Sunday was my six year anniversary. I sort of didn't notice with the family being so sick.
On December 20, 2002, I changed my life, and so I count that as my anniversary date. My weight is a side effect of my lifestyle, and I can only change my lifestyle, my behavior, and reasonably expect that the weight will follow. So I count my anniversary from this date. I also have no goal weight to speak of, or long term goal weight at least, so I have no other reference point for maintenance. Put shortly, I manage my weight; I maintain a healthy lifestyle. At least in moderation!
For those who like numbers, my highest weight was 289 and six years ago, I weighed in at 276. I lost down to a "maintenance weight" of about 175 in about a year. Over the last 6 years, I have a couple of difficult pregnancies, resulting in large (~60 lb) gains in each. I took off the weight after the first and am about halfway back from the second one, my youngest now 6 months old, and I've got about 30 lbs to go. And before and in between pregnancies my weight was pretty stable, at least on the 5 lb roller coaster we all seem to have.
So, I'm glad to be here. I like the long term perspective on weight management that exists on this board. I haven't found anything else like it anywhere!
I don't have much wisdom to share this year, since I'm just buried in family stuff right now. But I did want to put a shout out there, so people have hope. Long term maintenance is possible, even if perfection isn't.
Happy Holidays to you and yours! Looking forward to another good year.
Like Mel said, pregnancy is a special challenge to maintenance, so you deserve a huge round of applause for surviving #1 and getting back to goal with #2.
And I'd like to take a moment to thank you for your valuable insights and contributions to Maintainers. You're such a good writer and always have a fresh perspective on the issues of weight loss and maintenance. We wouldn't be what we are today without you.
Wow, seven years is such a long time! It's inspiring, so thanks . Perfection, shmerfection. I think it's even more impressive to have taken off the weight from two pregnancies during that time than to have maintained straight through without pregnancies.
On December 20, 2002, I changed my life, and so I count that as my anniversary date. My weight is a side effect of my lifestyle, and I can only change my lifestyle, my behavior, and reasonably expect that the weight will follow.
Changed your life? You most certainly have!
Six loooong years, 2 pregnancies - IMPRESSIVE!!!!!
Congratulations on a wonderful and rare anniversary.
I look forward to spending many, many more with you. I am grateful to benefit from you and all your wisdom.
Congrats, Anne! That's absolutley wonderful and inspiring. And through 2 pregnancies! You make it seem less scary for those of us who are going to embark down that path (pregnancy and maintenance).
Congratulations on the maintenance in the face of pregnancies and early childhood!
And, yes, you DO set a great example for someone like me who is looking at the challenge of maintenance with sometimes fear and dread, but lately also pride, hope and happiness.
Happy Anniversary! and many more.
Last edited by kittycat40; 12-24-2008 at 11:48 AM.
Reason: ugh, oh to be a speller
Six years and counting..
Anne,
Happy Maintenance Anniversary to you! 
. Perfection, shmerfection. I think it's even more impressive to have taken off the weight from two pregnancies during that time than to have maintained straight through without pregnancies.
