Hi

[sherryskj]

My name is of no consequence. I am not anyone you would look at and want to befriend. I am repulsive to see. I was raised to believe that fat people were worthless, thank you for that daddy. Although I have never viewed others as such, only myself. I take 17 medications each day as well as insulin shots twice daily. In addition, I use oxygen 24/7. I am in a wheelchair and sleep in a recliner wearing a mask to make sure I continue to breathe. I weigh 500-600 pounds. Yeah I'm more than a little disgusting, I am aware of that. Don't feel sorry for me. I did this to myself I guess, right?

My doctor, good man that he is , just prescribes another medication when I visit him. I remember his nurse just stared at me over and over again one day. I wanted to look back at her and say, "Shocking isn't it!" But I didn't though. My doctor even has a weight loss program I tried joining. I was refused because he told me only the surgery will help me, nothing conventional. I am poor and haven't got the money for that surgery. Medicaid won't approve it, even though my doctor told them that my health will continue to deteriorate without it. No money means no surgery means death is imminent. I want to live. For maybe the first time ever, I want to LIVE!

I have pretty much given up on the surgery due to finances. My husband has a small TV shop out of our apartment, but spends most of his time caring for me. How I hate that! The things he does for me. Who could ever love me so much?! Still I am so very thankful for him! I can't figure out how to eat. I get sick all the time because of the carbs. We can't afford to load up on meat and cheese.


I guess I am here to try something ... maybe for the last time. Just once more. I don't know if it will work. I didn't make it through the induction period, I guess you call it when I tried several years ago. Pasta and bread make me sick, due to my diabetes and pancreatitus. So I thought maybe this really might be the thing to help me.

*sigh*

If this is not the place you think I should be that is fine. Please don't be mean to me to relay that information. I am 42. I have never really even lived yet. I need help but I don't know where to turn. Is this finally the answer?

Thank you for listening,

dontlookatme

[Miss Phode]

Re: Hi

Dontlook:

Welcome to the ADBB. There are lots of great, supportive helpful people here. My first suggestion is that you read the sticky's and get famliar with the rules of induction. A copy of Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution 2002 is an essential. You can pick on up cheap at a used bookstore. Doing Atkins doesn't have to be expensive. Two of my staple foods are hamburgers and tuna fish. You can get both very inexpensively. I stock up on boneless chicken when it's on sale, and freeze it.

There is a forum on this board specifically for diabetics. Lots of great info and people willing to help there.

Best of luck to you on your journey.

[ValidRouge]

Re: Hi

Welcome to ADBB. I think that a low carb diet might just be the thing for you. Since you are having trouble eating pasta and bread, and I'll infer sugar too....eating low carb might be easier for you. So many of the low fat foods are "no flavor" and make it really hard to feel satisfied.

I rarely have problems feeling satisfied on Atkins because my food tastes good and the fat satiates my appetite (a wonderful byproduct of ketosis). There are lots of threads on this board about doing Atkins on a budget. I think I save money actually because I no longer buy junk food and sodas and such.

Why don't you visit the Century Club forum http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...splay.php?f=12, and spend some time visiting with those folk who have over 100 lbs to lose. We also have a forum for diabetics http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...splay.php?f=37.

There is a forum for frequently asked questions http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...splay.php?f=79 It is a wealth of information to someone who is considering Atkins. Make sure to get the Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution 2002 edition book. Forget everything you've ever heard in the media about Atkins and read the plan for yourself.

If you have any questions, all you have to do is ask.

[dreamof145]

Re: Hi

Hi Dontlookatme. Welcome to the ADBB. Each one of us have changed our lifestyles and made the committment to live healthier lives and lose excess weight. You are not alone. There are some who have lost 100, 200 and more pounds. Although we don't all have the same amounts of weight to lose, we all share the frustration that you are feeling. No matter where you are in your journey, there are others who have been there and found ways to overcome issues in their lives. We'd love to have you join us.

You've been given great advice already. Read Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution, edition 2002. His words are essential to understanding the program and how it works. Everyone here is supportive and wants to see you succeed. I hope that you join us, as this WOE has been a life-saver to me and many others on the board. I look forward to sharing your success and getting to know you.

[Becky Sue]

Re: Hi

A thread I searched for you, Low Carb on a Budget.
http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...ng+carb+budget

If you PM me your address, I will mail you a copy of Dr Atkins New Diet Revolution, 2002. I picked it up at a thrift store a couple monts ago. You really need to read it to understand the process.

Welcome to ADBB!! WE are so happy you decided to join us.

[theredhead]

Re: Hi

Dearest Don't Look,

Welcome to ADBB! I want to assure you that you've come to just the right place! There are many, many people here who have felt just like you do. Atkins has changed their lives and it can change yours too! You ARE worthy and we care very much about what happens to you because we have all, to varying degrees, felt ugly, worthless, and out of control.

I think that educating yourself about low-carbing is the best way to defeat this monster. When you have time, read everything you can about it. One of the members here has lost over 200 pounds and has made some awesome videos that detail his Atkins journey and give a lot of great information for newbies (and oldies, too!). Check out Kent's videos at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmRaD683OXU

Atkins can give you control over your life. Ketosis can give you appetite control. Eating plenty of good fats can satisfy and lead you to success. I KNOW that you can do this. Join us. We're here for you every step of the way.

[sillygirl]

Re: Hi

Hi dontlookatme! I am extremely proud of you for joining this board! The people so far have given you great advice. You have the resolve to lose your weight to become a healthier person, that's a big first step! One day at a time. Once you start, you will see how quickly you will fall into this way of eating. Do get the book, it will be very helpful. This is NOT a starvation diet, you truly CAN eat plenty of food and lose weight.

i would also suggest creating an account for yourself (free) at www.fitday.com. You log in all your food and it will help you keep track of your fat/protein and carb percentages. Your protein should be at 30% daily

Also go here; http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/ you plug in your numbers and it will tell you exactly how much you would need to eat to lose weight. I found this site to be extremely informative, and you really kind of have to read, lots of interesting info!

So, that said, good luck on your journey! i look foward to seeing you around.

[Twilight]

Re: Hi

Dontlook, welcome!

Don't think that any of us would find you repulsive or not want to befriend you because of your appearance. Honestly, while some people on this forum may have only 20 or so pounds to lose, some are (or were) way up there in weight. And I think most people here know better than to base our opinions of other people on their physical appearances, having been victims of such unfair evaluations ourselves.

Your desire, your will to live, is exactly what is going to make you so successful. Because, if you want something bad enough, and you work for it, you'll get it. I have a lot of faith in you, and I can't wait to read about your successes when you share them.

Don't be a stranger around here. We're all rooting for you!

[floydgirl]

Re: Hi

Welcome to the ADBB! You will get so much support here. You've taken a big step by joining and posting. We are here to help you.

[Lisa M]

Re: Hi

HI there!

Welcome to the board!!!

I'm another who has spare copies of Dr. A's book for thumping my family on the head or passing on to good friends who are in need of a copy. Feel free to PM me and I'll shoot one out to ya

I love love love how you said you want to live!! Amen, Sister! And keep on going!

You're definetly not alone in this journey.

Post often so we can get to know you.

Best wishes on your journey and don't forget you can always contact anyone of us for some one on one help

[staziaw]

Re: Hi

Dontlook - Welcome to ADBB! We are a crazy bunch of folks who will support the heck out of you!

I am convinced that this is a way of life that will change your life. Given the issues you have, it is highly likely that you will experience some amazing changes in the near future. Don't worry about the cost of food - hamburger, chicken, tuna are all inexpensive. Buy a couple of turkeys this Thanksgiving and have leftovers for months! Buy in-season vegetables or, my favorite, frozen. I keep bags of frozen broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, green beans in the freezer -- and buy them on sale too! This is a completely doable way of life on a budget! Have faith, my dear! You can do it!

Let your doctor know what you want to do, since he/she will need to watch your insulin needs, blood pressure, cholesterol, etc. You will probably find that you health will improve at a nice clip. Personally, my asthma and allergies went away about 95%! Groovy, huh?!

I hear your pain . . . and want you to know that you are not alone. We are here for you. ADBB is full of lovely and wonderful people (I hope that I'm included in that group!).


Finally, two things. Do you have the 2002 version of Dr. Atkins' book? If so, that's what we use! If you don't have it, you can find it on eBay for dirt cheap.


Secondly, exercise. I know that this may seem like an impossibility at this point. How about a set of 10 arm curls with a can of diced tomatoes in each hand? Be creative! A little movement will help you kick up your metabolism. Of course, it goes without saying that you listen to your body and make sure that your doctor knows what you are doing.

I am sending you lots of love and support, kiddo!


XO
Stacy (a fellow 42 year old)
P.S. I'm looking forward to the day when you change your name from "Dontlook" to "Goaheadandlook"!!!

[Lady_Hawke]

Re: Hi

Hi I'm LadyHawke aka Tamariah.
Attitude Changes Everything.
My advice to you is to change the name you go by - don'tlookatme is negative and you don't know how many times I've passed over your post here because of your name. I'm glad that I finally decided "too bad I'm going to look" lol
A name gives you power. If you'd like help coming up with a different name - I'll be happy to help you. Your name IS of consequence and so are you.
You've gotten alot of great advice from some really wonderful people.
Follow it.
You aren't alone with being a heavy weight - check out my siggy line.
You also aren't alone with sleeping in a recliner.....me too. Mines brown leather - whats yours? lol
If I'd have answered your post earlier - we would have been the same age, but as its after midnight in Norway I'm now 43 .
I haven't really lived either - my life has been on the back burner for more years then I care to count.
Something else you aren't alone in is wanting to live...everyone here does.....and you've taken the first step in joining the ADBB.
You will lose weight.
You will get healthy.
You do have friends here. Count me as one. I want to see you succeed as much as you do.
You are worthy and you do deserve to lose weight.
I have a journal type thingy that I write in every day - its filled with positive sentences - I write the same ones over every day - example
"I deserve to have a beautiful, fit and healthy body"
"I release and cancel all negative thoughts and self images"
"I love and accept myself unconditionally"
"I am beautiful"
"I like what I see in the mirror".....ect.
Its hard at first, because if you're like I was - you don't believe the good things about you. But if you say it long enough - (when you look in the mirror greet yourself with "hello beautiful") - you will come to believe it and the next thing you know.....you feel beautiful. And girl its an amazing feeling!
Ok....one more thing to share. This is how I think of my "fat" and it might help you to think of your fat this way too.
I think of my fat as a cocoon. And as it slowly melts off its releasing the beautiful butterfly within - that would be me! So you can be a beautiful butterfly too! Right now you are in a cocoon - its going to melt away and you'll be free and happy and healthy! BELIEVE!
Exercise. Have your hubby pick up "Walking Away the Pounds 2 mile high calorie burn by Leslie Sansone" If you can walk a few steps, you'll be able to do this video. Start slowly - any exercise is better then none right. Me, for years my only exercise was walking from the fridge to the couch and round and round and thats how I got round.
Now I've worked my way up to doing 5 miles a day with the WATP - I do it slowly throught the day only 1/2 mile at a time and I had to work up to doing it more then once a day. You can do it! (check with your doctor)
Well now you've met me. When you post a reply to my post - I'd really like to know your name.

[staziaw]

Re: Hi

Tamariah -- your response was beautiful and so heartfelt. Thanks for being so honest and supportive. You are such a lovely person!

Stacy

[Atkid]

Re: Hi

Hi, just wanted to join the welcome wagon. You have come to the best place for support and friendship while on your weightloss journey. Don't hesitate to ask questions there is always someone to help you out.

[13_jane]

Re: Hi

hi Dontlook

Welcome!! you've come to the right place - everybody on here are great, you'll get soo much support - I know I have!

You'll love the atkins way of living!

good luck
jane x