Question:
Third day on Atkins Induction Diet and haven't lost yet?

I am almost 15 months post op. I have gone from 303 to 177, for which I am very thankful, but my personal goal is 150. Over the last 2 1/2 months I have only lost 6 pounds. I know that this is partly due to the fact that I have allowed carbs to creep back into my diet. This Monday I started keeping my carbs to under 20 grams, per the Induction step on the Atkins Diet. It has been three days and the scale hasn't moved. For those of you that have been successful on the Atkins Diet, preop or postop, how long did it take to see some weight come off? Thanks for any input.    — Alicia K. (posted on April 14, 2004)

April 14, 2004
Hi Alicia. Although I am still Pre-op, one of the many diets I tried was Atkins. I stayed completely away from carbs while on the induction part. Carbs are my downfall. Give yourself another 2 or 3 days. I was on this for 1 month and and lost a total of 27 lbs. The first week I lost 8 lbs but it was almost overnight. Nothing the first 5 days and then BAM! Patience, Claire
   — gramof3

April 14, 2004
I've used the Induction Phase to help prevent plateaus; usually, I will start to see the scale moving after 2-3 days, provided I have maintained a daily protein intake of at least 60-80 grams. Even now that I'm at goal and have incorporated some complex carbs into my diet (but still stay away from sugar and flour), I still will take a few days every several weeks to use the Induction Phase to make certain that my body isn't getting too accustomed to carbs.
   — SteveColarossi

April 14, 2004
Hi Alicia....I've used Atkins several times and I usually start losing weight about the 5th day or so. If you can throw in some cardio exercise even 20 min 3X aweek....it will speed it up even more. High protein intake and lot's of water also helps..I am close to my WLS date being scheduled...my surgeon needs me to lose some more weight first...since Feb 10th I've lost 19lbs on Atkins. Keep up the good work*~*~Theresa~*~*~*
   — Theresa S.

April 14, 2004
I usually need to be carb free for 2-3 days BEFORE I see a loss and then it is like BAM! I am doing the same thing this week and on day 4 I am down 3 pounds. It has always worked for me and like Steve I do it once a month just to mix things up and keep me on track.
   — Carol S.

April 15, 2004
Your message does not say anything about exercise or water intake. Very, very important! I do use some of the Atkins products but be very careful about the fat intake. I have had some problems. It is also important to remember that after a set time your weight will lose down. Are you doing everything that you should? Maybe go back to protein liquids, soft food and then solid foods. But write down what you are eating and if you are exercising. Maybe some bad habits have come back.
   — Linda R.

April 15, 2004
Alicia, it has only been THREE days be kinder to yourself. First stop getting on the scale it will drive you CRAZY. I did Atkins prior to WLS and it does work, the real induction period is 14 days so stick with it and weigh in on day 14 - if you don't lose weight then you should be concerned. Also, a little workout on the treadmill with help boost your metabolism.
   — Anna M.

April 15, 2004
Original poster, here. Thanks for the feedback. I have been exercising everyday, walking and jogging. I also try to drink at least 80 oz of water a day. I know that patience is a virtue. Hey, if I survived waiting for WLS, I can survive this!
   — Alicia K.