New here with questions

Hi everyone, I just want to introduce myself.  I am to the point that this is my last effort to try to lose weight.  I have always had to fight to keep my weight down when I was younger, and now having two children in three years, with no physical activity I am in a tailspin.  I am at a loss to either try WW or Atkins. I am going this week to sign up @ a gym, so I can get some activity.  My question is this, has anyone ever taken any natural vitamins to help aid their weight loss success or protein drinks ?  I have done the diet pills, and by no means wanna do that again.  Gained it all right back, and then some!!!!  I mean like a B-complex, apple cider vinegar, chromium stuff like that? Ihave long ago accepted that I would never be a size 4, but would just like to maybe be a 10 or 12!  I dont think it asking to much to attain, from my body.  I weigh 233 now and would love to be by August @ 195. Please guys point me in the right direction, so I can keep this off, and let me know if my goal is unreasonable?  Thanks ahead of time!

Hi and welcome to the board! This is a great board with lots of people at different stages of their weight loss.  To answer your question, I have never tried any kind of natural remedies to lose weight, but I have lost 100 pounds on protein drinks.  I was thrilled with it at the time, getting it off so fast, but it came back on me within I'll say 6-8 months or so.  Within a year I was back to my old weight, plus some.  It did total havoc on my body and I don't recommend it.  I do love protein shakes though and I think if you use it in part of your diet program it can work.  I just personally don't recommend a liquid diet.  There is a few of us on South Beach and Atkins, so stick around and join us! :) EDIT:  Ooops, just reread your post, and there is lots of people on WW too! :)

Hi! My name is Stacey and I am glad that you came to the board!! We are all here because we are tired of being overweight and we want to lose weight. And as Holly said we are all at different stages but as she also said there are a lot of great people on here with lots of information and what works for one may not work for another. I am glad that you came though!! I see also that you are from Arkansas..so am i!! I have 2 children and i am the heaviest I have ever been so I know how you are feeling. And I think I would figure about 10lbs a month..of course you dont want to lose it fast..going and joining a gym is your first step of getting more active. I think with just getting more active and watching your portions you will start losing!  Stick around and chat with us and if you ever have a question dont be scared to post and ask..we are all here to help one another!! I also know at one time they were doing a challenge here on the board and they set their weights to see if they could get to that weight by a certain date..I didn't join in on it but I really wish that I would have because it would have given me a incentive I will diff. be on the next challenge that they do so maybe under alittle pressure you could join in too! :)

Hi and welcome to the board. I'm going to say something that might **** you off, or others around here, but I've never been in this for a popularity contest.  Losing weight is simple.  It's really about portion control and increased movement.  I suggest a good program like fitday.com or dailyplate.com or any other food tracking program out there.  Be accountable for every single item that goes into your mouth.  Most people have NO idea how many calories they consume in a day and when they track it and see they are floored. NOW DISCLAIMER!!!!  There are some people with medical conditions that have problems losing weight.  But those are far and few between. It's really about what goes into our mouths and what we expend in any given day. Good luck in whatever you choose!! Donna

You're in the right spot!!  Plenty of folks here who are working hard to get rid of the weight.  We all kind of do our own thing, but lots of support and encouragement for all.  I have recently started South Beach, but had been doing WW previously.  ANY PROGRAM WORKS AS LONG AS YOU WORK IT!!  Just have to find something that becomes a lifestyle change for you and you can plan on doing ongoing.  The "quick fixes" usually do just that....and then you gain it all back again once you go back to your old habits. Welcome...we'll cheer you on!

Hello there and welcome to the board! Glad you came! I have never done WW before but many people on this board do it and it works for them. Atkins I have done for like a total of 3 days lol...not my cup of tea but there are a couple on here who also do Atkins and enjoy it and it does wonderful for them! Natural vitamins...I've never taken soi don't know about that. I am on a prescripted DIet Pill from my Doc. Since December I have lost 46 pounds. Your goal to be 195 is HIGLY reasonable!!! Shoot I am trying to make 170 by July! lol. SO you can do it for sure. Just find what works for you....there always has to be exercise! Even if its walking. :) Good Luck on your journey to a new you!!!! Christa

Hi :) I'm Janina.  Welcome to the board.

As far as pointing you in the right direction for diets, you need to figure out what will work for you.  Both WW and Atkin's are fantastic diets and I would recommend both.  Neither is better than the other; they're just different.

At the moment, I'm doing WW and I don't know whether or not it's successful for me yet.  I haven't been on the diet long enough.  We'll see in a few weeks if I'm going to continue or not.

I do take vitamins, but not for weight loss reasons.  I take them for the nutritional factors; we just don't get enough vitamins in our diet a day and we need supplements. 

Best of luck to you and if you ever need help or guidence, that's what we're here for.

Hi! My name is Beth. I am active member of TOPS for the accountability and support. I'm not on any eating plan other than watching how much eat, how often I eat and what I eat. I stress proteins, very low processed carbs, moderate simple carbs, very low sugar plus exercise as tolerated (usually 2.5-7.5 miles on my stationary bike at least 5 days a week but I always aim for 7).  I have lost 35 pounds in 2 months and have based my diet on those of post wls patients. I take B6 and B12 for energy boost, calcium because I am not the best person at getting my dairy in unless it is cheese, a multi vitamin because my diet is not always as balanced as it should be, and my prescriptions.  The key for me is this: smaller protions and more activity AND it is a lifestyle I can live with not a diet that I am being tortured with. I love it.  Find what works for you and do it. We are each different and when we work with our strengths, we can make it work.  Best of luck in your journey. Beth