I have been on Wellbutrin SR 300 mg. a day since August, 2002. On various anti-depressants for the last nine years. On all the anti-depressant, except Wellburtin SR) I gained a lot of weight despite dieting and exercising. When I started Atkins in January (after several failures), I was very concerned regarding how this would affect my weight loss.

I am pleased to say that I have finally hit the 150s. I have not been in the 150s since 1999. I have been averaging 2 lbs. a week loss, feel great and have no desire to go back to my old eating habits. I have 24 lbs. to go, but I may re-think my goal, because I am wearing size 8-10. I may change my goal to 140 or 145.

I have stuck to mostly natural/unprocessed foods and exercise six days a week.

I would like to thank those that have been very encouraging. Especially those that have reached their goal. They are the real experts and can lend valuable advice based on there success and failures. Adjusting to this WOE has not been easy.

There has been many discussions regarding whether to count calories or not. For me, watching calories was crucial in order to undo years of bad eating habits. I needed to determine the amount of calories my body needed to stay healthy. I noticed that I lost more when I ate 10 to 12 times my goal weight (1350 to 1620 calories a day). I tried not watching my calories closely and was averaging 1600 to 1800 calories a day (using fitday.com). When I ate the upper range I saw zero weight loss or .5 lbs. a week, when I was below that range (not on purpose, just too busy to eat or not hungry), I also lost more. Even though slow weight loss is desired, I am ready to get to goal and work on maintenance.

What is great and frustrating about this WOE is that it is so individually based and everyone has to find the right combination that will work with your body-type. This is not a one size fits all and we must be careful when comparing ourselves to others.

I am so ready to continue this WOE. I hope those that have reached goal will continue to give sound advice.