Hi all,

I'm yet another refugee from the Kimkins site. I haven't been active over there in about a month, but kind of checked out right after the WW story came out. When the flood of new members came in and the format changed, I just kind of lost my way.

I had lost about 25 pounds in the beginning of the year. I've since gained about 16 pounds of it back. I am really unhappy and disgusted with myself. I've had a hard time losing the baby weight after my last two babies (#3 and #4). My youngest is soon to be 18 months and I still look pregnant at times.

I can't seem to find my way back to remaining on plan (Atkins) and finding the support I need. I'm also having a hard time picking up exercise again. Do I somehow not want the success? I'm usually very goal oriented, not sure what the problem is... I'm a very private person and tend to withdraw when stressed, but I know from the past that it's helpe immensely to "chat" in these types of forums.

Today is a new month, a new week. I feel like if I can't do it this time I don't know what's left. Anyhow, I see a lot of familiar faces/names here. Any words of advice/hope???

Hi Marlee!!!!! We may have met "over there" but I did what you did, when the flood of people arrived I just couldn't keep up so I checked out.

I'm so sorry you're struggling. I have been to. I think the brainwashing was kind of an all or nothing approach. You either did things the KK way and had some pretty fast results which helped to stay on plan, or you're just off altogether and have gains and feel like a bad person. I'm finding my way. I'm doing lots of research and thought I was going to do SB (my family still is) but for me it's still too many carbs and I am going to do more of an Atkins approach. Now that I have wrapped my brain around NOT weighing every day and expecting 1-2 losses every day, I am getting back on track.

You will LOVE it here. Tons of very supportive and very knowledgable people and a smaller environment, so you can really get to know people. Are you a SAHM? There's a very nice support thread for them, there's ones for the decade you're in, or the #'s you want to lose. Just surf around and post a few times and you will find friends in no time!

Anyways, we're here for ya!!!

For me I find that sometimes when I have failed at something, it is so hard to get up and start again. Having failed I see only that path that leads to no success. It helps me to plan very specific goals and to visualize myself reaching those goals. I see the fork in the road and I choose to take the path untraveled to find my success. We always say at work, "You will see it when you believe it."

For exercise one thing that has always worked for me is the 10 minute rule. You want your goal to be 30-45 minutes, but commit and promise you will do at least 10 minutes. Once you get started with just those 10 minutes you will find it easier to say what is another 20 minutes, I am already started.

Know that you are not alone. We are human and we do falter, but what makes us who we are is that determination to get up, dust ourselves off and make it to the finish line. So come on! To your feet! You have a journey to finish.

Hi Marlee,

I can relate to you saying that it's difficult to get back on track. My advice is to get involved here and just take it one day at a time. Best wishes,

Sharon/GA

Hey Marlee, THANK YOU so much for being here at my forum. I'm happy to have you here and stand ready to help in any way that I can. This isn't an easy journey, but one that you'll be so glad to took in the not-too-distant future. Browse around a while and get to know your fellow members who have been there, done that themselves. We love and care for each other like no other community I've ever been a part of. It's so good to have you here. WELCOME!

Hey Marlee,
I'm here from KK myself, my departure being more recent. I know from experience that making the transition from kk can be disorienting and confusing. Take it one day at a time, there is lots of support here, and many ways of low carbing, you will find what works for you, just be kind and gentle with yourself while you find your way again.

Marlee, it is so good to have you here. I know that there are times when the emotional part of life is much harder than the way of eating that we choose. I know for me, that when I really get down and that depression sets in, everything seems impossible.
I know that once you feel better emotionally, everything will fall into place beautifully. There is much love, acceptance, and encouragement to be gained here. Thanks so much for joining us. Please, if you need anything, or just someone to talk to, just message any one of us, or post it. You will never find a better group of people for love and support. AND once again, we are SO glad that you are here with us!

Marlee!!!! ((HUG))) So good to see you over here my dear... I'm so glad that you found us! This is truly a touching place to be... remember when.. back then... kinda like that But healthier and much happier. Like the others have said, just take it slow and you will find your way. check out the forums... look around, you will see many familiar faces here

Take care and hope to talk to you VERY soon.. (((HUGS)))

Good to see you again!
Christin

Marlee --

Are you feeling any better about Atkins/exercise/yourself in general?

I can sympathize with the not-baby-weight-anymore syndrome. . . My twins are almost two, and I look like the second trimester of a singleton pregnancy! I also have an elliptical trainer that my husband bought me for Christmas at the foot of my bed -- I use it about once every two weeks. I also have T-Tapp DVDs sitting next to the DVD player in the living room; I've looked at the Instructional video once. . .

I've gained and lost weight since the birth of my babies; the only time I had significant success was when I was breastfeeding (takes lots of calories to produce 64 oz. of milk daily)! I did Atkins before I got pregnant with some success, but the fastest I've lost weight without lactation was on Kimkins. . . I just felt crummy the entire time. . .

But I'm trying again; whre there's life, there's hope, right? If I give up now, it's guaranteed that I'll continue to gain until I look like Jabba the Hut. I want to lose the weight and look good, but I at least want to be able to function -- which means I have to get this under control. Even on the days when my well-meaning office mates bring donuts to my desk. . .

In the end, there's no such thing as a last attempt -- unless we choose to make it our last attempt. I'll fall off the wagon sometimes; it's not the fall that counts. It's the getting up and getting back on. . .



Sara

Thank you all for your wonderful responses! It felt really good to know that I have found a new place for support and friendship.

Amy - I think I recognize you from the other site. You look fantastic! I can't believe that before picture is less than a year ago. I think the not weighing every day advice is good advice.

Vicalyn - I'm going to take your advice about the exercise - a little at a time. I have one of those stabilizer balls w/a DVD that I loved for a time. I'm hoping to get back to it.

Sharon - Yes. One day at a time...

Jimmy - Thank you for providing this place of support. I've followed your blog for some time and am happy to be a member of these forums.

Kathy - I hope you are doing well and have had a good transition.

Mary - Wow. I am really touched by your words. You are so right. I am really struggling with the emotional now and need to sort that out with the physical (i.e. eating). My weight has really been making me depressed and I eat when I'm depressed... Well, you're familiar with the cycle. Here's to breaking it.

Christin - I'm so happy to see you here too! As you know, you've been a great source of support and advice for me in the past. I have been keeping up with you and wish you nothing but health and happiness from here on.

Sara - I can soooo relate. The babies, the exercise not beging done... Maybe we can make a little pact with each other to make it happen this time.

Well, again, thank you so much for your welcome. I'm happy to be here.