Calling Nurse Jessica

Hey girl, I have a couple of questions.... Remember my iron issue a few weeks ago? Well the Dr. did put me on iron. I have to take 1- 325 mg twice a day. They make my stomach hurt and cramp so bad. Is this normal? how long will this last? It feels like they are eating up my stomach. And... I always read where you and your gf are on Adkins. I have been on a diet since the 20th of last month and lost 23 pounds so far.. YEAH!!!! I want to continue to loose weight before surgery so my BMI will come down. What are the Do's and Dont's of Adkins? I hear so many people talking about how good it is. Is there a website or a book? I dont know anything except no carbs. Thanks, Kay

Good morning, Kay, honey! All the symptoms you speak of with the iron supplement are very normal. Make sure you eat when you take them, AND, that you add a stool softner to your daily routine. One Senna tab, and most abdominal suffering should diminish....let me know if it doesn't. You can buy senna over the counter at any drugstore or food store. As for Adkins, I got info-a-plenty comin' your way: http://www.atkinsalltheway.com/portal.php?sid=767a2986c3dcceed61dc48fe2249abb5 ---this site will give you tons of information on what Adkins is, and is not, and will give you messageboards to get some support, recipies to keep you from getting bored, and lotsa other important stuff to help you on your journey. Just click around on the site, and learn, learn, learn! http://www.whooshfriends.com ---this site explains Adkins, and how it works, physiologically on your body. I love it because it puts into simple terms, shifts in water weight that we all experiece and think we're gaining weight!!! Wander around the site...it's worth the time. http://www.thecolumn.org/nutrition-facts.asp ---This site gives you the carbohydrate count in a zillion and one foods! Some vegetables are high in carbs, so this site is a quick reference to the count in almost every food. Any meat is fine, except glazed in honey or some sweetner. Most every cheese is fine. Egss and fish are great; no batter on the fish, though! No fruit for now...that day will come again, so be patient. Diet soda and water-a-plenty!!! No juice! Sugar, sugar, sugar! And last but not least, at least for now: http://www.atkinsrainbow.com/index.php?sid=1e2517b9ba5c4b9f3c4fd871fc25a0f5 ---this site is a GLBT low carb site. You'll meet lotsa people just like us: family to support you in your endeavors! And, just in case you need it, http://www.changingshape.com/resources/calculators/caloriesburnedcalculator.asp when you exercise, you can calculate the amount of calories, approximately, that you burn. That's a nice little treat after you work out! It doesn't have everything, but it's a good start. Don't sign up and pay for it; use the free exercise calculator!! I hope this is helpful to you, or anyone else trying to lose those Dr. recommended pre-surgery pounds. I'm here for you if you need more info!! I'm freakishly knowlegeable in the Adkins ways; it's the nurse in me. Hope this helps you: it sounds like you're doing wonderfully already!! 23 whopping pounds! You certainly don't need any help from me!!!!!!!!!!!! Jessica

Thanks Jessica for all the info and sites. I truly appreciate it! I am out of town right now but when I get back, I will read up on everything. Thanks again, Kay