Am I the only one who *doesn't* look forward to the end of Phase 1? I mean, I'm a goal-oriented, slightly (very) obsessive person, and find the structure of Phase 1 easy to maintain. And it's worked very well for me. This is the lowest I've been since I was in my early 20's, by at least 60 pounds.

But I'm scared.

I worry that if I start adding stuff back in, that I will regain the weight. I've done it before. I was 313 on my 42nd birthday (gained 30 pounds from steroids), lost to 240 and held it there for over a year, then slowly regained it all to 297 (in late September 2009). Tried to watch it, and lost to 264 when I started Ideal Protein on May 18th, 2010.

In 6 months, I've lost 103.7 pounds.

I really, REALLY don't want to regain it. ANY OF IT. I have spent a ton on a new wardrobe (size 8, medium shirts), but I know from past experience that is not enough. I also have been exercising (like a fiend), and the toning is helping too.

But I just think - one bite, leads to another, leads to... fat.

My coach is pressuring me to go to Phase 2. My co-worker (who has been on IP for 9 months, and holding due to cheating for about 3 months), says to just tell them I'm eating the protein at lunch, and do it occasionally if I want, but to still use my excess IP (or Syntrax Nectar Sweets, which I've used for variety) when I want. That I really don't need to worry until I hit Phase 3, when I add more stuff back.

And my coach is willing to let me stay in Phase 2 for longer than 2 weeks, if I want.

I am just so scared of screwing this up. But I have a history (25 years ago) of going overboard on the whole diet train, and you know? I might be heading that way again...

Yes, I so get what you are saying!! I have also lost and gained in the past so I started I.P. and have lost 50 lbs in 3 months. I made a decision to go to phase 4 for a month to see what it is like and how I will do. Then I will get back on it cause I still have 50 lbs to go. I am finding it very difficult now that I am on phase 3 and not losing. Today I was thinking of not staying on phase 4 for the month now and maybe going back sooner to finish my weight loss. I hope I can get through this cause I will need to get over this when I hit my goal and not sure how to do this yet.

My mom phased out over a month ago and she is eating "normally" and has not gained an ounce. If you phase out properly you should be just fine and if you find the scale creeping back up well IP is here for you. Your coach should have told you that if you eat "BAD" one day the next day you just do phase 1 for the day. I am phasing out for personal reasons right now and am scared witless of carbs, (the problem is I love them but there are so many in everything lol) but I think the key is to be smart and learn from our mistakes. I could never figure out why I was getting so fat, I actually convinced myself that I was not eating 'bad' food. I had a crash and burn diet of carbs and sugar and didn't even know it. I have and am learning to read labels and understand what I am reading to eat proper portion sizes and not stuff myself silly. What I need with every meal (water and salad) and what I don't (sugar and carbs) I plan on enjoying food again and not just eating because its there. Take the time when faced with a feast to remember where you have been. I for one never want to be there again. I think I got a little side tracked but my point is pretty simple. There will always be someone here for you. Phase 1 2 3 or 4 IP will always be here if you need it. Have Fun!

I'm speaking solely for myself here, but I think I may actually have more confidence in you than you do. And I'm basing my opinion on evidence, not emotion. I could have gone back over all of your posts to assure myself that I was seeing things clearly. But I don't think I have to, actually. Your approach and resolve have been clear. I cannot envision your losing it after you've found a way to stay on track.

Perhaps if you started to plan out some phase three and four menus, to apply what you know, you'd see what you know?

I know I'm way out on a limb here, and being terribly personal, but I think you've already done it right; that your future is in your future.

sgorny much to my surprise I found I missed the ease and structure of Phase 1. While I haven't found anything as easy or convenient as 4 or 5 packets a day, I have created a structure that works for me. (eggs + veg + fruit for breakfast, salad + meat/fish+ nuts + fruit for lunch, green veg + starchy veg + meat/fish for dinner).

Maybe you just need to take the transition to maintenance more slowly. Phases 3 and 4 are still fairly structured, you just have a few more choices in your vegetables and your proteins. Linden's suggestion about planning sounds like it could work for you. You could hang out in phase 4 much longer than the recommended 2 weeks to build your trust in your ability to maintain healthy choices from a broader selection.

I don't know if you've read my posts about grains, but if you avoid grains, legumes, and polyunsaturated oils from grains, legumes, and seeds (corn, soy, sunflower, canola, etc.) it's very unlikely that you'll regain your weight. There are ways of eating that will ensure that you're satisfied and nourished. If you'd like some books or websites for possible new "programs", let me know, either in this thread or by PM and I'll get back to you.

You've worked so diligently to unconceal your lean body, what about taking that persistence and goal-drive to expanding your peace of mind and trust in yourself?

Sgorny just keep checking in here as often as you need. We will all make sure that you keep on track. I think when we leave the support forum and don't pay attention to what we are eating everything slides. Just because an alcholic has gone 9 months sober, doesn't mean one drink won't send him over the edge again without a support system. YOU CAN DO THIS! We will be here to continually cheer you on as you maintain your loss

Thank you all for your thoughts and support. I know I'm nearly at my low weight, but would like to lose another 5 pounds, so I can be officially less than 1/2 my high weight.

*deep breath*

I *will* take your advice, and make my transitions a bit longer, making sure that I have time to plan out how to keep the weight off, and get on the scale daily to make sure that it's not creeping back up again.

I *have* learned what foods I need to avoid (thanks I'm_svelting!). I figure I'll look at grains like an alcoholic looks at alcohol - yeah, it's fun when you're doing it, but over the long term? Bad, bad, bad! I wish legumes weren't on that list, because I really love them, but maybe I can have a few, occasionally, on a "cheat day".

I'd really like to know the names of those books that can help make food choices when I'm off (*shudders*) IP. I figured it would be some sort of "clean eating", but those seem to have a lot of grains, just be "not processed" - and we all know what grains do to us.

Also, I'm_svelting, where is your grains post? I'd really lke to read it.

Thanks again, everyone. I plan to stay around here for a long time, as I want to stay focused, and this forum (and you all) have been a great help.