[geraint.faughn]

Happy New Year, everyone! I just wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself.

I'm 38 yo and familiar with the Atkins WOL, as I lost about 50 lbs on it 9 years ago. However, since my family and I relocated to a rural area (plain-jane/bare necessities grocery store) and an emergency hysterectomy 6 years ago, I've unwillingly packed the weight back on. I've tried returning to Atkins, to no avail (which surprised me) and then moved on to WW, the Cabbage Soup Diet, MINIMAL calories, etc...NOTHING WORKS! This time, I plan to try Atkins again and seriously work out.

I'm heavier than I've ever been in my life at 200 lbs, and I hate what it's done to my usually care-free spirit. My self-image has hit rock bottom. Until now, I have found myself throwing myself into my work and children rather than focus on my own issues. I realize I have only myself to blame, but I look at my 70+ yo mother and say, "That's gonna be me in a few years." (She's shorter than I, but heavier.)

The GOOD news is that I have a loving support system at home. My husband has offered to help, my daughter and son want to work out with me (ages 15 and 9, respectively) I have refused to purchase new clothing until I get this weight off. I've even decided to pay myself each time I work out so that I'll have $$ to buy new clothing when I get to that point--and I'll get there (eventually)! Joined a gym already! Starting to work out there on Monday.

I wanted to ask you other post-menopausal women on this WOL what tricks you had to make Atkins work better for you. It seems that Atkins, which actually HELPED my hypoglycemia, no longer works for me now (with regards to weight loss). It just seems that, since I'm not taking HRT but I have NO hormonal activity, NOTHING works for me. (That's why I've returned to Atkins.)

Thank you in advance for your help. I know that, with all the valuable information available at my fingertips here, I'll get there.

Anyone have any ideas out there for me? Praying for a miracle...

ChaCha