I think I sometimes look at it the other way round - that because I'm still doing what I've always been doing I still post on all the old threads and in all the places I have been posting on throughout this journey. I am getting into the habit of posting on Maintainers more and more often as it sinks in that that's what I am, but I just look for threads that interest me, no matter where they are

I do love this part of the forum for the quality of some of the posts though. you know when you read them that these people really do know what they're talking about, and it would be a shame for anyone to miss out on that just because they're not at goal.

Thank you Meg for "inviting me in". When I first decided that I needed to lose weight, I didn't give any thought to what I would have to do afterwards. Reading posts from you and other maintainers have been so helpful. I see what will be required from me and now realize that it is a lifelong committment. There is always good info in this forum as well as motivating and inspiring to me.

Sherry, I think this is what made me successful. Weight is just a reaction to lifestyle, and while it can be manipulated a bit in the short term, in the end, your lifestyle shows.

Great to see so many new people here. It's always good to have some new perspectives and support!

Anne

Thanks for the invite for those of us not yet at goal to post. For a couple months now, I have been reading the maintainers forum and like others felt it wasn't where I should post yet. Being close to goal now, I realize that maintaining the weight is the most important thing in the world. I have lost up to 90 lbs. before and eventually gained it all back. My mindset then was totally goal-oriented and I stopped "dieting" when I reached goal. I know now just how well that turned out for me. My body is slowing down very much on the weight loss and I weigh at least twice a week to see that I have not gained. I had planned on taking another 5 lbs. off but it seems that I am more maintaining for now. I may slowly lose the last 5 over the next year and that's OK, so long as I can maintain what I've lost. I love your posts and they are truly what made me realize the importance of maintenance. My mind now tells me to "keep it off" not just try to lose.

Oh yes! I like that! Thanks, Anne.

(Hearing that kind of wisdom is one of the reasons I read and occasionally post here at Maintainers. It boosts my commitment.)

Susan I'm like you, I read everything. I even went as far as posting a msg on LAW system where people were talking about not getting enough "salt" into their diets. I was shocked, so I went and asked why would you want to do that if everything out there is saying watch your sodium intake and don't eat too much salt.

Someone pm'd me and said LAW has a "lite salt" that they have to eat a certain amount off. LOL Hey, I learned something new! How can we learn if we're not nosy?

I am not a perfect maintainer either but right now I do have a legit excuse (however I still have kept off the majority of my weight loss, even being pregnant and before hand I was dealing with 10-15lb weight cycles which isn't the best, but I still consider myself in the 5% or whatever that has maintained their weight loss). I was at goal when I got preggers!

I have GAINED a ton of insight by dropping by here and am hoping to be back at maintenance within the next year.



Helen: Sorry this is OT, but fabulous Half-Marathon time!!

Cheers!

Ali

Thanks, Anne. While I'd sure like to drop the last 15-20 pounds, I'd much rather be healthy and fit. I'm glad it was successful for you and hope it will be for me, too.

Anne, I love that quote too! I made it top in my Quotes document!

Hi. It's so nice to see that invitation!

I'm a newbie to 3FC in general and definitely a newbie to the concept of maintaining. But I'm trying to decide whether or not I've hit my goal. Most of my (young) adult life I weighed about 145 - 150 pounds and at age 48 with three children (literally) under my belt, I'm resigned to never seeing that number on the scale again. Trouble is, I really don't know what my ideal maintenance weight is these days and until I get THAT figured out I just want to maintain the 30 or so pounds I've lost. I've been stuck at 167 - 168 for about six weeks and after the heady excitement of watching the numbers on the scale go down, down, down it's discouraging.

All this is my long-winded way of saying "hello" and thanks for being there to help me maintain my weight loss to date.

Thanks Meg! I read everything too but never felt I should post here as LOL I certainly am not in any shoes to offer input to maintainers.

Misti, sweetie, I read lots of your posts all over the forum and you have tons to offer to everyone, wherever we each may be on this weight loss journey. Feel free to jump in any time - we're all still learning.

Thanks, Meg! I guess it is still hard to believe I will ever make it to the maintainer's section. But I DO plan to!

LOL my best friend in Florida dreamed I came to see her and was SO skinny -- tuck your shirt into your pants skinny. LOL I am hoping to visit her next spring so it would be nice to make that dream a reality.