1 Year - 200 LBS. GONE!

CarbsNot · 02-25-2003, 05:57 PM

Well, gang, it's my one year anniversary on Atkins. It has been a strange and wonderful journey. And journey is really the word that describes this WOE. I started this plan because I was desperate. At 450 lbs. and 51 years old, I had settled for a life that was a bare existence. I got up, went to work, could hardly make it through the day, went home and sat and ate. What an exciting life, huh? I had dropped out of life and let myself become a person with nothing to live for. I wore a tight size 6X.

I began this WOE with skepticism, but clinging to that one glimmer of a chance that this time it would be different. I knew my beginning weight from a recent hospitalization, but could not weigh myself for a long time. I knew the weight was coming off because of my clothes. After losing 100 lbs. and finally being weighed on my doctor's scale, I felt like I had accomplished something. I knew this was my last chance, and by golly it was working!

As I approached the 300 lb. mark I knew that this was a real turning point for me. Due to abuse early in my life, I had used the weight to protect me. Something in my mind said that 300 was safe and less than that was not. I knew that to really make a lifetime change I would need counseling to get me past that barrier. I was lucky enough to work for a pastor who volunteered to try to help me, and I have made remarkable strides under his guidance. I can never thank him enough for what he has done to help me and I will forever be indebted to him for his wisdom and kindness.

With another 25 lbs. gone, I realized that I had to begin exercising. Exercise is a dirty word to a 300 lb. person. It is downright difficult and worse than pulling teeth. As I approached the 250 mark, my weight loss slowed down. I have never eaten other than induction levels of carbs. I also have never cheated.
I am not saying this to brag, but to point out that I was in this for broke. It was 100% commitment or nothing. I cut out the heavy cream and the scale started to move again.

Although my goal was to reach the 200 lb. mark by my anniversary, I also thought maybe I was being unrealistic. You cannot imagine how surprised and elated I was when I got on the scale this morning. I have been thanking God all day for helping me find this WOE, a wonderful friend and counselor and this bulletin board and all of you.

So, as I continue this journey, I am healthier, happier, able to move and enjoy living again. I have a way to go yet, but there is no time table. This is how I choose to live the rest of my life. Food no longer has pleasure. I spend very little time planning my food or cooking anymore. I have had to make food just something that keeps me alive. I eat very simply, plain foods and the same foods. I know which ones I can eat and that this will work for me. I actually look forward to that 1 hour aerobic tape now. When I pass a mirror I can't believe it's me. I can wear a size 18/20 top or XL now - a far cry from those 6X's!!!

So, don't PM me to ask for my recipes, secrets or how I did it. I did it with hard work, discipline, endurance and God' help. There is no magic; you have to be willing to pay the price. It's not easy, but living life at 450 lbs. was so much harder, trust me! I no longer look into the mirror and say, I hate you. I love the person I have become, not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally.
The skin is sagging, the wrinkles now show and I am 52 years old. If that is the price I have to pay for all the years of self-abuse, then so be it.

I know that it has been worth it. I want to thank each and every one of you--those I have met in person and those I have never even responded to. You are each an integral part of this BB and an inspiration to others. May God bless each and every one of you. Hugs, Kathy

Takeiteasy2000 · 02-25-2003, 06:01 PM

Simply amazing! You are truly an inspiration.

Kingschild · 02-25-2003, 06:11 PM

Kathy,

What a beautiful post. You made me cry. You are amazing and while all of us sit here in awe of all the weight you lost, I know that we can all have the same dreams fulfilled. It's all about commitment and sister, you are commited!

Thank you for your encouragement. Thank you for showing us that it's not about how many pounds you lose in a week, but how you can change your life forever.

God bless you....

kiwifriend · 02-25-2003, 06:12 PM

You are truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story.

TWINMOM101 · 02-25-2003, 06:20 PM

Kathy!!!!!! I am soo happy for you. You have done and continue to do great!!!!! No cheats? WOW!!!!! I do admire you. I have been real down because I haven't lost much in my short 3 wks but you give me inspiration.

congratulations!!! you go girl!!!!

02-25-2003, 06:25 PM

WOW.......CONGRATS and THANK YOU......you ARE an incredible INSPIRATION......to many on this board...Then I want to say thank you.......I NEEDED that!!!!!

Hugs & Love,
Brandi

02-25-2003, 06:45 PM

Thanks for sharing Kathy!!! Your journey is amazing and insperational...

02-25-2003, 06:45 PM

Thanks for sharing Kathy!!! Your journey is amazing and insperational...

bonbon · 02-25-2003, 06:48 PM

Bravo Kathy

Thanks so much for sharing!!

skssam · 02-25-2003, 06:50 PM

Kathy this is trully an amazing post and also a very trully InSpirational one to all of us here in the BB~~Congratulations just doesn;t seem to be enough for all that you accomplished in 1 year~~And yes with determination and induarance and with God's Guidance we can to can succeed~~Thank you For sharing your Incredible Journey with us my friend~~And A Big Hug and a Big Congratuations!!~~~Your LC Friend Sandy

02-25-2003, 06:54 PM

The only thing to add is.... YOU ARE MY HERO!!!

~Karen

ChristieJ · 02-25-2003, 07:36 PM

That is amazing!! YOU are amazing!

Congratulations!

Christie

msmoon · 02-25-2003, 07:38 PM

Well done you! I read your post and totally got it......the abuse, the hiding behind the weight, the not living life and just eating while it eats away at you. You are fighting "the good fight", and you appear to have learnt how to wear your battle scars with pride. Bravo! Your story brought me tears but it also brought me hope and uplifed my spirits on a day when I really needed it. Thank you!

blboopsie · 02-25-2003, 07:45 PM

Super news!!! It is definitely hard work and determination. You have to want it more than anything else and not let yourself be side tracked. You deserve lots of hugs and kudos. Treat yourself to something nice like a massage or shopping or whatever you like. You deserve it.

Betty

Catt · 02-25-2003, 08:03 PM

Congratulations on all your deeds, a healthier mind, body and soul. You deserve it all and more.

Friends in this way of life,

Marlee · 02-25-2003, 08:23 PM

Absolutely amazing. How strong and wonderful you are. You should give yourself a big hug and be SO proud of how you've taken care of yourself. I wish I could find some of that courage you have

Thank you for this.

PrincessKarenie · 02-25-2003, 09:20 PM

You are lovely and amazing.
You have become one of my heros on this board.
Wow!

Karenie

PrincessKarenie · 02-25-2003, 09:21 PM

You are lovely and amazing.
You have become one of my heros on this board.
Wow!

Karenie

PrincessKarenie · 02-25-2003, 09:21 PM

You are lovely and amazing.
You have become one of my heros on this board.
Wow!

Karenie

Miss Gigl · 02-25-2003, 09:36 PM

Kathy,

What can I say, that is so amazing and inspirational it just brings tears to my eyes.

(((((BIG HUGS)))))))))))) and hats off to you!!!!!!!!!!!

Linda Marie · 02-25-2003, 09:39 PM

Hello Kathy,

You know...You story is food for my soul. I was just sitting here thinking, God how am I ever go to lose 206lbs? And now I know. With God, determination, and total dedication to this WOL. Understanding that there is no magic, no body can rescue me but me. No one can release me from the prison but me. I hold the key. I must make the right choices over and over again. Success can be mine if I just take baby steps. I need to learn to walk before I learn to run. I might even need to finish learning how to crawl, before I can walk...lol. But one day I will reach my goal, I don't care how long it takes as long as I am on the road to recovery. Because truly, there is no food that can fix anything that is broke. No food whatsoever! I have given the power to food for far too long

Brava for you. I can only imagine how glorious you must feel. You should be so very proud of all the hard work you have done, and the success you have had this passed year. I am sure the best is to come. Enjoy the journey. You will never be this weight again.

Much Love,

Cassie Z · 02-25-2003, 09:48 PM

Congratulations on your success.

Thanks you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings. There are a lot of us here that can very much identify with this. I also used food and my fat to protect me from people. I too had to go through counseling to get beyond the horrors of the past and abuse. I too choose to live life one day at a time and try my best to do it without stuffing down my feelings with food. I choose to truly enjoy life and all it has to offer. Well, most of the time that is, haaa haaaa.

Again, thank you so much for sharing.

Southern-Dahlin · 02-25-2003, 09:53 PM

Kathy

The tears are rolling down my cheeks. What a beautiful journey you have blessed us all with.

Shelby

Southern-Dahlin · 02-25-2003, 09:57 PM

Linda Marie......did you see the movie (What about Bob). The guy in the movie took baby steps everywhere....lol........it was one funny show.
Shelby

Amazon · 02-25-2003, 10:19 PM

Congrats once again and thanks for sharing your story!

pattysparkle · 02-25-2003, 10:25 PM

AH, SISTER MARIA......THE WHOLE CONVENT AND THE UNCLES APPLAUD YOU !!!!!!! FROM DA MAMAMIA

AnnieM · 02-25-2003, 10:53 PM

Excellence suits you

Annie...tissue user as well

Magnolia · 02-25-2003, 11:29 PM

Oh Kathy my love

I am sat here surrounded by soggy tissues. I couldnt be more happy for you gal.

Megga ((((((((((((hugs)))))))))) to you sweetie

Soon2Bthinner · 02-25-2003, 11:40 PM

I still find it unimaginable that anyone could lost so much so fast.
It could not have happened to a nicer person.
You give all of us HOPE
Thank you and enjoy your new life.

CarbsNot · 02-26-2003, 02:24 AM

Thanks to everyone for your sweet comments. If I have been an inspiration to you, I am glad. Each of you inspire me too. Now it's the beginning of year 2, one day at a time.

02-25-2003, 05:57 PM	#1
CarbsNot MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North Fort Myers, FL Posts: 2,299 Gallery: CarbsNot WOE: Atkins Start Date: 2/26/02, Restart 5/10/10	1 Year - 200 LBS. GONE! Well, gang, it's my one year anniversary on Atkins. It has been a strange and wonderful journey. And journey is really the word that describes this WOE. I started this plan because I was desperate. At 450 lbs. and 51 years old, I had settled for a life that was a bare existence. I got up, went to work, could hardly make it through the day, went home and sat and ate. What an exciting life, huh? I had dropped out of life and let myself become a person with nothing to live for. I wore a tight size 6X. I began this WOE with skepticism, but clinging to that one glimmer of a chance that this time it would be different. I knew my beginning weight from a recent hospitalization, but could not weigh myself for a long time. I knew the weight was coming off because of my clothes. After losing 100 lbs. and finally being weighed on my doctor's scale, I felt like I had accomplished something. I knew this was my last chance, and by golly it was working! As I approached the 300 lb. mark I knew that this was a real turning point for me. Due to abuse early in my life, I had used the weight to protect me. Something in my mind said that 300 was safe and less than that was not. I knew that to really make a lifetime change I would need counseling to get me past that barrier. I was lucky enough to work for a pastor who volunteered to try to help me, and I have made remarkable strides under his guidance. I can never thank him enough for what he has done to help me and I will forever be indebted to him for his wisdom and kindness. With another 25 lbs. gone, I realized that I had to begin exercising. Exercise is a dirty word to a 300 lb. person. It is downright difficult and worse than pulling teeth. As I approached the 250 mark, my weight loss slowed down. I have never eaten other than induction levels of carbs. I also have never cheated. I am not saying this to brag, but to point out that I was in this for broke. It was 100% commitment or nothing. I cut out the heavy cream and the scale started to move again. Although my goal was to reach the 200 lb. mark by my anniversary, I also thought maybe I was being unrealistic. You cannot imagine how surprised and elated I was when I got on the scale this morning. I have been thanking God all day for helping me find this WOE, a wonderful friend and counselor and this bulletin board and all of you. So, as I continue this journey, I am healthier, happier, able to move and enjoy living again. I have a way to go yet, but there is no time table. This is how I choose to live the rest of my life. Food no longer has pleasure. I spend very little time planning my food or cooking anymore. I have had to make food just something that keeps me alive. I eat very simply, plain foods and the same foods. I know which ones I can eat and that this will work for me. I actually look forward to that 1 hour aerobic tape now. When I pass a mirror I can't believe it's me. I can wear a size 18/20 top or XL now - a far cry from those 6X's!!! So, don't PM me to ask for my recipes, secrets or how I did it. I did it with hard work, discipline, endurance and God' help. There is no magic; you have to be willing to pay the price. It's not easy, but living life at 450 lbs. was so much harder, trust me! I no longer look into the mirror and say, I hate you. I love the person I have become, not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally. The skin is sagging, the wrinkles now show and I am 52 years old. If that is the price I have to pay for all the years of self-abuse, then so be it. I know that it has been worth it. I want to thank each and every one of you--those I have met in person and those I have never even responded to. You are each an integral part of this BB and an inspiration to others. May God bless each and every one of you. Hugs, Kathy __________________ Kathy In 2002:450/230/150 In 2010: 380/320/180 Don't believe everything you think!

02-25-2003, 06:25 PM	#6
Brandi NY Posts: n/a Gallery: Brandi NY	First and Formost, I want to say........ WOW.......CONGRATS and THANK YOU......you ARE an incredible INSPIRATION......to many on this board...Then I want to say thank you.......I NEEDED that!!!!! Hugs & Love, Brandi

02-25-2003, 06:54 PM	#11
Posts: n/a Gallery:	Everthing Kingschild said...... The only thing to add is.... YOU ARE MY HERO!!! ~Karen

02-25-2003, 09:39 PM	#21
Linda Marie Senior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Oregon Posts: 423 Gallery: Linda Marie Stats: 402/392.5/147 WOE: GSA Start Date: 2/4/08	Hello Kathy, You know...You story is food for my soul. I was just sitting here thinking, God how am I ever go to lose 206lbs? And now I know. With God, determination, and total dedication to this WOL. Understanding that there is no magic, no body can rescue me but me. No one can release me from the prison but me. I hold the key. I must make the right choices over and over again. Success can be mine if I just take baby steps. I need to learn to walk before I learn to run. I might even need to finish learning how to crawl, before I can walk...lol. But one day I will reach my goal, I don't care how long it takes as long as I am on the road to recovery. Because truly, there is no food that can fix anything that is broke. No food whatsoever! I have given the power to food for far too long Brava for you. I can only imagine how glorious you must feel. You should be so very proud of all the hard work you have done, and the success you have had this passed year. I am sure the best is to come. Enjoy the journey. You will never be this weight again. Much Love, __________________ Hugs, Linda Marie Day One 1/1/08 Weight 402 402/392.5/147 402,401,400,399,398,397,396,395,394,[COLOR="Red"]393,392[/COLOR],391,390, 389,387,386,387

02-25-2003, 09:48 PM	#22
Cassie Z MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: May 2001 Location: Bellefontaine, Ohio, USA Posts: 1,977 Gallery: Cassie Z	Congratulations on your success. Thanks you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings. There are a lot of us here that can very much identify with this. I also used food and my fat to protect me from people. I too had to go through counseling to get beyond the horrors of the past and abuse. I too choose to live life one day at a time and try my best to do it without stuffing down my feelings with food. I choose to truly enjoy life and all it has to offer. Well, most of the time that is, haaa haaaa. Again, thank you so much for sharing. __________________ before after *********************** __ 12/01/99 (the start of my new low carb life) 350+/208**/140 5'3" 54y/o in 2006 spring YIKES!! Where has the time gone??? Cassie from WestCentral Ohio (The PEAK of Ohio!!) ...was a size 4/5X

02-25-2003, 06:01 PM	#2
Takeiteasy2000 Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 1,984 Gallery: Takeiteasy2000 Stats: 280 22W/Reached goal of 160 on 12/22/05 WOE: Atkins Start Date: 4/21/01	Simply amazing! You are truly an inspiration.

02-25-2003, 06:11 PM	#3
Kingschild Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Beautiful Colorado Posts: 5,062 Gallery: Kingschild Stats: 270 / 185 / 160 ... 5'8.5" WOE: RNY - May 19th, 2008 Start Date: 2003 - re-start February 2008	Kathy, What a beautiful post. You made me cry. You are amazing and while all of us sit here in awe of all the weight you lost, I know that we can all have the same dreams fulfilled. It's all about commitment and sister, you are commited! Thank you for your encouragement. Thank you for showing us that it's not about how many pounds you lose in a week, but how you can change your life forever. God bless you....

02-25-2003, 06:12 PM	#4
kiwifriend Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: New Zealand Posts: 189 Gallery: kiwifriend	You are truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story.

02-25-2003, 06:20 PM	#5
TWINMOM101 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: WV Posts: 189 Gallery: TWINMOM101 WOE: lo carb using protein shakes Start Date: Jan.5, 2004	Kathy!!!!!! I am soo happy for you. You have done and continue to do great!!!!! No cheats? WOW!!!!! I do admire you. I have been real down because I haven't lost much in my short 3 wks but you give me inspiration. congratulations!!! you go girl!!!!

02-25-2003, 06:45 PM	#7
KNEADME247 Posts: n/a Gallery: KNEADME247	Thanks for sharing Kathy!!! Your journey is amazing and insperational...

02-25-2003, 06:48 PM	#9
bonbon Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 9,621 Gallery: bonbon WOE: Atkins Start Date: August 2000	Bravo Kathy Thanks so much for sharing!!

02-25-2003, 06:50 PM	#10
skssam Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 8,763 Gallery: skssam Stats: 267/146/147 goal WOE: Atkins Start Date: 02/03/2001	Kathy this is trully an amazing post and also a very trully InSpirational one to all of us here in the BB~~Congratulations just doesn;t seem to be enough for all that you accomplished in 1 year~~And yes with determination and induarance and with God's Guidance we can to can succeed~~Thank you For sharing your Incredible Journey with us my friend~~And A Big Hug and a Big Congratuations!!~~~Your LC Friend Sandy

02-25-2003, 07:36 PM	#12
ChristieJ Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 191 Gallery: ChristieJ	That is amazing!! YOU are amazing! Congratulations! Christie

02-25-2003, 07:38 PM	#13
msmoon Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Moon St. On the far left side. Posts: 3,361 Gallery: msmoon	Well done you! I read your post and totally got it......the abuse, the hiding behind the weight, the not living life and just eating while it eats away at you. You are fighting "the good fight", and you appear to have learnt how to wear your battle scars with pride. Bravo! Your story brought me tears but it also brought me hope and uplifed my spirits on a day when I really needed it. Thank you!

02-25-2003, 07:45 PM	#14
blboopsie Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 5,206 Gallery: blboopsie Stats: 279/260/150 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Dec. 29, 2002	Super news!!! It is definitely hard work and determination. You have to want it more than anything else and not let yourself be side tracked. You deserve lots of hugs and kudos. Treat yourself to something nice like a massage or shopping or whatever you like. You deserve it. Betty

02-25-2003, 08:03 PM	#15
Catt MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Texas on the Gulf of Mexico Posts: 1,156 Gallery: Catt Stats: goal ONEderland WOE: starting over Atkins Start Date: Jan. 11, 2011	Congratulations on all your deeds, a healthier mind, body and soul. You deserve it all and more. Friends in this way of life,

02-25-2003, 08:23 PM	#16
Marlee Zombie Fairy Princess Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: NY Posts: 7,122 Gallery: Marlee Stats: -53 WOE: Atkins	Absolutely amazing. How strong and wonderful you are. You should give yourself a big hug and be SO proud of how you've taken care of yourself. I wish I could find some of that courage you have Thank you for this.

02-25-2003, 09:20 PM	#17
PrincessKarenie Guest Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: A thousand miles from nowhere Posts: 3,342 Gallery: PrincessKarenie Stats: 250/???/150 WOE: FatFast/Atkins Start Date: May 2002	You are lovely and amazing. You have become one of my heros on this board. Wow! Karenie

02-25-2003, 09:21 PM	#18
PrincessKarenie Guest Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: A thousand miles from nowhere Posts: 3,342 Gallery: PrincessKarenie Stats: 250/???/150 WOE: FatFast/Atkins Start Date: May 2002	You are lovely and amazing. You have become one of my heros on this board. Wow! Karenie

02-25-2003, 09:36 PM	#20
Miss Gigl Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ashburn, VA Posts: 4,734 Gallery: Miss Gigl Stats: 312/262/180 WOE: Atkins Start Date: April 15, 2002	Kathy, What can I say, that is so amazing and inspirational it just brings tears to my eyes. (((((BIG HUGS)))))))))))) and hats off to you!!!!!!!!!!!

02-25-2003, 09:53 PM	#23
Southern-Dahlin Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 14,816 Gallery: Southern-Dahlin WOE: NO processed foods.	Kathy The tears are rolling down my cheeks. What a beautiful journey you have blessed us all with. Shelby

02-25-2003, 09:57 PM	#24
Southern-Dahlin Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 14,816 Gallery: Southern-Dahlin WOE: NO processed foods.	Linda Marie......did you see the movie (What about Bob). The guy in the movie took baby steps everywhere....lol........it was one funny show. Shelby

02-25-2003, 10:19 PM	#25
Amazon MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The great North"wet" Posts: 1,046 Gallery: Amazon	Congrats once again and thanks for sharing your story!

02-25-2003, 10:25 PM	#26
pattysparkle Drama Queen Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: 3-2-1......Blastoff !!! Posts: 3,395 Gallery: pattysparkle Stats: 425 estimate/375/ '270' / 180 WOE: RNY 3/11/09 90gm Protein Daily/ Bariatri Start Date: January 2002-Atkins/ June 2006-Low Carb 2007-8	AH, SISTER MARIA......THE WHOLE CONVENT AND THE UNCLES APPLAUD YOU !!!!!!! FROM DA MAMAMIA

02-25-2003, 10:53 PM	#27
AnnieM Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Central California Posts: 4,907 Gallery: AnnieM Stats: 292/185/150ish WOE: lower carbs & smaller portions Start Date: mid Jan/03 & 10/22/07	KATHY Excellence suits you Annie...tissue user as well

02-25-2003, 11:29 PM	#28
Magnolia Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 15,973 Gallery: Magnolia Stats: 350/237/220 WOE: Atkins ... and lovin' it Start Date: 14/01/2002	Oh Kathy my love I am sat here surrounded by soggy tissues. I couldnt be more happy for you gal. Megga ((((((((((((hugs)))))))))) to you sweetie

02-25-2003, 11:40 PM	#29
Soon2Bthinner Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Formerly state of Hopelessness...now... Land of HOPE Posts: 1,838 Gallery: Soon2Bthinner Stats: 2much/ 2day /2be Start Date: June 23, 2011	I still find it unimaginable that anyone could lost so much so fast. It could not have happened to a nicer person. You give all of us HOPE Thank you and enjoy your new life.

02-26-2003, 02:24 AM	#30
CarbsNot MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North Fort Myers, FL Posts: 2,299 Gallery: CarbsNot WOE: Atkins Start Date: 2/26/02, Restart 5/10/10	Thanks to everyone for your sweet comments. If I have been an inspiration to you, I am glad. Each of you inspire me too. Now it's the beginning of year 2, one day at a time.

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