Hi Ladies. I do read all the posts here still, believe it or not (I just can't post from work, but I can usually sneak in reading).

I finally put my foot down, and have been 100% OP for 8 days. This is going to sound sad, but I have never stuck with anything for more than 4 days before without cheating or blowing it. I started Atkins on March 22, and although I know many people don't like it, it's something I can actually stick to. I have gained so much weight in the last year, I needed to put a stop to it and get my butt back in gear.

I finished up my first week of induction with a 12 lb weight loss. I am at 250 lbs (started at 262). I can't believe that when I first posted here back in Dec of 2002, I was 212 lbs or so. I had lost almost 80 lbs by doing meal replacement shakes and practically starving myself, and when I finally had enough, I rebounded bigtime, thus the HUGE weight gain. I have set my target date in December 2004. Averaging 2lbs a week, that is where it puts me. I know you lose a lot in the first few weeks of Atkins.

For the first time ever, the sugar cravings I have always had are gone. I don't feel like eating everything in sight in the evenings and I don't have heartburn or bloating from eating all the crappy food I was eating. I hit rockbottom and had a big wakeup call. This must sound small, but I am so proud that I've made it 8 days in and am still going strong, I just want to cry I am so happy.

Yay Raelynn! You're doing awesome! I'm so proud of you... Keep going.. We're gonna do this!

Good job, Raelynn!! Give yourself a big pat on the back!

That is so great that you've made it 8 days...so far.

I truly love all my sugary, starchy foods too much to ever give them up like that so a big kudos to you.

Congratulations!! So proud of you!!

You go girl! Good job and great attitude! I'm proud of you too!

Great attitude!!!! I am so proud of you too! I like how you actually have a plan and dates and goals. You know, that really makes a difference...at least it has for me. And staying OP for 8 days is huge....because if you can do it for 8, you can do it for 9...take one day at a time, right? Keep up the good work, and post whenever you can!

I am so proud of you!! 8 days is a lot. I know you can do this!!

In fact, I know we can do this. Your post made me think of the days when I was sweets free. From Jan 5 - Mar 9 - I was sweets free. I felt in control, I didn't have the cravings and I was losing weight. I have made half baked attempts to go back to being sweets free sice, but haven't stuck to it. Your post has inspired me. As of today, right now, this moment, I am sweets free. And I am going to stick to it. It works for me and once I get going it doesn't even bother me, I just have to do it!!!

Thanks Raelynn!!!!

Ok, so I called Hubby, e-mailed my mom, brother and best freind. Fessed up to the weight gain since being back on sweets and announced that I was back off them. That should be some motivation!!!

Way to go ladies!! Its time to get moving again!

Woohoo! WTG!!

CONGRATS! That is awesome! You're thinking about this couldn't be better! Just accumulate those OP days, one after another, they add up over time to bring the great results that we are all searching for!

One day at a time for the rest of our lives!

Way 2 GO!!!

yay! glad you found something you can stick with!

That's great, Raelynn!!!!! 8 days is a GREAT start! And 12 pounds -- crikey! Don't you DARE sell yourself short.....you're off to a wonderful start, and you just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Just take it one day at a time -- plan for the long haul, but worry only about today.

You go, Raelynn!

And Sandi, sounds like you took a big step in knocking that sugar-monkey off your back! Great job!

Yes! V-i-c-t-o-r-y!