We often get success stories posted by visitors to this forum. Andrea decided that we could gather these contributions together on the bulletin board in a thread dedicated to just that.

Over the next couple of weeks, We'll be posting these stories, currently in the article section, right here.

Some are new and some are old. Hope you enjoy them all.

Maggie
5'1" ~~ Atkins since '98 (160+)
Maintaining nicely (110 +/-)
~~ Redhead until further notice!

Shell s Story

It all started when I was looking at old photos (as you do) and I was wondering how I was going to get my body back! All I could remember was trying Weight Watchers (cost $15.95 per week) and it worked however it took me 12 weeks of hard struggle and I still only lost 5 kgs!! After Christmas of 2001 I put the 5 kgs back on and then some, surprise surprise!!

So after months of eating lots of cakes and chippies etc… my brother returned from the UK as a surprise, gee he looked fabulous so I thought if he can do it so can I. So I started aqua jogging and eating low-fat, low-calories etc..! Painful as it was I did start to loose only I was not happy at all.

A friend of mine told me that someone she knew lost 20kgs on a low-carb eating plan and she was able to eat meat, cheese, eggs, butter and even cream! I thought well that's great but surely it can't be good for your heart etc...

So I decided to do some research, this is where it all started for me... I went to a search engine and typed low-carb, the amount of information on the internet about this was astronomical!! I found a New Zealand site www.lowcarbnz.co.nz this website explained a lot so I read many articles and then decided to buy the book "Atkins New Diet Revolution" and “The Carbohydrate Addicts Diet”

From the moment I laid eyes on the Atkins book it I couldn't put it down, it was the best $20 investment I had ever made. My partner was even calling me Dr. Ranford because I was on the internet every night finding more information, recipes etc... I now have 3 thick clear files full of information.

My Mother (who has so far lost over 11kgs) started the diet with me and then 2 weeks later so did my partner (he’s now lost over 12kgs and is now at his goal!!!)

My first 4 days were the hardest!! I was so addicted to potatoes in any size or shape that I didn't think I could give them up, all my friends and family even doubted me doing this so I decided that I was going to prove everyone wrong. I have now proved them all wrong I don't even miss them, in exchange for potatoes I now have roasted pumpkin!!!

I enjoy this Low Carb eating so much and even though there are so many people criticising it I don’t care because I feel good. There has been no struggle and I have had so much more energy and I no longer suffer from reflux!

My doctor didn’t approve of my new eating, he said “oh so you’re on that high fat diet are you?” However when he saw that my Cholesterol changed from 5.3 down to 3.7 (range is mmol/L (3-5.5) and my Vitamin B12 go from 155 up to 315 (155 was very low!) (range is pmol/L (132-835) he was stoked and now one of his nurses is going to try it

My height is 5ft 6in and my ideal weight is 60kgs (132lbs).

27/07/02 I weighed 83kgs (183lbs)
Today 30/09/02 I weigh 72.5kgs (160lbs)
I have lost 10.5 kgs (23lbs) in 10 weeks!!

Posted on: 2002-09-30

[This message was edited by Maggie on 01-16-04 at 04:28 PM.]

obsession


By: Greg


The worst thing about being obese is the constant obsession with eating. I am 6'1" and 300 pounds. The weight doesn't look horrible on me. I had also stopped smoking about 18 months ago and gained 50 pounds. I went for a 40 waist to a 44+. I couldn't wear anything that I had and I was on ebay all the time looking for larger clothes to buy. My wardrobe made by Ralph Lauren is pretty useless at the moment.

A few weeks ago I was in tears. Tears. The constant bombardment of thought about when where why how much how little was driving me out of my mind. Tears. I had had it. I felt like a alcoholic who had finally bottomed out. I had to go to my doctor for a check up and he said, "Why don’t you try Atkins’?" Why? Diets are ridiculous. Diets are stupid. Diets are for fat people. He explained a basic food regimen in about 5 minutes. I stopped eating flour and sugar. Guess what’s happened? I think about food about 3/4 less than I used to. Eating suddenly has this place in my life. Eating used to have THE place in my life. Even when I was thinner (before I stopped smoking) I was stiff obsessed with food.

So. Three weeks into this, this is what I think. I think that I am allergic to these sugars. I think I have always been allergic to these sugars. Ever since I was a child. I think if I do not keep my carbs in check that I will gain the weight and the obsessions back. I do not have one shred of proof for this. I just think it’s true. Sure, I want to lose the weight (I do not know how much weight I have lost. I do not own a scale. I will weigh myself in a month or so.), but most importantly, I WANT MY MIND BACK.



Posted on: 2002-11-17

Low Carb Works For Me


By: Paula


I never read the Adkins book or spent any money on any books. I just heard about the low carb way of life and decided to try it. I was thin in my teens and early twenties, but never lost all my weight with my second child at 26, and at 33 I found myself at 178 pounds. I started eating low carb on June 18th 2002 and by October 18th I was down 40 pounds. For the last month I have been eating more regularly and I haven't gained any weight. I started back on the diet this weekend. I would like to be down to my goal of 130 by Christmas. I know I can do it on this diet. I have never had the will power to follow through with any diet before, but this isn't really a diet, its just a food choice change. For anyone contemplating this diet IT WORKS! If feel and look better than I have in years. I don't tell anyone about the diet until people see me that haven't in a while most are nice, but several tell me horror stories and that I'm going to die on this diet. It drives me crazy. Has anyone else out there experienced that?
Paula

Posted on: 2002-11-18

~Moonbeams Journey~


By: Shannon


Hello. My name is Shannon and I am a 25 year old mother of 2 little boys, ages 3 1/2 and 2. I have a wonderful husband of 5 years and I am also a proud Navy wife. I began LCing in September of 2000 after my second son was born. Before I gave birth I was a little above 200 lbs. When I came home from the hospital I was around 190 lbs. My mom and dad had been LCing while I was prego. I was getting fatter as they were getting smaller. My mom talked me into eating LC. I thought to myself this is never going to work for me. I gave it a try and it really worked! December of 2000 I was down to 150 lbs. Then my weight loss stopped. I was eating LC foods but not following a plan. So, I read about Atkins and went on a strict induction. My weight went from 150 to 139 on induction. I was so happy. Slowly over the past two years I have made my way down to 125 lbs. I would have been at goal a long time before now but I still eat high carb foods too. My husband and I like to go out to eat and have drinks and that always has slowed my loss. I will never totally give up the thing in life that I love. Life is too short. I just learned how to controll what I eat and when I eat it. I Love Low Carb!

Posted on: 2002-10-24

Micks Metamorphasis


By: Mick


I was thin as a child and a young adult. I really piled the pounds on after having my second son and quit smoking. Funny thing is I never saw my self as really heavy. Obviously I was at 5 ft 4 in at 207 pounds ( I blamed it on P.C.O.S.). I knew those old size 3's and 5's were way to small but still saw a fairly thin person when I looked in the mirror.
In March of 2000 I had a physical and the Dr diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Yikes did I freak! My Grammy lost a leg to that disease. My Dr. told me flat out I had over a 50% chance of controling it through lifestyle changes.
I took his council seriously. I started a carb controled diet and exercise. I was amazed at how great it all worked! I gradually lost down to under 130 and went from a 16/18 to a size 6. However the best news of all is I officially qualify as having NORMAL blood sugars 90% of the time!
I am a far cry from a perfect dieter. I have not so good days. However my theory is I can eat anything occasionally and in controled amounts. That helps make it a WOL for me.
I feel LC was a miracle for me! I feel better (and look better) at 33 than at 27. I can even beat the kids in a race! LOL!

Posted on: 2002-10-22

a very happy newbie


By: Rebecca


I am a 5'9, 17 year old female. When I first started atkins a few months ago, I weighed 230 lbs. I was so tired of being overweight and looking at myself in the mirror, I bought Dr. Atkins new diet revolution. I was extremely deticated in the beginning. My goal weight was 180, (believing I couldn't possibly get under that) and after three weeks of very faithful induction, I had lost 30 lbs. I couldn't belive my results. I was so happy in fact, that I began to cheat a little. Unfortunately, that little bit, turned into my old eating habits after a while. In two months, since I had stopped Atkins, I've gained 7 lbs back. I know it could be worse, but I've decided to do it again. I will get to 180 if it kills me, and if I get there and am still going good, I'll keep going. All I know, is that Atkins is THE ONLY diet that has ever worked for me. And it has worked very well. I'm so glad I found this website. These success stories have really inspired me, and with the help of more people like myself, I'm determined to lose those pounds!

-Rebecca

Posted on: 2003-06-26

Keeping it off forever.....


By: Susie


I'm a first time visitor to the low carb site, but not a first time vistor to low carb eating.
Four years ago, while at my yearly physical, my over weight doctor told me that I have put on some extra weight and that I'd better watch what I eat. That made me very angry, thinking who was he to talk about overweight. Well, his words stuck in my head while I read Dr. Atkin's book and desided to give it a try. I went from weighing 170, height is 5'9', and wearing a size 14-16, down to 142 and a size 6-8-10.I loved going back for my next yearly physical, because my doctor was dumb founded.It made my day! And as the years pass I have kept the weight off, whereas for his weight, he has only added. He went on to tell me how unhealthy the Atkin's diet was and the risk that I was taking. Which now only makes me laugh.I still count the carbs and even enjoy a Butterfingers once in awhile.
I love your recipes, your site has giving me some great new dinner ideas. I have put on a few extra pounds from holiday eating and I'm kicking in the low carb diet once again.
Thanks and Good Luck to all, Susie

Posted on: 2003-01-17

HILARY in SYDNEY


By: Hilary


hi, i'm Hilary and i've been fat for 15 yrs since i got parathyroidism (now cured). My weight had been a major problem since this illness and i tried EVERY DIET written, even Weight Watchers never worked. But a friend of mine found a book DR.ATKINS HI PROTEIN LOW CARBS revolutionary dieting, so i decided i'd give it a go. That was 5 mths ago and i've since lost 26 kgs and over 50 inches in total all over and gone down 3 dress sizes to size 18/20. I feel wonderful but still have a long way to go. I will put some pics on here when i get them done. My doctor is amazed at the changes in my body and the benefits are not just visual! Dr.Atkins!!! I thank you for showing me the right way to eat for good health and happiness! XXX

Posted on: 2003-01-27

Just out of the gate....(again)


By: Anonymous


Six + years ago (1996) my parents started using Atkin's plan and they lost a combined 150#. At that time I weighed 180# but knew I could lose it any time I wanted to so I ignored their suggestions that I try a low-carb program. Two years later (1998) I was up to 210# but blamed it on a miscarriage, a successful pregnancy (a beautiful boy), and a stressful job. But, I knew I could still lose it whenever I "really" wanted to (besides, my husband assured me he loved me no matter what). Reality hit last year. I delivered my fourth child (now I have 3 girls and a boy) at an all time high of 265# - and that was after losing 10# during the pregnancy! I made a date with my mother (who was still looking incredible!) and she walked me through the low-carb way of eating. I hit the ground running. Within 4 months I had lost 43# and was feeling great! All my friends, most of whom were over weight, were trying to convince me about my dangerous eating habits and there was very little support (does this sound familiar to anyone else?). Due in part to this feedback, I started "researching" low-carb diets and I talked to my doctor (I hadn't discussed my diet plans with him prior to starting). He all but yelled at me! He told me how dangerous the plan was and even said he would drop me as a patient if I continued. I left his office holding an '1800 calorie a day meal guide' and a coupon for a free consultation with a weight-loss clinic. I was so depressed that I stopped in for a DQ Blizzard on my way home (it made me sick as a dog after so long on a low-carb diet). I called my mother (a nurse practitioner) and told her what my doctor had said to me. She was angry about his attitude and gave me some web sites to do some "real research". I pretended to take her advice but I stayed off the plan and eventually gained back most of my weight. During the past year I tried more diets than I can list, none with a low-carb component. I started the 2003 year at 241# and the determination to change my life forever and use my own common sense. I've been back on a low-carb diet since then and the results are as I had hoped. I'm down only 6# but have lost 2 full pant sizes! I have more energy and my emotions have evened out again. I know I can make the life changes I need to make for real this time and I'm glad to have found this site so I can read all of your stories. I'll keep you updated!

Posted on: 2003-01-27

The diet works!

By: wally


Well I don't have a long success story, just started Atkins 28 days ago. I am a 36 yr old, 5ft 8in, male with arthritis, long walks or even short ones were unbearable on my back. I started the diet at 245lbs. 28 days later I am 26 pounds lighter. I feel better, can walk longer and have less headaches. My stomach doesn't get upset at all even though I eat alot of omlettes with hot peppers in them. I used to have bad acid reflux at night that isn't there anymore, and my wife says I don't snore anywhere near as I did before, which I can tell because I don't wake up tired like I did.
I used to drink about 10-14 cans of mountain dew a day and now 2 cans of Diet Rite, Lots of water and then more water.
I noticed that I used to realy over season my food. Example is I buy Frozen Cod (or whatever) on sale and would drown it with a creamy vadilla onion sauce. (3 carbs for 2 Tbs. 1/2 Tbs is more that enough!
This diet is so easy, I put on a pair of pants yesterday that I haven't worn for two years because I couldn't button them and they were loose! I've lost 5 inches off my belly, I never measured my waist figureing I would let my pants do the telling. I have to adjust my watch because it is so loose and I notice my wedding ring is more loose. (Don't read anything in to that, it's just more loose.)
Yes, I miss Pizza and some foods and would like to cheat but with the weight coming off so fast, why would I.
I can't wait for a few more months to go by and check my blood work again.
People can say what they want about the diet, and I'm sure a lot of the initial weight loss was just water. Takeing 26 lbs off of anything is a lot of weight. Next time your at a store go pick up a 300oz bottle of laundry soap. It's about 19 lbs, and then set it down and see how much better you feel, Or even a 24 pack of soda, about the same. It sounds wierd but I feel lighter when I walk.
Advice, Get a good multivitamin, Lots of water, don't be afraid to eat and go for a walk you don't need to exercise hard, just do something more than you usually do, it all counts. I've shown more weight loss on days I was sure I was gaining because I ate more. Even On days I eat less trust me I'm not starving. Get a couple things of the Atkins shakes for when your hungry and don't have time to make something. Also read other peoples success stories, they help. Take care everyone and don't cheat you WILL see results.

Posted on: 2003-12-10

Success at Last!


By: bluebonbon


I have fought and lost the battle of the bulge most of my life. Exchange diet, weigh watchers, OA, diet pills( which almost killed me) low fat, veggan, all of them! Most worked for a short time, but then I would give up and gain the weight back. I gave up and the weight kept creeping up, 200, 250, 270, 290, 300, 325. I was resigned to living my middle age and senior years overweight. Then one day I went to visit a friend who is much larger then I am. She could barely walk across her living room. I was so scared when I left there because I could see my future if I didn't get my weight under control. I prayed and asked God to show me the best diet for me. A short time later a friend gave me a copy of Dr. Atkins book. I started Jan. 26, 2003 and have been able to stay on the plan since then. I have lost 56 lbs. so far and I am positive that I will lose it all over the next two years. I now am a size 22, down from a size 28. I have started walking several times a week because I know that exercise will help me lose. Did I mention that this way of eating changed my biological clock so much that I went from being a stay up late night owl to an early rising early bird! That was a big surprise along with the fact that I no longer need an alarm clock to wake up in the morning, and I gave up afternoon naps. Don't need to crash in the afternoon because I am too full of energy....I love how this diet makes me feel, and how easy it has been to stay on it. I feel GREAT!

Posted on: 2003-11-24

work in progress


By: emcdoc


At first I could not believe it. Surely the scale was wrong. I could not possibly weigh that much!-I have always been overweight, starting at 9 pounds and getting bigger, weighing close to 90 pounds by kindergarten. I was put on my first low fat diet at age 2, and over the years dieting became a constant thing. I was always the big girl. The one with the "pretty face" or "good skin" or "nice personality" but never beautiful or sexy or attractive, until I met a man who appreciated my overabundance of curves, just after I graduated college. At that point I weighed 220 lbs.
Then I started medical school and my life became even more out of my control than it ever had been. By the time I finished my residency training, 8 years later, I weighed 330 lbs - the biggest I have ever been - and I was devestated. I knew I had gotten bigger, despite eating as little as possible, despite going 36-48 hours at a time with no food or sleep and being on my feet constantly. Having just moved and started my practice, I felt completely at a loss what to do. I had no friends here to turn to, all my old friends were just as busy as I building their lives, so I just tried the same old stuff - cut out more fat, eat even less, etc. In the past, I have managed to lose at most 50 pounds, and that took Fen-Phen and 9 months. It came back as soon as the meds were taken off the market and I had to stop taking them. Then in February of this year, my husband broke his leg and I had to wait on him hand and foot, and while lifting him every day to help him dress, shave, etc. I lost 10 pounds.
My partner, in the meantime had started the Atkins plan and was losing weight steadily, even though she is in her 60's. I had heard of it before but never gave it much thought because of all the negative press in the medical community and honestly I never thought I could do it. I started thinking about it. On my birthday, in May, I decided to take the first step and I stopped drinking regular soda. I bought the New Diet revolution and read it cover to cover. Twice. By the time I started Atkins on July 7, I had lost another 15 pounds, and I had begun to think of sugar as the enemy. My husband tried to stuff me with carbs before I began, a last hooray, and I just got really sick. I have been on Atkins for 4 months now, and I have lost down to 237 pounds, and counting! I plan to keep on going until I reach 170, and maintain on this low carb lifestyle forever. I have hopes that when I reach my goal, and I know now that I can, I might finally be able to get pregnant, something we have been trying for about 10 years!
When I first began, I was so stiff and sore, the thought of exercise was a joke, but now I am able to exercise at least every other day, when I am not on call. I have so much more energy than I have ever had and I have not been tempted to cheat not even once. I am overwhelmed that I have finally found the nutritional approach that works for me! I am looking forward to living low carb forever, and raising my children to live low carb. I have been living in a small town now for 15 months, and I keep running into people who I have known since the day I got here, but haven't seen in a few months, and they absolutely do not recognize me! It is the most amazing feeling in the world. And my husband, who has always loved me no matter what, has been extremely supportive and is very appreciative of my newly rediscovered hips and waist!
I am so thankful for websites such as this that offer info and support, and just want to say to anyone out there who thinks they can not do it, if I can, anyone can!!!! I can not wait until I can update you and say that I am half the woman I used to be. I imagine that will be another 6 months or so. Until then, I remain a Work In Progress....

Posted on: 2003-11-24

A letter to my brother


By: Rajheet


ROBERT **** wrote:

I just wanted to send you this article that appeared tonight on the electronic news:

{link to a low-carb bashing article based on a press release by PCRM an animal rights/vegan group}

Hope you are well.

**********************


Robert,
thanks for the concern. I had already seen and reviewed the article. Not in direct response to the article, but a response just the same:

1. I have lost 46 pounds, which averages about 10 pounds a month since July. This, for me, is remarkable.

2. I have seen several health benefits:

a. Shortness of breath, gone

b. Acid reflux, gone

c. Clothes fit much better (my neck has gone from 20 to 18 inches)

d. Able to be more active and generally more comfortable

e. Snoring has decreased markedly, if not completely

All of these things point to the simple fact that I am healthier now, than I was in July when I started. No, I haven't been to a doctor, yet, but I don't need a doctor to tell me that benefits noted above are good for me, and better than being the obese slob (I am still overweight) I was in July. I will continue to eat a low carb diet, and I will continue to lose weight. Do I go out of my way to eat a high fat diet? No. I try to maintain a healthy diet, eating meats, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, and staying away from starches, sugars, and high carbs in general. Really what sounds healthier? A breakfast (that you and I have shared on many occasions) of:

- Chorizo con huevos (the old bugaboo of fat AND cholesterol) {eggs with Mexican sausage}

- Arroz (made with shortening) {rice that is first browned in shortening}

- Frijoles (made with lard or other shortening) {refried beans}

- Tortillas de harina (made with fat) {white flour tortillas made with Crisco}

Barbacoa (containing lots of fat) {traditionally the meat from the head of a cow that has been slowed baked, you may have seen it on menus as beef cheek meat. Today more commonly made with a roast. Very fatty and very delicious!!}

Pan Dulce (made with fat, and a generous helping of sugar) {Mexican pastries made with white flour and lard}

or

An omlette containing sausage, spinach and cheese.

Please, do not speak to me of eating healthy, unless you have adopted, for yourself, a healthy diet, maybe the one recommended by the American Heart Association. Maybe you should check out these web sites:

http://www.lowcarbeating.com/

http://atkins.com/

Again, I appreciate your concern, but really, I never heard you express concern when my weight was ballooning. Now you are concerned when I am losing weight?

your brother

Ernest



Posted on: 2003-11-21

Half Man


By: Anonymous


Hi all. Just wanted to brag. Am 35 now with a 3 year old. I couldn't keep up with her which frustrated both of us. Tried things before. Never worked. Then saw "Diet Trials" on the BBC where a doctor lost 4 stone in 6 months. I decided to try it and while the induction was a little uncomfortable I can honestly say that this has been a remarkably painless, never mind hunger-free process. I started on April 14th 2003 at 238lbs and today,June 26th,I am 199LBS. I have lost a ridiculous 39lbs. Yes I do exercise a bit but only cycle for 30 mins 4 times a week. It's brilliant. I've never felt as well. Best thing I ever did.

Posted on: 2003-06-28