Back..with hat in hand

[John In Illinois]

A great many of you will have absolutely NO clue who I am, so I will fill in some of the pertinent details.

I am John from Illinois, (I feel like I am standing up in front of a 12-Step meeting). I was one of the first to accept the Wish Challenge. I was there from Day 1. I had tremendous success, losing 60 Pounds total on Atkins. I achieved my Goal, and proudly sported the "Goal" clippie.

Then I for some reason decided that I was smarter than anyone who developed the Atkins plan, and took it upon myself to "maintain" in my own fashion. Worked well....I maintain an extra 30 of those pounds that I had managed to lose.

Although I could look at this from the perspective that I am still 30 pounds lighter than when I started, this "failure" caused me to hide from all the good friends that I found here, those who encouraged me, and helped me to do the things that I had to. I have watched silently from the sidelines, too ashamed of my re-found weaknesses to post. For that I am sorry, and I realized, through the prodding of my Best Friend, that I need to face this again. So, I am not saying that I will be quite as vocal as I once was, but this "slightly heavier" voice will not remain silent any longer.

I apologize for rambling on so long, but sitting here at my keyboard, typing out these feelings, has made me see how cathartic it can be to admit that we are nowhere near as infallible as we would like to pretend.

I am going to get those pounds back off, as I deserve it, and also owe it to myself and those who love me, to be the healthiest that I can.

 

[Jiminy102]

WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am soooo glad to see you!!!! WELCOME BACK!!! not that I am happy you have gained some back/ I am just happy you are here!! We were asking about you in chat last night!!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

Welcome back, John!

 

[nativetxn]

John, I've been missing you. I'm so glad to see you here again.

Now, don't stay away, visit us often, please?

Katholyn

 

[Otto's Doll]

Hi John, I am new since you last took the challenge, but I am also doing atkins... and have been struggling with the same 5 pounds, because I also want to do it my way... your post reminded me that I have to do it the right way! Thanks for the motivation. Glad you are here.

 

[ZerasPride]

Hi John. Nice to meet you. I've been doing the WISH challenge since December following the South Beach diet.

We're glad to have you back!

I'm sure you'll lose those 30 pounds in no time!

 

[luvmydogs]

Hi John, it's so nice to meet you! I'm new since you were last on WISH, but I'm welcoming you back just the same!

I'm sure you know how supportive and encouraging all the wonderful WISHers are--we're behind you all the way!

 

[Cheryl N. WI]

Welcome back to WISH John! I too have been watching n my carb intake and started out really good. I at 1 time had my 10 pound clippie and was then just 8 pounds from my goal. Then I too decided I could cheat a little and cheating a little turned into cheating a lot and lately I seem to be fighting to keep my 5 pound clippie. I loose a few and then I gain them back and keep going through this up down cycle with the same few pounds. I have gotten more serious about this again and am journaling and setting goals which has really helped me to get firmly on track again. Good luck to you getting back on track and as you know this is such a great palce to get the encouragement to stick with this!!! Onward and downward!!

Cheryl

 

[Kelsie]

John In Illinois??? Who are you??

Welcome back, John! You were the one who kept me going and the reason I reached the 30 pound loss.

John was my PM Buddy

I have missed seeing you here and I am so happy you posted.

NOW PUT DOWN THE PIZZA AND THE SARA LEE CAKES AND GET BUSY!!

or the next 600 pounds will sneak up on you before you know it

(((hugs)))

 

[tiggerlover]

Gain, no gain, maintenance, loss........you are always welcome, no matter what category you fall into. I am glad to see you posting again, John and I am sending a great BIG your way. It is hard when we lapse, but it is a big step to admit it and start moving forward once again. So glad you are back with us and I wish you continued success on your journey.

 

[catherine]

Welcome back John Once you get back OP those 30lbs will come off in no time!

 

[AlreadyexcitedGrammy]

Gosh- its like "old" times So good to read the part about that you deserve to be healthier for yourself and family. Yea, you got it, okay, so you took a detour but HOORAY you're back!

and, I'm smiling cause even tho you may not post "as often" as I remember you kept me smiling with yours words of wisdom!

And, let's see if you still have the same ol' clippie touch - now - was that a new one every 15 minutes or soooooo...............................

 

[ohMom]

JOHN!!!!

Hi John!! I missed you too! I'm so glad to see you back. No more of that nasty four letter word "fail" you just slacked a bit, you knew all along but you just weren't ready. I'm glad you're back and ready now!

Welcome home! such as it is!

 

[wovenwonder]

Hi John!

You would not believe how often I sign on to WISH and wonder how you are doing! It is so great to see you back here again. Post often John -- you were ALWAYS such a big inspiration to me!

 

[Hannosmom]

John!!! I'm so glad you are back! We really missed you. Please don't leave again.

Remember there is no word such as f****** on WISH. This is a wonderful place to get your feelings out instead of squashing them down with food.

Welcome back, John!!!!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

John! WB for sure! Sorry it is for reasons that you are not exactly pleased to report, but glad that you knew where to go to report! Your inspiration is certainly gladly received.

I was watching a recent program on Dateline the other day regarding 25-year high school reunion attendees who went on a weight-loss adventure. They made goal. The point of the program was to visit them afterward as according to the program the first three years after reaching goal are the most difficult to maintain. Afterward success is easier. As predicted, only one made it through...but the others are back in their game. Dateline is to check back with them periodically.

I never knew that 3-year thing. Knowing that will make me more determined to get through. Maybe you too now. I guess it is a long-term process for sure.

I am glad you are back and I wish you the success to continue to your goal and beyond!

 

[airhead]

you're not alone on this,believe me. I also went off the wagon after loosing close to 40lbs and gained 10 back! I know what you mean about lurking here and tryin' to get back in the mindset of losing weight. I can pinpoint the exact weekend I started to return to bad habits. Why is it so easy to slip back and so hard to get back on track??? I think I got sick of being preoccupied with food.
So John, I'm also trying to get my "game face" back on. Its wicked hard to start again,but I'm going to try!!
I'll be looking for ya here!!


airhead

 

[mowsie dreamer]

Welcome back, John It's wonderful to see you here again!!

I am going to get those pounds back off, as I deserve it, and also owe it to myself and those who love me, to be the healthiest that I can.

I love your attitude, John!! You do do deserve to be healthy--we all do!! And together, we're going to do it!!!

 

[maryliz]

Welcome back, John ! You've been missed ! I remember when I started WISH last March how inspiring your weekly check-ins were.


Mary Liz

 

[luv2nascar]

we've all been there before
that's why we come here for support
I know I've lost weight in the past twice with weight watchers, once on my own diet, and another time on nutri system
guess what I'm heavier now than I was any of the times I started those diets
I'm not giving up though
I'm doing South Beach Diet and having success with it
trying to look at it as a change in life style not diet

friends are always welcome here no matter how big or small we love you all