Ricky Ford

The Atkins diet was created in 1972 by Robert C. Atkins. For over 45 years, this diet has kicked so much weight off of so many people, that it's a no-brained why it's still in existence to this day. I've tried many diets; I've tried counting all of the numbers on the backs of the label, from calories to fat content, and nothing I've counted has come close to counting carbs. I started my low carb journey on March 2nd of 2017 (just a few short months ago). My weight at the beginning of this journey was 373 pounds. To say I'm overweight is an understatement.

I went to a bariatric surgeon to begin setting up for the biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (often referred to as simply the BPD/DS procedure). While waiting I figured it would be a good idea to start getting my eating habits under control and start trying to trim down a bit. The doc told me that my liver was pretty big, which is something I didn't want to hear, considering the liver sits right atop the stomach and could easily be in the way and obstruct his views inside of my stomach during the procedure.

Since I'd counted calories and everything else, I thought why not research the low carb lifestyle? From everything I've read, to results I've seen in co-workers, the low carb lifestyle makes sense. I have digestive issues as it is, that could be attributed to anything from gluten to grease to sugar, and I've never been able to really pin-point the issue. Following a low carb lifestyle would allow me to cut the gluten and sugars while all-together attempting to lose weight and get healthier.

When I started this journey, I had no idea how effective it would be. When you go on a low carb lifestyle, you are basically retraining your body to begin burning fat for it's energy instead of the stored sugar and carbs your body holds onto when you take too much in. Retaining all of this junk is what causes you to gain weight. When you switch your body from feeding on sugar to feeding on fat, you only stop taking sugar and carbs into your body in harmful ways, you also get your body setup to begin eating it's own fat. It's a win-win all around. I didn't really keep track of my weight religiously in the beginning. I figured if I was feeling good, chances are I was losing weight.

My first appointment was on March 2nd with Dr. David Syn in Lubbock, Texas and I was determined to start eating right. I began stocking up on vegetables (which I hate, and stopped eating regularly fairly shortly afterwards) and foods that were higher in fat and lower in carbs. I didn't pay attention to any calorie counts, because I was tired of counting them. Jalapeno poppers? Check. Chicken wings? Check. No fried foods, no breads, pastas, rice, cokes, sweet treats, or anything else harmful, and I could immediately feel as if my body was re-adjusting itself to a new way of living. It wasn't until March 22nd when I went in for my endoscopy did I realize how much weight I was losing.

Stepping on the scale that morning and seeing 353 pop up had me ecstatic. I knew I was feeling better, I just didn't know how well it was working. I couldn't wait to tell my wife the results. We didn't have a scale at home, so this was the first time I'd seen my weight loss up front. After getting home that evening, I ordered a scale on Amazon that could read up to 400 pounds, and I sat down, researching and putting together meal plans for me to be better prepared to stick with this one. After my scale came in, I began to keep regular track of my weight loss.

Friday mornings are my weigh-days, right before I get in the shower with no clothes on, and typically right after using the bathroom, that way I feel as good as possible.

• March 2nd: 373 lbs.
• March 22nd: 353 lbs.
• April 15th: 345 lbs.
• April 21st: 339 lbs.
• April 27th: 337 lbs.
• May 5th: 341 lbs. (not sure what happened here; I blame water retention)
• May 12th: 332 lbs.
• May 19th: 331 lbs.
• May 26: 328 lbs.
• June 2nd: 327 lbs.

So far, in this journey, I've lost 46 lbs as of my last weigh-in on June 2nd, 2017. I've begun playing around with different dessert recipes and ingredients that I'd never even heard of (erythritol? xanthan gum?) and I'm having more fun than ever melting off weight and feeling better all around. This is truly one of those stories where you hear someone say, "If I can do it, anyone can do it." My wife and I aren't rich. We're regular, quiet, foster parents, in line to adopt two amazing children, that keep to ourselves in this world. I just happen to be severely obese and working as hard as possible to create a better future for myself so that I can be there for my children.

From time to time, I'll post recipes for you all to check out that I've found, tried, and loved. I want nothing more than to inspire someone else to do what I do and feel better about themselves. Counting carbs is where it's at, and I'll continue this for as long as I possible can.

No comments have been posted to this article yet.