Hello everyone

I've just found this board last night and am thrilled.

A bit about me...upon turning 30 (now 34), I was diagnosed with diabetes II and hypertension. I luckily take oral meds now. Then 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with being Bipolar, Agoraphobia with Anxiety/Panic. Then about 2 months ago, I was diagnosed with Acid Reflux and Irritable Bowel! Holy cow--how did all of that happen? (Bad diet ) It has become painfully apparent that I need to do some major renovation of my life!! So I went to my local health food store last Friday, and they gave me a guide to eating low carb, no white flour/sugar (or substitutes/caffein). They also belive that my other issues will be helped by adopted a LC way of life. I got Atkins Basic 3 and Essential Oils supplements and started right away.

I was surfing through Atkins.com and for recipes yesterday and came across this board, read through posts, I talked more with my health food shop advisors, and I've made up my mind that I am going to do this whole-heartedly and make this a life-long change...now a quick fix or fad diet. They have been practicing LC eating/Atkins since he first came out with his diet, and they fully support him and have some of his products and can order what I want. I feel like I'm making a more informed decision now than I did when I tried this about 8 years ago and quit...then I wanted a "diet," not a life-long change.

Sooo, I hopped on the scale today and have lost 4 lbs!!!! I was so thrilled I called my husband and was just like a little kid telling him like I got an A+ in school or something, lol. Then I went and got my hair dyed/new cut/nails done, and I feel like a new woman embarking on the beginning of a wonderful new life of better health and feeling great about myself.

I've already registered with FitDay and am using it-what a terrific tool! I am looking forward to getting to know everyone, becoming part of the community and making some new friends along the way!

(oh, I have 5 beautiful cats that hubby and I are crazy about, including 3 persians, hence the name Meows, hehe)

Good luck everybody!

<img src="http://hstrial-inajjar.homestead.com/kittywish.jpg" border="0" alt=""

Welcome Meows, glad you found us. Hope to hear more of your success stories. As for me this is my 2nd time on Adkins the 1st time I gave up. Right now I have lost 7 pounds this time around .

Talk soon

Love Candles

Hi and welcome aboard!

Wow... type II diabetes at 30, eh? You'll be thrilled to know that you can probably get this under control. Just be sure to check in with your doc so s/he can adjust your meds.

Best of luck and health!

Hi Everyone!

I'm trying to understand the board. How do you guys add these cute little pictures. Like 15 days no cheating. The little eggs on the left, etc.

Theresa

blueflyer,

Hello and Welcome!
If you would like to have a little pic under your nickname go to the top of this page and click on profile,then from there click on avatar,from there they have a variety of pics to choose from.As far as the little eggs and steaks that you see you get those for how many posts you have made.Hope this helps and good luck!
Debbie

Thank you! As you see, I've was successful in choosing a little Gumbie cartoon!
I also found the other areas to fill out.

Thanks again for your help.

Theresa

blueflyer,
Your very welcome and again good luck on your low-carb journey.
Debbie