Hello everyone. My name is Brett and I have been hanging out in some of the other forums and only recently discovered the TDC so I thought I would post a brief introduction.

I started Atkins September 1, 2002 at the weight of 345. As of today, just shy of 11 months into my new life I have dropped 107 pounds. I know it's nice to see success stories so I thought I would share.

My success to date lies in these key points (YMMV):

1. Exercise. I had to get off my butt and get moving. Slowly at first but picking up the intensity as needed. I am now to the point where I jog 3.5 miles a day six days a week and ride the stationary bike about 50-60 miles a week (10mi. a day 5-6 days). Plus I use a ton of other gym equipment. I have really become a gym rat, something I never expected. I have even joined a softball team, something I was always too out of shape to do even though I loved playing.
2. Supplements. I take lots of vitamins. Some are probably not necessary, but get into the habit of taking your vitamins.
3. Willpower. The strength to say to myself "don't eat that, you aren't even hungry". I was a bored eater. Watching t.v., get something to munch on. Sitting at the computer, nibble on this. In my nearly eleven months I can say that I only cheated once. Now I define a cheat as knowing it's wrong and eating it anyway. We all make mistakes, particularly when just starting out, and no matter what, cheat or mistake, DO NOT beat yourself up about it.
4. Don't get frustrated when the scale stops moving. I just went through nearly two months with next to no movement and then the two months after that I have lost 16 pounds. Just stick to the plan and don't freak out over calories/protein.

I am currently 38 pounds from my goal although I may revise that goal down further. I NEVER in my wildest dreams thought I would even come close to my goal but there it is, within striking distance.

Set realistic goals for yourself. Frankly my goal was always the next 5 pounds. I never wanted to plan farther out than that.

So that is my story to date. I hope to be able to chime in from time to time and help answer any questions. It looks like a great forum and I wish I had found it sooner.

Brett