Why does it not work?

[lisabelle821]

Last year I tried Atkins 2 separate times. The first time I did a clean 2 week induction and then introduced some low carb items into my diet. I lost 4 lbs in the first week and nothing thereafter. I stayed on it for about 2 months. A few months after that I started again and I did a clean induction for 3 weeks and lost 4 lbs and then nothing. Baffled by the lack of weight loss and lack of lost inches, I consulted the Atkins book again and realized that people who take SSRI's may have some limited success with the program. So, I wrote my lack of weight loss off to the medication I was taking.

So, I am now on day 15 and I'm going to continue with the induction phase. I've been off that medication for about 2 months now so that should not be an issue. I've been in ketosis since the second day I started. I lost up to 7 lbs but today the scale only shows 4lbs. I know I'm not supposed to be weighing myself that often, but I can't help but feel discouraged this morning when I saw that after 2 weeks I only lost 4 lbs. I weigh 246 now. I really like this WOL and am dedicated to it, I am just upset that I"m not seeing more of a weight change. I'm not giving up yet because I know its only been two weeks, but I can't help but recall the two times I did this prior to now and not having success. So I ask the experts (you being the experts), are there some cases where this doesn't work for certain people, or do you think I'm doing something wrong? I'm desparate for any advice and thanks in advance.

[hulagrl1120]

Can you give us a little more info...maybe we can help spot trouble areas...give us a couple of menu examples...are you drinking your water? what about vitamins? exercise?

[Perry]

First off, welcome to ADBB. Glad you found us. You'll find our Induction experts second to none!

Suggest you post a typical day's menu. Include *everything* you eat and drink. Post the typical exercise you get during the week.

By the way, a loss of 4 lbs is typical. I lost 4 lbs in the first 2 weeks. Many have lost nothing but end up being very successful.

Good luck!

[Elizellen]

One of our mods lost exactly nothing in induction but once she moved to OWL and started upping her carbs she began to lose and is now at goal - everyone loses weight differently.
Why not post a few days menus to the 'Review my menu' forum to see if anyone can spot a potential staller?
Are you exercising? Drinking 64 ounces of water each day plus 8 extra ounces for every 25 pounds you hope to lose?

I noticed that the last time you did induction then started to add 'lowcarb' products instead of moving up the OWL ladder - maybe that was the cause of your 'weightloss hesitation'? Many people find the stall if they use those product.

Another thing to consider is how much weight you want to lose - most people lose between 5%-10% on a clean 14 day induction. What percentage did you lose?

[lisabelle821]

Thanks for the words of advice. To answer some of your questions, I've been drinking the water and exercise 3 times per week. I have not been taking any vitamins or supplements but I was speaking with someone today who suggested I do that because I'm experiencing a lot of leg cramps. Starting tomorrow I am going to start posting my menu.

I want to lose 100 lbs so 5-10% of that would be 5-10 lbs so I guess I'm on track. I'm only discouraged right now because I'm committed to this and I don't want to be stalled like I was the last two times. I'm open for any more suggestions but just wanted to thank you for your support and advice.

[AllieCat0817]

If you are using 'low carb products' such as bars, sugar free candies, maybe even shakes, lc bread, ice cream, tortillas, those type things-- stop em and go 100% clean for a while. You may have to be persistently 100% clean for a while for your body to 'get it'................

[iyamamaschke]

I had 110 pounds to lose when I started I lost a fair bit on induction 12 pounds then I lost nothing for 7 weeks. WOW, I was down on myself and this WOE wondering hoping it would work, I was losing inches which was good though and kept me modivated. If I had stopped at the 2 month mark I would not have seen the dramatic WHOOSH I had in week 8 of my no weight loss I lost 15 pounds quickly after that and have been losing fairly consistently ever since. Usually around 6 pounds per month, be patient, you could have been on the verge of a major weight loss and gave up. If you are commited to this WOE stick it out and see where it takes you. I am down 62 pounds now in 6 months and it has not all been smooth sailing I have had lots of bumps and bends but, it all leads down the same road to what I want.

Sarah

[Bren]

Hi and Welcome!

You have been given very good advise. Now..... just want to add. Make friends with your tape measure. I love my tape measure.... Hate the metal monster a.k.a. as the scale.

[divaindubai]

Dear Lisa

Just be persistent and try not to weigh yourself too much, just go by how you feel and how your clothes fit, etc. I think the scale sends the wrong messages if we don't see it going down, but it can mean many factors such as water retention or other things. Keep trying and I know you will persevere! :nod :hug

[spazzyhilo]

another possibility is that your metabolism has slowed down a lot more from jumping on and off again before. I would recommend sticking with induction for a while to help your metabolism

[BabyPhat1]

I wanna second what Alliecat said about the low carb products. The last thing you should do if you're not losing is introduce products that could potentially slow down your loss even more. Also, have you had your full blood work done? Your metabolism changes often, many things can trigger that. Possible thyroid issues, etc could be causing you trouble this time around. Also, try cutting out some of the foods that cause some people problems. The higher glycemic foods like tomatoes sometimes get people! Check everything you're eating. does anything even have traces of sugar in it? Stop eating it if it does. These are all things that could be giving you a problem......
But most importantly, dont give up! Find the problem, and fix it! :yes

[lisabelle821]

Thanks again everyone for the the advice. Just to offer some more answers. The first time I tried it was March 2004. That was when I introduced some low carb products like the chocolate bars and stuff. I didn't go overboard, just 1 a day. I didn't do that the second time and am not doing it now either.

I do agree that I think my metabolism is shot. I was always on WW and actually lost 50 pounds but now have gained about 35 back. I've been struggling with dieting for the last 3 years. So, I'm thinking that maybe my metabolism could have something to do with it. I'm willing to go get some blood work done to check. My last screening was about 2 years ago and everything was fine. Maybe something changed in the last few years because I didn't have any issues losing weight back then, and now I do. The medication I was on could have done something. Who knows.

As far as what I'm doing now, I'm going to start posting my menu on the board (I didn't realize this board had that feature). But, let me just generalize on what I eat. I usually have tuna w/ mayo for breakfast, a salad for lunch with low carb dressing and some kind of protein for dinner with lots of vegetables. I don't really snack that often because I don't find myself to be hungry that often. I've been drinking at least 10 glasses of water a day and exercise 3 times per week. Thinking back over the last two weeks though, I just want to try and identify some items that may be stalling me. I do drink diet soda from time to time (usually a glass with lunch and possible two with dinner). Also, I do chew sugarless gum. It doesn't seem to me like that should make a difference but maybe I'm wrong.

Also, is there a such thing as not eating enough carbs? Like I said, just trying to figure it all out. And I really appreciate all of your help, again, because I don't want to give up on this.

[spirittalker]

Cut out the soda and the gum, aspartame is a known staller. Quantifiy "lots of vegetables". What kind and exact amounts.

[spirittalker]

Also, lots of people stall out for a little while after induction.

[lisabelle821]

ok, so I'm going to cut out soda and gum and see if it makes a difference.

As far as lots of vegetables, I usually eat either cauliflower or brocolli. Usually like 2 cups of the cauliflower and between 1 and 2 cups of the brocolli. With the cauliflower, I chop it up and add butter and heavy cream. With the brocolli, i usually eat it with butter or with cheese on top.

Which brings up another topic....cheese. I can say that there have been at least 2 days over the last 15 where I think I went over my cheese allowance of 3-4 ounces. Somethimes I don't eat it at all. It'll be interesting to look at my menu that I'm going to keep this week to see if I'm maybe eating too much of it.