From everything I have read, there is caffeine in Hydroxycut and Xenedrine. Doesn't caffeine have the same effects as carbs? I have been reluctant to take any for this reason. I need something to break this stall.

I lost 35 lbs in the first 6 weeks and was on cloud nine. Since then I have lost absolutely nothing. I haven't gained any either (the upside). My stall has been almost 3 months which is really frustrating. I have contacted the Atkins Center by phone and was very unsatisfied with the comments. Basically, don't give up, keep eating low carb. This is the first I have seen of this forum and am encouraged since many others have had this problem and have gotten past it. I was starting to wonder how anyone could lose 100 lbs since I stopped dead at 35lbs and have not budged.

hi chappy!
congrats on the loss that is great!!! yeah those damn stalls 3 weeks for me! makes you mad dont they? I just keep telling myself how much better I feel and I have to keep reminding myself of how I felt before this way of life, hang in there you have done so well
becky

I know the frustration you are feeling. My stall lasted about a month and more then once I felt like giving up. As far as hydroxycut and Xenadrine caffine is not the main ingredient, it is Ephedra. A mix of herbs that increase your heart rate and blood pressure, which is supposed to help you burn fat. For me they did not work and I tried them both. The stall finally broke for me when I lightened up just a bit on the restriction on carbs. My theory is that my body got used to the amount I was taking in and adjusted to it to maintain my weight. Survival is a strong factor in how our body reacts to many stress'. The carbs I increase were all high fiber veggies. I continued to exercise hard and it finally broke.
One more thing, there are differences of options on how safe products containing Ephedra are to take. I have read of approx 100 people that died while on it and three pro ball players who also died. The June issue of Muscle and Fitness has an article that says Ephedra is safe and looks at the deaths of the ball players. In all cases they were training in hot weather, wearing extra clothing to help lose weight, running sprints and in one case the player had not even eaten anything in three days. I guess it all comes down to free choice but I would check them out before I decide to take them.