[TBCourt]

Hello all! I did IP a year ago and lost 30lbs in a little over 3 months (160 to 130). LOVED IT! I didn't really follow the phase off plan for many reasons, including losing touch with my coach, busy time at work, lots of free food at work, etc. Either way, I gained about 20lbs back, although it did take me a year.

I see SO many restarters here, which makes the whole maintenance phase a little discouraging. But I want to do it right this time, and I'm just wondering, for all of those who regained, how did you phase off? Did you follow all the phases correctly, or just jump back in? Also, are there any maintainers out there who did it the right way and can preach that it works?

I have already lost 10lbs in my restart, and I'm doing great! I just want to make sure I keep it off this time.

Thanks all!

[lisa32989]

I'm restarting, not because of a gain but because I phased off prior to getting to goal due to medical reasons.

Even with a phase-off, one won't stay at goal unless one stays on P4. Formerly overweight people have more difficult time maintaining weight than those who haven't experienced being overweight or obese. For this reason, either careful monitoring & using p1 days after a fun day or reboots are necessary.

I phased off 2 weeks p2 & 2 weeks p3.
I will do that again for my phase off when I get to goal.

There is a maintainer thread where you can read & see successful maintainers

[Kristin135]

This my third time on IP. The first time I maintained within a few pounds without phasing off for about a year. Once I started working nights I lost focus and gained weight. The second time I completely went off and started back with bad behaviors.

This time I have a very good health coach that I plan on going to see at least once a month in maintenance. I plan on phasing off correctly and working on the emotional and mental issues with weight loss.

I also plan to exercise often in maintenance. I have many health issues such as hashimotos, pcos, prediabetic that seem to go into hibernation with this diet. I need to follow a low carb diet for life to maintain my health.

[FitMom02]

I did 2 weeks of phase 2 and 2 weeks of phase 3. It worked beautifully when I did p4 as written. My emotional issues got the best of me later...leading to my regain. Good luck to us this go around!!

[FitMom02]

Originally Posted by Kristin135

This my third time on IP. The first time I maintained within a few pounds without phasing off for about a year. Once I started working nights I lost focus and gained weight. The second time I completely went off and started back with bad behaviors.

This time I have a very good health coach that I plan on going to see at least once a month in maintenance. I plan on phasing off correctly and working on the emotional and mental issues with weight loss.

I also plan to exercise often in maintenance. I have many health issues such as hashimotos, pcos, prediabetic that seem to go into hibernation with this diet. I need to follow a low carb diet for life to maintain my health.

Hi Kristin! I can totally relate to your story! One question for you...is there a difference in the rate in which you are losing this time around? Just wondering if its coming off as fast this time around. Thanks for sharing!

[JLUS]

EVERYONE should read post #19 in the thread I Am So Disappointed... It encapsulates EXACTLY what the original poster of this thread is wondering!!

It is not this diet, it is any diet... The weight will ONLY stay off for as long as you diligently work every day to keep it off by managing every food choice you make and understand exactly how your body will react to what you are eating. That is a universal truth and stands completely apart from how you lost the weight!

Restarters are just learning and relearning how to manage food more effectively.

Now. Go read that post... REALLY!

[jemma51]

I didn't phase off. I just went full throttle into my love hate relationship with food. I am finding P1 easier this time around though.