Decide to do it correctly for at least two weeks--no alteration of the diet
"to fit my needs" as some people seem to think they can do without adverse
affects, i.e., no weight loss!  You will be pleasantly surprised at how the
weight comes off and you are not constantly hungry or feeling deprived at
the same time.If you don't have the book, get it and read it first. That's
important.

Pat in TX

Hey--good luck. I too have relatives/friends that think I must be insane
to pass up potatoes, bread or pasta. Yet I have not lost 35lbs for no
reason.

-Cheers

Hi Sunshyne, welcome to the group!  It really CAN help you stay on track!

Yes, I have been diagnosed with it.  I'm not sure if I believe it or not, and I
was already doing what the doctor recommended, so the diagnosis didn't really
change anything for me.  I already HAD mild (compared to people who have
seizures) multiple chemical sensitivities, which can be used as a catch-all
diagnosis for just about ANY symptom, so the fibromyalgia didn't have much impact
on me as far as explaining things goes.  I have sore joints pretty much all over
and sore trigger points (I think I had 11 out of 18 for the fibromyalgia test).  

I've been doing Atkins since 6/14/03 and, as of today, have lost 29.5 lbs.  I
lose more slowly than many partly because I'm very sedentary when I'm not
actively exercising (unemployed and the MCS and sore feet keep me from going out
much, and I have low thyroid function -- as Tony Soprano would say, poor me! --
Zoloft (anti-depressant) has actually has made a big difference in my life as far
as accepting and learning to live with all this physical sh.t -- that and
teaching myself (over a period of years) to separate ME from my body, i.e., the
condition of the BODY does not necessarily reflect the condition of ME -- **I'M**
not defective just because my BODY is).  The exercise part REALLY surprised me,
though, because I CAN do it -- I truly did not think I COULD!  I had to start out
VERY slowly and still have to be very careful not to hurt various parts of my
body (not so much from fibromyalgia, but from various injuries over the years).  
I ride an exercise bike anywhere from 20-40 minutes (usually about 30), use an
Ab-Doer II to help strengthen my low back and get some flexibility (getting down
on and up from the floor is a problem for me, so being able to SIT while doing
this is a plus), then very CAREFULLY use a Total Body Trainer (Body by Jake) to
work on muscles.  I've also been using a Thera-band to exercise my
shoulders/upper back (PT from old shoulder injury -- and I have to wear wrist
braces when I do THAT to protect the wrists -- sigh).  When I started out,
though, I would practically pass out after 3 minutes on the bike, so it took a
little time to build up.  Every little bit helps, though.  If it's at all
possible for you to get SOME exercise, I highly recommend it.  I know a LOT of
people with Fibromyalgia find that using Thera-bands helps them to gain and
maintain some flexibility (you can get them at medical supply places or, if you
have a physical therapist, they are usually willing to sell or even give you
some.  Have you checked alt.med.fibromyalgia?  

Whatever the case with me, I think the combination of changing my diet,
exercising and losing weight has made a BIG difference in my pain levels.  I've
also been taking MSM which I think helps.  I noticed a difference after losing
only 10 lbs., so every little bit helps when you are hurting.  My IBS symptoms
COMPLETELY disappeared (reason ALONE to keep eating this way), and I have more
energy, stamina and alertness.  Do give it a SERIOUS try -- if *I* can do it,
just about ANYONE can!