My name is kristina, i am currently 198lbs and want to meet my first goal of 175lbs, and then move down to 140lbs eventually. I had major back surgery just a year ago, and was using a cane, i am only 31 yrs old, i almost ended up in a wheel chair and had umbilical hernia surgery the year before. i promised myself if i walked out of my back surgery healthier i would a fuller and healthy lifestyle. Last year i was 228lbs, walked one mile 2-3 nights a week and lost 28lbs, then winter hit and i gained 14lbs back. Starting a 60-60-60 carb diet which is where you only consume 60 carbs a meal, i lost those 14lbs. I found this atkins diet hoping to do alot better. I am looking for buddies and recipes according to the atkins diet which i am currently in phase one. I work out at the YMCA about 3-4 times a week, anywhere between 1-2 hrs each time. I found that the water fitness class keeps my back from hurting so much. I am on my way and dont plan on giving up!!!