Not the first time for me -- but maybe a last hope.

[Lose4Life]

I've been lurking on this board now and again, finally working up the courage to join. Still, I haven't quite enough courage to post. The reason is that I am afraid that I will fail...again.

About 9 years ago, after the birth of my second child, I began Atkins at 200 lbs., and eight months later was 147. I maintained that weight for a year or more, having added carbs, but began gaining when I totally fell off the Atkins wagon.

I have made several attempts to lose the weight over the years since then. I found that Atkins didn't seem to work at all the second -- and third -- time around. Weight Watchers worked, but I got tired of going to meetings and talking about food. The result? I am now 230+ lbs (I know I've passed 230, but hesitate to get on the scale).

I am considering LAP Band surgery, and have already had the psychological screening and have clearance from my primary physician. However, I find myself hesitating. I want to try Atkins one more time -- and I want to make it. However, I have SO much more weight to lose this time around, and subsequent attempts to my initial one have proven useless. But still, I keep hoping.

Has anyone here failed in the past after an initial success -- and managed to succeed once more? I can really use some support.

[*Emma*]

Re: Not the first time for me -- but maybe a last hope.

Sure, I have, lots of us have, theres even a forum dedicated to it.

Second Time Around Club - check it out on the forum list.

You can do this, the one piece of advice i would give you is to post, post, post... people here weill keep you accountable, if you're struggling, dont shy away, come here, post about it, let people help you.

Best of luck to you

[sallyseachange]

Re: Not the first time for me -- but maybe a last hope.

Hiya and welcome! Nice to meet you.

I've had experience of losing weight with a diet the first time and then not losing the second time, but it wasn't Atkins. It was a low fat diet. The second time, I was so strict for six weeks, yet only lost a couple of pounds. I was terribly upset.

But now, since doing Atkins and sticking with it for so long, I've come to a few conclusions along the way.

I believe the not losing the second time thing can happen with any diet. But... if you know it happens to you, I think you really need to give it lots of time. Six weeks (my trial time) is not enough. You need a lot of patience and perseverance. Sometimes your body just resists for a while, but if you stick with it, you'll end up losing weight eventually.

I'd also take measurements before starting, because often we lose inches before the pounds drop.

Do give Atkins another try before opting for surgery. That's such a drastic step.
Post lots on the board and make friends here. We're all in the same boat and are very good at encouraging people.

Best wishes on your journey!

[yinekka]

Re: Not the first time for me -- but maybe a last hope.

Hi LFL,


I agree with Sally that losing weight the second time around is not easy. Something about body set point I think but like Sally I think you have to persevere and convince the body that it's ok to drop some weight. I am losing weight much more slowly this time around but I will stick to it because I am getting smaller although the scales might lag a bit behind.

I always thought that lap band surgery meant only being able to eat small amounts and therefore losing weight but reading diet sites I found out that, in addition to the danger of the surgery and the anaesthetic, there are all sorts of problems of vomitting, gas, bloating, infection etc etc as well as being only able to eat a small amounts of pureed food.

I wonder why you would consider surgery to force you to eat a small amount of food when you could eat an appropriate amount of food without surgery if you take control of your eating?

[Lose4Life]

Re: Not the first time for me -- but maybe a last hope.

Hi LFL,
I wonder why you would consider surgery to force you to eat a small amount of food when you could eat an appropriate amount of food without surgery if you take control of your eating?

I guess that because of having experienced steady weight loss with Weight Watchers -- and with carbs being a large part of my daily intake -- I am not entirely sure that carb restriction is realistic in the long run.

The pureed food is only for a couple of weeks, during the recovery period. Afterward, most foods are fine, in small quantities and chewed thoroughly. However, there are limitations. Steak. shrimp, lobster and white meats (poultry) can cause vomiting, as they cannot be chewed to the correct consistency.

Still, having known that I've done Atkins before -- albeit, with half as much weight to lose as I need to lose now -- I am open to trying again.

Why Atkins and not WW? With Atkins, cravings for carbs aren't really there, as they continue to be with WW. I think it's easier to fall off the wagon with WW because of that.

[Tracie515]

Re: Not the first time for me -- but maybe a last hope.

I to got the ok for gastric bypass surgery and boy am i glad i didnt do it. Although i dont think i would have made it this far without posting on this site. Join and excercise challenge and a journal that is what kept me losing the fat! Keep up the great work and keep your eye on the prize and you WILL succeed!

[sillygirl]

Re: Not the first time for me -- but maybe a last hope.

I've been lurking on this board now and again, finally working up the courage to join. Still, I haven't quite enough courage to post. The reason is that I am afraid that I will fail...again.

About 9 years ago, after the birth of my second child, I began Atkins at 200 lbs., and eight months later was 147. I maintained that weight for a year or more, having added carbs, but began gaining when I totally fell off the Atkins wagon.

I have made several attempts to lose the weight over the years since then. I found that Atkins didn't seem to work at all the second -- and third -- time around. Weight Watchers worked, but I got tired of going to meetings and talking about food. The result? I am now 230+ lbs (I know I've passed 230, but hesitate to get on the scale).

I am considering LAP Band surgery, and have already had the psychological screening and have clearance from my primary physician. However, I find myself hesitating. I want to try Atkins one more time -- and I want to make it. However, I have SO much more weight to lose this time around, and subsequent attempts to my initial one have proven useless. But still, I keep hoping.

Has anyone here failed in the past after an initial success -- and managed to succeed once more? I can really use some support.

Welcome! You can do this. This board has amazing powers and if you come around daily and particpate a little, you will find a great group of people here. Following the Atkins plan is primary, but it's the support that will keep you going. No one is a failure, ever.

Check out the Journal Chats, the Journal Stats (no one but you can post to that one), Second Time Around Club, Induction Forum, Before and After. Find a place that's comfortable for you to join in and just go for it!

See you around the board.

[betony]

Re: Not the first time for me -- but maybe a last hope.

Hi there,

I have a LapBand. It helped me lose 90 pounds and I maintained 70 pounds of that loss for nearly six years. But as I'm sure you know, the surgery does not guarantee you'll lose all your excess weight (50% is considered a success by the manufacturers of my particular band.) I have started to diet again using Medifast and now Atkins to get to my goal weight.

I would never bash the band, as it helped me immensely even if I couldn't get to goal. But it will RADICALLY change the way you eat and live. And there are complications to be considered (I had to have a second operationw when my band slipped).

I would respectfully suggest that you try Atkins one more time. I wish that I had tried it before I had surgery.

Best of luck on your journey, whatever your decision!

[OzLover]

Re: Not the first time for me -- but maybe a last hope.

Welcome to ADBB! This is a wonderful place for support & knowledge in this way of eating/living...WOE/WOL. I'm hoping that you try Atkins once again.

My weight loss has been slow compared to others but that is okay with me. I have lost a tremendous amount of inches. What I have gained is clarity of my mind as I'm no longer in a carb induced daze. I've gained energy that is just simply amazing. Because I have a clear head now I'm able to begin to deal with numerous issues from my past. For me this is a journey to physical/mental & spiritual health.

Explore the site & you will read amazing stories from members. Post often & ask questions...you'll find an amazing group of people.

Glenda