My friend and I started Atkins together a few weeks ago, and I lost 4 lbs and she lost 3 and we are both sooo excited! I had lost around 44 lbs but was stuck at a major plateau, going back and forth with three pounds up, three pounds down, but never able to start dropping, IN SPITE of exercise and low calorie plan.

I also find that I have NO irritable bowel symptoms and wonder if I had a gluten intolerance. I sleep well (major deal for me, no sleeping aid necessary - whooo!) and feel pretty upbeat now that I am not fighting all that sugar in my system. The only thing is, I don't show much as far as ketosis on the test strips I bought, but I did lose and my clothes do fit better. I am pumped!!!! I weigh again on 5/21/09 - will let you know if I broke the 190's - I was at 191.2 this past Thursday. Whooooooo!!!!

Yeah, another devotee! I love this diet too. I have lost weight on other diets, but I have never felt so clear headed and energetic. I never realized what a dangerous thing sugar was and how terrible it made me feel until Atkins. Just wait a few months, you will feel even better!

As for the test strips, I wouldn't worry about using them. Even during the month that I dropped 20 pounds, the damn strips didn't work. Just focus on how you feel. And don't trust the Atkins Nutritional website. Use the book!!!! When Dr. Atkins diet, a new group of people took over and all they do is push their bars and shakes. (Which btw, I DONT lose weight when I eat them!!!) His wife Veronica Atkins has a great website that isn't all about selling products. Check that out as a great source. It's what Dr. Atkins intended this way of life to be.

Good luck!

Congratulations! Atkins is a great way to lose weight. I have been on a modified diet, not strictly following Atkins but using some of the same principles, and have lost 50 pounds since February.

My heartburn has completely gone away, I sleep better, and most importantly I feel better at 140 lbs than at 190!

When I said I don't follow it strictly, I mean I gave up sugar, white flour, pasta and all types of bread. I use low carb tortillas for many things but I don't count how many carbs I eat per day. I also eat strawberries and other fruits a few times a week.

I am loving Atkins to!

I'm glad I'm not the only one the ketone test strips don't work for...!

I LOVE Atkins!!!

Yesterday marked my 6th month following Dr. Atkins plan and what great changes have happened. Loving it!!

I get so EXCITED when I read threads like this. It is so great to read that you guys have found a plan that you love and that works for you. THIS is inspiring!!!
Keep up the awesome work, ladies!
Kira

I just started living the low carb lifestyle again a few weeks ago and have already lost 12 lbs. I am so happy!!!
And I want to thank everyone for posting all of the great information! Together we can help each other reach our goals!!

Thanks everyone!

I just started Atkins a few days ago, after almost giving up dieting after 30 lbs lost. I feel such relief- the deprivation seems so reduced, and the hunger is fading away. I am a complete sugar addict, and right now I am going through symptoms of withdrawl- it is a detoxification, for sure.
I am so enthusiastic about my potential future with this program!
Cheers,
joanne

Joanne, if you can make it through the sugar withdrawal you've got it made! Once the addiction is broken you feel SO MUCH BETTER!!!!

I'm only about 4 days in but I'm really hopeful that this plan will work for me. It almost seems to good to be true, but I think I'm following all the rules. I thought it would be hard for me to give up sugar and you couldn't pry my diet pepsi from my cold dead hand!! BUT I really wanted to commit to this and do it right so I've kicked diet soda too, and it wasn't as hard as I thought. I'm drinking lots more water and eating more vegetables and it doesn't feel like a struggle!

Hey pferde01,

I wish you luck. Keep us posted on how things are going.

DcHound,
Thanks for the words of encouragement. From the way I felt yesterday, I would swear that carbs are toxic to me. How long will it take to completely detox from this process?

Well...I did not lose any weight last week - I weighed exactly the same as the previous week. I expected a lb or two, not to stay the same!

Oh, well. I am still plugging and still giving it my all. My friend lost almost another lb, I was really happy for her!

hi redhead - my week 1 weight loss was non-existent- hang in - it will change!