Thank you for posting your story, Leslie - you've given me renewed motivation in my own journey. I hope to be posting something similar someday...

Just realized you put this is up!! Congratulations! We're all so proud about how well you've done and how you've maintained such a positive and supportive attitude.

I went through my journal and found some things you'd written that demonstrate just a bit of your determination and commitment:






What an amazing story with such a great outcome!

Wow congrats, what an amazing and inspiring story! I have struggled with my weight my whole life and ever since having my baby 10 months ago I have had a really hard time losing my baby weight. Thank you so much for sharing your journey.

I can't believe I didn't see this sooner! I just noticed that you said you wrote it in your journal today! What a GREAT story!!! You are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this. I feel like I know you infinitely better now! Very well written, and look at your success!!! Go ahead and bask in the spotlight! You SOOOOO deserve it!

Way to go Leslie!!

You are a true inspiration!! Thank you for being you!!

Now we get to keep it off!!

Thanks Leslie!
I cannot believe how simular we are in our stories. I didn't start gaining until after I had my last child. I was one of those girls who just couldn't gain weight all my growing up life. By the time I had Annie, I was 30, and after my 5th baby, my body decided it was time for me to hang onto the weight. I have been battleing the buldge for the last 8 years. Like you, when I was tired of having 25 extra pounds on me, I took phentermine, and lost it in less then 3 months. I kept it off for a year, then my DH lost his job, and we were living off of cheap pasta and rice, until 9 months later, we found a great new job. Anyway... I gained back the 25...plus and extra 10!
I have been hovering around 160 now for so long, I was beginning to think of this as my new normal weight. Size 14's and the pudgy goo above the belt... UGH! Anyway... I too stumbled across this site, and I have been good, except for the last few weeks. But I am starting induction again today, and my goal is to be in Ketosis by Wednesday. I will let you know.
Anyway... I cannot wait to be able to post my success story. You really inspired me to hang in there. To keep going. It really gets tought when people start saying how good you look, and then start putting stuff in front of your face to eat... I have a problem with that. I need to find a way to not let my guard down. Any suggestions? OK... got to go. Have a great day!
Susie

i didn't realize we started this in the same week- i (RE)started may 31, the day after the memorial day picnics- it is hard to believe it's been almost 7 months since our atkithday (how's that for a made up word? )

i also didn't know you did the starvation-deal. wow, that is some seriously scary stuff. THAT'S unhealthy for a body- not our high veggie, high protein 'diet'!!

i'm glad atkins 'found' you

Leslie, you look so beautiful! I'm so thankful that your mother is doing well and could help you too. You've got wonderful parents who want to have good health for their family and their grandchildren. How cool is THAT!

Way to LC, Girl! You rock!

What she said! You look great. I bet you're proud of your folks for eating well and keeping themselves healthy. Multi-generational low carb!

well, well, LOOK who's got a success story -- and earned every single bit of it!! I'm so happy for you Leslie; I can't even really say. Thanks for the inspiration!

Talk about true grit...... congratulations and thanks for inspiring others setting out on the same journey.

Congratulations Leslie. You are such an inspiration to me and many others. You look wonderful!!

Leslie,
You are an inspiration to me!!
I understand your struggle so well and hopefully someday you'll be reading my success story.

It's so great that you are modeling healthy eating for your kids! Way to go on your wonderful journey!
Just wondering if you exercise?
cheers,
goldfish

Hey Leslie~
Now that the holidays are past, I am really getting back into the groove. I adore your story, and I am so incredibly proud of you! LOOK at your pics! What a transformation! You really do inspire me. Those are not just trifle little words. I really truely mean it. I cannot wait to be able to post my after pics, and have you sent it right back at me!!!!
I have a pair of size 10 Levi jeans, that I am gaging my success by. I look hot in them when I am down to my perfect size. Weight is another issue. The last time I was at 145, I was in those size 10 levi's and I looked great. Healthy, not too skinny, but just right for my height and body. So, I guess I can say that 145 is my goal weight. Although I am working out harder then I ever have, and I am building muscle. My muscles are starting to look more defined now then ever before. I am soooo jazzed about that. The greatest thing I am looking forward to....I just want to get to where the stomach goo doesn't hang over the belt. I hate that! I don't really have to worry about my lower bod so much, I have a little butt and long legs, my problem area is my tummy. (Maybe having 5 kids has something to do with it?)
Well.... the count is on. I will keep you posted. I weighed in at 164... so I have some serious work to do. Do you think I could lose it within 3 months? I am going to chart my progress on the family calandar in the kitchen. I am really excited! We are having a family reunion this summer, and I want to go, and not be the fat sister-in-law! LOL LOL LOL I want them to all look at me with a newfound awe and respect!
Well... gotta scoot. Hope you had a great christmas! I know you got so sick. How are you feeling now? Did you ever find out what those pains were associated with? Let me know!
Love ya tons~
Susie

thankyou sooooooooo very much for posting your success story...

Hi Your Story Brought Chills To My Body I Also Started An Atkins Diet And Lost A Lot Of Weight I Want To Be Twice Smaller Than What I Am Now When I Put My Pants On You Can Say They Just Fall Back Down And I Am So Proud Of My Self But Thanks Your Story Was Wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!