cartbabe
Aug 4 2007, 10:46pm
This journey never ends. It has many turns and curves, a few detours, and a few setbacks. However, if we take joy in the actual travel, and don't worry so much about the destination, then every day can be a new experience and a source of joy. We are so privileged to be on a journey that will continue for the rest of our lives!
Cartbabe before: 253 pounds
This photo was taken in 1999 at a high school reunion
This photo was taken sometime in the late nineties. I don't even remember. I was somewhere in the 230 pound range there.
This is one of my favorite AFTER pics. I was weighing about 118 pounds here.
January, 2007. This was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life! I can't tell you how awesome it was to meet and share experiences with the people who were featured in the magazine. It was life-changing to get to know them. This is why I believe it is SO important to support one another!
Weight 128
Opportunity and chance of a lifetime. It was an awesome experience!
Low Carb Discussion Forum
Jordan Johnson
Aug 4 2007, 10:50pm
Wow, that is so awesome! You look amazing!
Did you do it all through dieting, or did you work out as well? And which diet program did you use?
cartbabe
Aug 4 2007, 10:56pm
I had no official "work out" program, but we have been pretty active. I now go to Curves and try to move more.
I am an Atkins Baby!
diamondwife
Aug 4 2007, 11:10pm
Thanks for sharing your awesome and inspiring pics. I think one of the most inspiring things is before and after pics.
tom_912
Aug 4 2007, 11:42pm
you are amazing cart!!!!
Jimmy Moore
Aug 5 2007, 8:57am
You know how much I LOVE you, Mary! You're MY hero and I am honored to have you here at my forum. God bless you, my friend. Can't wait to hear more from you in the coming months and years.
WeeWendy
Aug 5 2007, 11:45pm
WOW! It is pictures like these that inspire me. You look like a completely different person. Great job.
melodiegale
Aug 6 2007, 11:45am
Cartbabe,
You look unbelievable!! Major Kudos to you. You will truly be an inspiration to those who think it's not possible for them. You worked hard to live your dream and you're doing it (in a much smaller way LOL). Congrats!!
cartbabe
Aug 7 2007, 10:01pm
Thanks so much for all of the kind words, everyone.
I love to come and look through ALL of these before and afters and be re-inspired all over again!
BIG thanks to everyone for posting their pictures of inspiration and confirmation that dreams can come true!
Jimmy Moore
Aug 7 2007, 10:15pm
And we're gonna help many others reach their dreams of lasting and permanent weight loss here on this forum so the before & after gallery is rockin' and rollin' with success story after success story by this time next year. I'm so proud of everyone and urge you to KEEP IT UP! THANKS for coming to my new forum.
Guest
Aug 7 2007, 10:42pm
Wow, you look amazing!!! So inspiring to me, who just started 6 weeks ago on Atkins.
Thanks for posting the pics.
Marissa
Ritmeyer
Aug 7 2007, 10:44pm
Oops! I forgot to log in
Marissa
WOW! Amazing!
I love it that it was Atkins!
What happenned to cause the relapse?
cartbabe
Aug 7 2007, 11:25pm
I don't know that I would consider it a relapse, Dave. I have had an issue with twenty pounds for no reason after moving to new Mexico. I have maintained at no less than a hundred and thirteen pound loss for over two and a half years. It took two and a half years to reach my goal of 135...actually I slid right past my goal and went down to 111 pounds. I was skin and bones. I sat at 116 pounds for a very very long time. The week we moved to New Mexico I weighed more every day until I reached a twenty pound gain. (within a matter of days). Talk about panic! I have, however held steady since that time. All of this, the move and the gain occurred during the People Magazine shoot. Talk about nerve wracking! In all actuality, I am sitting a couple of pounds above my original goal of 135. Even though that doesn't make me feel better, I feel that I should be ever so grateful....
I really don't consider this situation a relapse. I have never deviated from my low carb lifestyle, and I never intend to. I am frustrated with the turn of events, but I am forty years old and post hysterectomy, and if I thought I was going to slide through this thing without any battle, I guess I was wrong. I will not give up, however. I will continue to adhere to my Low Carb Lifestyle come hell or high water. I will not give up, nor will I let this setback make me give up the new state of health I have come to enjoy.
Ahhh Cool Thanks!!
I wasn't 100% clued in on your story.
I had the last year of relapses and struggles, so I wasn't pointing any fingers.
Isn't it amazing how little people think about hormones affecting weight.
I remember at Weight Watchers every little up and down was considered to be caused by overeating! Never once did they think to talk about hormones.
Did you have to count any calories when losing, or was it Atkins by the book? Did you have to do induction to get to goal?
cartbabe
Aug 8 2007, 10:58am
No Problem, Dave. Even though I am incredibly irritated by this recent turn of events, I know in my heart that some day I will be able to help someone else with the same situation.
I do a lot of studying about the low carb lifestyle. It has been a hard pill to swallow, this twenty pounds. I try, though, to be grateful every single day for the huge loss I have been able to sustain. I try to remain positive, and know that it is nothing that I am doing wrong. I am an incredibly strict low-carber. I do not believe in even one bite. It has been five years since I gave up carbs, and I know that this hurdle, too, can be passed. After all, the lowest weight I had ever been in my life was 135 pounds at eight years old
No, I haven't regained a load of weight. For the most part, I am the only one who notices it. However, I know it is there, and it drives me nuts!
Thanks for sharing your journey, Dave. I am LOVING reading your posts and learning from them!
Mary
Jimmy Moore
Aug 8 2007, 11:35am
Remembering the great accomplishments you HAVE already made in the past can help propel you to reach the smaller but just as important achievements that are to come.
Jennifer
Aug 8 2007, 12:44pm
Hi Mary, nice to meet you. I am new here. I actually HAVE that issue of People Mag. I can't believe it's you, that is so awesome and inspiring. Thank you so much.
Jimmy Moore
Aug 8 2007, 12:54pm
Yeah, Jennifer, we have our very own national celebrity here.
Evainemage1
Aug 8 2007, 1:16pm
Cartbabe, I don't know the answer to your altitude question, but I was wondering if you have considered how altitude affects the food you cook. I may not say this well, but I will try. How food is cooked affects how its chemical composition is changed. I will use potatoes as an example simply because they are the easiest to explain. Whether or not a potato is boiled, baked, fried, or nuked does affect exactly how easily the starch is digested. Often the longer something is cooked the more of its sugar is released - think sauteed onions. I used to leave at a higher altitude and things did taste just a little different. Perhaps the difference in cooking at altitude is slightly affecting the glycemic load of the foods you are eating. Although the slight change would not seem to justify the gain you saw. It must be very frustrating to not be able to pinpoint the reason. I get frustrated even though the answer is as obvious as the desserts eaten on vacation. Good sleuthing.
zyarah
Aug 8 2007, 7:25pm
135 is a really good weight and you look awsome! I think women are always looking to lose 10 pounds no matter how much they weigh. LOL
My goal was to stay between 140 & 145. I've been doing that but boy would I love to be 135. Not enough to really buckle down and do it tho. But, if that is where you wanna be then we are all behind you. Sometimes I think our bodies reach a happy weight where you can eat quite a bit and maintain. Not where we mentally want to be tho.
girliefriend
Aug 8 2007, 7:45pm
You have always been one of my heroes in this battle Mary, and I remember when you continued to battle to those all time lows of yours. As your friend, I was very concerned for you at the time.
I know you're not happy with where you are now, and I know you will fight the good fight to get back to what you know is a healthy weight for you. This is only a temporary blip in a lifetime journey.
There are a lot of contributing factors, as no one knows better than you, but you are an overcomer, and you will succeed my friend.
And know, that you are still a huge inspiration to us all. Beautiful in every way.
| QUOTE (cartbabe @ Aug 9 2007, 01:58 AM) |
| No, I haven't regained a load of weight. For the most part, I am the only one who notices it. |
Awesome!
Was all your experience being in the magazine good?
Do you regret sharing your story at all?
(You know like privacy stuff?)
cartbabe
Aug 8 2007, 8:25pm
| QUOTE (Evainemage1 @ Aug 8 2007, 11:16 AM) |
| Cartbabe, I don't know the answer to your altitude question, but I was wondering if you have considered how altitude affects the food you cook. I may not say this well, but I will try. How food is cooked affects how its chemical composition is changed. I will use potatoes as an example simply because they are the easiest to explain. Whether or not a potato is boiled, baked, fried, or nuked does affect exactly how easily the starch is digested. Often the longer something is cooked the more of its sugar is released - think sauteed onions. I used to leave at a higher altitude and things did taste just a little different. Perhaps the difference in cooking at altitude is slightly affecting the glycemic load of the foods you are eating. Although the slight change would not seem to justify the gain you saw. It must be very frustrating to not be able to pinpoint the reason. I get frustrated even though the answer is as obvious as the desserts eaten on vacation. Good sleuthing. |
Well, you might be right IF it affects the way you cook or prepare meat. Haven't had potatoes, sweets, pastas, or starches in five years (except the couple of weeks I was trialing the carbohydrate addicts diet, and even then very little), so it can't be that. I eat my salads raw and steam my vegetables. If it effects meat, then maybe. Otherwise, I don't think so. I don't now nor will I ever eat desserts. And, I don't think that meat has a glycemic index, but I might be wrong. This is a REALLY good concept, though, and one to keep in mind for future reference. Thanks!
Mary
cartbabe
Aug 8 2007, 8:28pm
| QUOTE (girliefriend @ Aug 8 2007, 05:45 PM) |
You have always been one of my heroes in this battle Mary, and I remember when you continued to battle to those all time lows of yours. As your friend, I was very concerned for you at the time.
I know you're not happy with where you are now, and I know you will fight the good fight to get back to what you know is a healthy weight for you. This is only a temporary blip in a lifetime journey.
There are a lot of contributing factors, as no one knows better than you, but you are an overcomer, and you will succeed my friend.
And know, that you are still a huge inspiration to us all. Beautiful in every way. |
I have missed you SO much, Carey! SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much!
Thank you for the encouragement, but more than anything in the world, thank you for being here!
Mary
cartbabe
Aug 8 2007, 8:47pm
| QUOTE (Dave @ Aug 8 2007, 05:47 PM) |
| QUOTE (cartbabe @ Aug 9 2007, 01:58 AM) | | No, I haven't regained a load of weight. For the most part, I am the only one who notices it. |
Awesome!
Was all your experience being in the magazine good?
Do you regret sharing your story at all?
(You know like privacy stuff?)
|
Hey, Dave. You know, I work night shift right now, and I just got out of bed. I am making a "stomp-my-foot" demand that I be allowed eight hours of sleep by my dear and loving family. They are doing well, and, it ensures eight good hours of sleep. I despise working nights, and I feel like it effects wt. I take melatonin right before bedtime just to ensure I get it. My dear husband is working the same shift as I am, right now, too. We try to keep our schedules together. We kinda likes each other
Anyway, to get off of THAT bunny trail and back on to answering your questions.....
My experience in the magazine was good for "the most part". The other participants in the magazine were awesome people and I loved to sit for hours and listen to their success stories, combined with their stories about their family lives. We still keep in touch. I have only one regret about my story. However, it has nothing to do with my own personal story. The magazine actually went VERY little into my personal story. Quite frankly, it has to do with mentioning www sources of support who can't get along worth a hill of beans and set a very poor example for other people, let alone a turnoff for people wanting positive motivation and a positive atmosphere. "nuff said. I won't say any more. The Albuquerque Tribune, however did a VERY serious eye-opening article on my story. It was the FIRST time anyone had actually listened. This is a VERY VERY serious article, and I hope it isn't sharing too much, but it is who I am.
Albuquerque Tribune ArticleFrom an earlier post, you asked:
"Did you have to count any calories when losing, or was it Atkins by the book? Did you have to do induction to get to goal?"
Well, I have always had to stay pretty close to induction levels. I can not take my carbs above 30, and to be honest for the most part, I take in about fourteen carbs a day. I do not "net" either.
I have had to count my calories since I got down to about 150 pounds. The best way for me to deal with my dietary intake, daily, is to project my menu in my personal computer version of CALORIE KING the day before, then I eat nothing that is not on the list. This is simply my way of not going nuts on eating rampages every day, cuz I will if I don't watch it. It is low carb food (meat, eggs, mayo, etc), but it doesn't matter. I have to use my "calorie counting skills" to make sure I behave. I consume 1000-1400 calories a day.
If I get away from this habit, I start eating whole ribeye steaks haphazardly, and it is too much for me. I don't have a shutoff valve, like most people do.
I have to tell myself how much and when I am going to eat. I have used personal computer CALORIE KING for about three years now.
Hope that answers the questions. Feel free to ask away any time you like.
Thanks, Dave
Mary
| QUOTE (cartbabe @ Aug 9 2007, 11:47 AM) |
| The Albuquerque Tribune, however did a VERY serious eye-opening article on my story. |
Thanks for sharing that. You are right it goes very deep and serious.
You have come a very long way.
just testing my ticker!
i hope it works this time.
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wKoyTZC/]
[/url]
cartbabe
Aug 9 2007, 9:03pm
Thanks, Tina. It is great to have you here! I look forward to getting to know you!
Mary
southbeachgal
Aug 19 2007, 4:49pm
Cartbabe, I think your story is amazing, and you look wonderful just the way you are. I know I am in my 50's and to think I can ever go back to weighing what I did in my 20's, 30's and even 40's is just dreaming. I honestly feel that. For several years I got down to a very model-thin weight, but could never maintain it, because honestly to stay model thin you just can't eat like a normal person, unless that's your genetics.
Now, I would be happy to lose this 50 pounds and get down to 140, which is a healthy BMI for me. No I won't be skinny, but I will be a curvy size 12, and thrilled to be that again!
What's wrong with being just a few pounds above your goal weight? Nothing! You're doing great and such an inspiration to others. Thank you. And Dave, I can't wait to have the time to read through your WW thread and share my awful experience as well!!!
Sandi
Aug 19 2007, 9:25pm
my new hero
your beautiful
cartbabe
Aug 19 2007, 9:55pm
Thank you VERY much you guys. Everyone here is my hero!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are all a bunch of losin' winners
Jimmy Moore
Aug 19 2007, 11:07pm
Losing winners...now that's an oxymoron if I ever heard one!
CarolAnn
Aug 25 2007, 7:52am
Hi, Mary! I can't believe that I am just now looking through the success stories! You are such an amazing, beautiful woman and a true inspiration to me.
I am also 40 (today. . .
) and post hysterectomy. Was your operation complete or partial? They left one ovary in me as a keepsake, I think, because it doesn't seem to have helped much while it's been hanging around. Maybe it has become stubborn since we took its twin away, but I can tell such a big difference physically in the past two years since the surgery. My cravings have been all over the place, it seems harder to lose weight even when very strict lc-ing, I'm having temp. fluctuations (not sure if I should call them 'hot flashes' yet), and at times I still feel like I am having severe PMS symptoms.
I'm through with the hormonal talk now! I just want you to know that I appreciate you being here to inspire, encourage, and support those of us who are struggling at the moment!
cartbabe
Aug 25 2007, 12:16pm
Hi, CarolAnn! Thank you so much for your kind words. My hysterectomy was a total abdominal hysterectomy....nothing left. I had my surgery in March of 2001 and started the low carb lifestyle in July of 2001, four months AFTER my hyst.
It makes it a little harder, but NOT impossible
Just something you may want to look into. Natural Progesterone Cream. I have used it since the beginning of my LC Life, and it is an immense help!
valerieslivingbooks
Aug 25 2007, 12:42pm
Hey, Southbeachgal! You can do it! Honest!! Where Cartbabe has gone, you can go too!
I did the very thin on low-fat, and I know what you mean! I also maintained my weight for 8 years, but eventually I got so tired of always being TIRED and malnourished! And I found myself at a place in my life where I didn't have time for all the counting and measuring and the total inability to have an extra portion ever! (Whoever invented that yucky diet?)
I wear the same size at 140 at 42 yo that I used to wear at 122 at 32 yo. MUSCLE makes a big difference. I wear pretty clothes and enjoy my ENERGY and my arms are not like LITTLE STICKS! LOL.
I'm 5' 6" and right now weight just over 140. I can already wear most size 4's and a few size 2's already. (Straight skirts, size small pants, etc.)
I know I'm "only" 42 but w/o exercise I feel like I'm 60. AT LEAST. With it, I feel much better than I did in my 20's!!
Southbeach is a protein-sparing diet. You really need that; it's such a blessing to keep and build your muscle.
Someone is always trying to invent a diet that causes more WEIGHT loss, but what's wrong with having healthy bones and muscles? I'd like to know. LOL.
Strong bones and muscles are *heavy*. We can feel better and wear a smaller size at a bigger weight. Really.
If you get a chance to peek at Protein Power some day, take a look at the pictures. They have one page with four pictures of the same guy on 1) low fat (he looks skinny and ILL), 2) gave up on low fat (he's very heavy), 3) LC body builder, 4) LC regular exerciser. Amazing difference but totally believable to me, 'cause I've been there. (Well, not really, I skipped #3. hehe)
Charles
Sep 8 2007, 2:35pm
How do you add pictures to your post?
Iggykatt
Sep 8 2007, 4:07pm
I remember picking up that issue of People. In fact...I am a pack rat and I still have that issue. I am honored to be in the same forum as the woman who helped inspire me to start Atkins. I was and still am amazed at your results. You are one of the reasons I started this way of life. You are truly an inspiration!
cartbabe
Sep 8 2007, 6:32pm
| QUOTE (Iggykatt @ Sep 8 2007, 02:07 PM) |
| I remember picking up that issue of People. In fact...I am a pack rat and I still have that issue. I am honored to be in the same forum as the woman who helped inspire me to start Atkins. I was and still am amazed at your results. You are one of the reasons I started this way of life. You are truly an inspiration! |
Thank you, Iggykat. Your post was actually the inspiration that I needed today! I am thrilled that you were motivated to start Atkins. Isn't it the best way of life EVER!!!???
It is wonderful to have you here! I look very forward to getting to know you.
Jimmy Moore
Sep 8 2007, 9:07pm
Hey Charles,
Adding pics is fairly easy. Click on the IMG button when making a message and it walks you through the process. Have the URL for your image ready to go and you're all set.
THANKS for the question! GREAT thread here Mary!
shimmer
Sep 10 2007, 12:28am
Mary you are amazing! Thank you for sharing your story and giving me hope. I will be visiting your before and after pics often to inspire me and encourage me through the "rough" times of my journey.
SweetMelissa
Sep 13 2007, 1:24pm
I went to protein power but couldn't find the pics valerieslivingbooks mentioned. Can anyone help??
cartbabe
Sep 13 2007, 3:34pm
| QUOTE (SweetMelissa @ Sep 13 2007, 11:24 AM) |
| I went to protein power but couldn't find the pics valerieslivingbooks mentioned. Can anyone help?? |
Not real sure what you are looking for here.
SweetMelissa
Sep 13 2007, 6:47pm
| QUOTE (valerieslivingbooks @ Aug 25 2007, 12:42 PM) |
| ...If you get a chance to peek at Protein Power some day, take a look at the pictures. They have one page with four pictures of the same guy on 1) low fat (he looks skinny and ILL), 2) gave up on low fat (he's very heavy), 3) LC body builder, 4) LC regular exerciser. Amazing difference but totally believable to me, 'cause I've been there. (Well, not really, I skipped #3. hehe) |
Does that help?
katinsac
Sep 13 2007, 6:53pm
cartbabe...what in inspiration! with you and Jimmy here..how can we not lose and be success too! Your pics are great! You should be so proud, I know the struggle.
Jimmy Moore
Sep 13 2007, 7:02pm
Mary is AWESOME!
simons2cents
Sep 14 2007, 12:00pm
Glad I am not the only one who looks totally different without the weight. What a transformation, congratulations!
KimPossible
Sep 14 2007, 10:00pm
Awesome Mary! I have the magazine, too! You are awesome and I love your avi pic--so cute!
cartbabe
Sep 14 2007, 10:13pm
Thank you Simon and KP! It is SO great to have you here with us !!!
Thank you for sharing your inspirational stories with us all.
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