Since starting Atkins, my weight loss has been pretty steady up until the last month. The staff at work were inspired enough that several joined me and I ended up a bit of a guru. This way of life is so much easier when others join you-try to find a buddy who really wants to give it a try. The boards are great-but someone physically there makes a difference. A friend at work calls me Jiminey - after the cricket from Pinnochio- because she counts on me to keep her on track. This is a lot different from other plans, and therefore will take more determination in the beginning. I have been fat for 15 years. I'd decided that was long enough and now focus my energy on getting rid of it. How bad do you want it?