I've been contemplating this journey. I'm in a research study where they keep ongoing records of my health including (of course) weight. I was there yesterday, and for the first time realized that when I started my weight was 263...more than the 254 that I had always thought of as my "top". (Changed my counter today.)
Over thirteen years I managed to lose 20 pounds which I consistently kept off. (Actually I managed to lose about 200 pounds because of the losses and gains...my chart looks like a mountain range.
Six months ago I was 244. Yesterday I was 223. I'm terrified that six months from now when I'm back I will have bounced back again. (Interestingly, that first 20 pounds seems to stay off...but nothing else.)
I keep telling myself I am in it for the long haul. I'll be happy if I am even five pounds down six months from now. (Actually I won't be happy, but it will be only the second time that I have had two visits with consecutive losses and that would be big.)
As happy as I feel about my most recent 20 pound loss, I also feel really discouraged. I'm not sure what will make this time different. How are each of you coping with the long haul?