weight girl, you just gotta do it.

Good luck, we're all here for you!

[sham]

Re: Starting over--a picture is worth 1000 words

Well done for quitting the smoking.Wish you success on plan.

[Skeptika23]

Re: Starting over--a picture is worth 1000 words

Hi Pam, welcome back!

I also quit smoking using Chantix in June 2007 (well, of course I cheated, but that's the nice thing about Chantix, it lets you cheat without spoiling your progress) and my last smoke was in August 2007. I stayed on it for six months, just to be SAFE, just in case I hadn't worked through all of my smoking triggers...

Welcome back to Atkins, I'm sure you'll see success soon!

[warmsummerfall]

Re: Starting over--a picture is worth 1000 words

Congradulations on your 25th!!!!!!!!!!! welcome and I hope to see your on alot....

[pamelainaustin]

Re: Starting over--a picture is worth 1000 words

Thanks adreliluc, sham, and Jackie for the nice hellos and good wishes.

Jackie, I am especially glad to see that you have smoke free for over 2 years after taking Chantix. I did the 12 weeks on it but was slowly tapering off during the last 2 weeks. Frankly, I am amazed that I have not cheated once since my quit date. Lots of good support from family, friends and my coworkers, all of whom would KILL me if I ever smoke again.

Pam