LoriKay,
I do go to Ideal Weigh. LOVE my coach... she's a marathon runner and is very supportive of my desire, or more accurately my
need, to exercise. We've also talked a lot about Phase 4 as I know of a couple of people who have done IP and have gained all of the weight back. (Yes, they were kind enough to share that with me as I was starting out... thanks for the support, jackwagons!) My coach said that she believes there are two main reasons why some successfully maintain when others put the weight back on. The ones who succeed: 1) have come to the understanding that this is a LIFETIME lifestyle change and have successfully changed their habits and perceptions of food; and 2) continue to come in for regular (eventually changing from weekly to biweekly to monthly) weigh-ins/check-ins for at least a year. She highly recommends those regular check-ins to not only have the accountability, but also to discuss potential concerns or stumbling blocks. There is no cost unless I choose to buy some additional IP products for Phase 1 days, so really, that's a year of free coaching. I see no downside there! Of course, there's a measure of accountability on this site, too, and there is most DEFINITELY support here... but I like having the on-site accountability. If I just dropped off of the 3fc site, no one would necessarily notice or know how to come find me. My coach would definitely follow up if I missed a scheduled appointment or just quit scheduling appointments. I know I am blessed to have the awesome coach that I have!
