Slip I love reading the old maintainers board too. I know how easy it is to fall into my old way of life and gain it all back. It is nice to read from people who keep the weight off, and to know it can be done.

I have been thinking about what happens after all the weight is gone, what will my goals be then? I know for me weighing daily and keeping a record of my Wed WI is a must. I am also going to use special occasions/dates as incentive to stay within my weight range. In August my nephew is getting married, need to be in weight range for that(first need to get to goal for this one). In Nov. DH and I are going to the Bahamas with friends, need to be in weight range for that. Then I need to be in weight range for Christmas. Etc. I think these things will make sure I keep my weight in check. I also know I have the tools to lose weight if I get to the high end of my weight range, and I am only going to have a 5lb weight range, much easier to get back to maintenance weight from 5lbs then 25lbs. Also I know that my weight will be a constant "work in progress" for the rest of my life, no more losing and then gaining it back. I think I will not have a cheat day, once a week. I think for me that is a slippery slope, one I don't want to fall down on and can't get up from. I will on special occasions indulge but not every week, at least until I am sure I can handle the cheat day.

Hi everyone,

School will be done a week from tomorrow! It is a long end to this year. Today was our last test, the results were less than stellar . The kids are crispy because they are all done and ready for summer. Teacher is heading that way too! Came home and slept for an hour and a half.

Want2b, I am renting a house on the water in Maine. As for maintenance, I will weigh every day too. I think it is a great idea to continue recording weekly weigh ins. My niece is getting married next summer, so I will use that occasion as a motivation to get more fit. I had also decided on the 5 pound range. I have read a lot about the free day and it's purpose, seems to me that it is designed to vary our calorie/carb levels to spark our metabolism. I will incorporate it in once a week as long as I am within my range. I am not planning to go binge crazy either. I have some rules for food that I will not break even on a free day. No ice cream in the house and no coca cola ever.

As I move toward reaching my IP graduation, I am proud to have lost 89 pounds. A raincoat that I bought was delivered, it is bright pink, Anne Klein and a size small. In the past the top would fit in a large but I would not be able to button the bottom. Today, a small fit beautifully, everywhere!

I have never lived a life where weight was not part of my angst equation. I am working on finding the joy of not being over weight. A whole new physical identity, I am working on changing my focus from losing weight to accepting the healthy body that I am now living in. It will take a lot of work and planning to show my body the respect it deserves.

My intention is to find some kind of exercise that I enjoy. Summer is a great time for me to figure this out, a lot more time and less stress. The phase out is actually at the perfect time, because summer will allow me the chance to make delicious maintenance compliant food using veggies from my garden

Thanks for letting me think and share!

How are all of you doing this week? Where are you on the journey? Easy week, hard week, or just surviving?

Slip: I love your posts, lots of time you give me things to think about. My last day of work is the 20th and the kids are getting crazier every day. My kids may be off 2 weeks earlier then they are supposed to be this year. Our teachers are voting today to do an all out strike. They have been without a contract for a year and nothing has gotten done, I think having them strike may get the action they need. I guess we will see.
You should be VERY proud of the 89lbs you have lost. And you have the small raincoat to prove it, I am sure it looks great! I can't wait until I figure out my size and can order clothes online or go into a store and pick my size and have them fit. I don't remember shopping when I was not a plus size.

As for me and my week...I am having an easy week, sure wish all weeks were like this. The last 2 days I have been noticing how much less space I take up and how shapely my body is becoming. Anyone else suddenly notice how they look? Maybe it has been from all the years of avoiding the mirror and how I look.

Where is everyone today? Hope you are having a great IP day!!

Wow, a teacher strike! Strikes are illegal here in CT. Hope it works out for your kids.

Yes, I am still noticing the changing shape of my body. I think it is a normal part of this process. Glad that you are liking your new shape.

The coat was $20.00 new from eBay. I was afraid that it would not fit.

This week has not been easy for me. Migraine yesterday. Oatmeal packets for dinner instead of protein. Just feel overtired. Think TOM is arriving early

Slip: Hope you are feeling better today.

Schenectady: You have such a positive attitude. You are right, we all need to think about what we are thankful for and see the delights in every day. Congrats on turning 60 and feeling like a kid!!

Schenectady also had a good point, this is a journey that will never end, I get this concept this time around. I have been looking ahead, reading up on maintaining and thinking about what a 'typical' day will look like in P3 and P4, I have even planned some breakfast ideas on paper. I have been planning since Oct about what to eat and how to stay OP, I will continue to do that when I am at goal. I think that is going to be a huge part of my success for maintenance.
It was WI day for me today, I am down 3.6lbs today! 10.8lbs to go! I can't believe that I am this close to my goal. In Oct. I started this and truly didn't think it was going to work, now I know I will get to goal. I keep reading this quote about how weight loss is more mental then a physical challenge and it is so true. I am getting better about white knuckling thru an event/dinner/craving. I know I am going to need this skill in maintenance as well. Thanks for ALL the support I have gotten along the way, I couldn't have made it this far without you guys.

Schenectady, great thoughts. You are so right, the journey is far from over. Right now, my crazy little mind is obsessed with one pound that my body does not want to give up. That one pound would make 90 pounds and I want it gone! Seems ridiculous to focus on that, and I have to reign in my inner brat and take joy in all the things you mentioned. I too, love the new clothes. I am coming to appreciate my cute hour glass shape and focus much less on my flaws. I think I am looking forward to life without my weight as an issue or an excuse, does that make sense?

It does seem strange to me that finding comfort, entertainment and stress relief from food does not appeal to me now. I used to love sugar. I worried that bringing back phase 3 carbs might send me into a carb craving frenzy, but it hasn't. Food is just food right now, it does not have that power over me for today. And I am thankful! You are also right about appreciating life and seeking joy. Who knows what wonderful things are to come.

3.6 pounds! 10.8 to go, fantastic!!

I have every faith that you are going to make it. You have the keys to success: planning and determination. It really does feel different this time. We have really changed, and I love that

Thanks, I do feel better. Those headaches kick the energy out of me for a couple of days, but I am rebounding. Next week by this time I will be off for the summer.

I gave that little pound a talking to and it went away. I am at goal this morning! I am so happy and so relieved to have reached this point. Could not have done it without all of you! Thank you!!!!!

Congrats Slip! You deserve it!

Hooray you! Congrats!

CONGRATULATIONS!! So happy for you!

I knew it would happen! Congratulations!!

So excited and proud of you Slip!!! Another example of "trust the plan, stick with it, it does work"! I am sure you will be smiling all day!

Congrats!!!that is awesome

Thanks everyone! I have been smiling all day. I am also really tired, relief maybe? Seems silly but the goal weight has been weighing on me, lol! I went to go buy a reaching goal memento, but did not find anything that called out to me.

Seeing that number for the first time was a joy filled moment, immediately followed by relief. Now I can go into Sat. Maintenance knowing that I achieved the goal.

Finding all of you has been a blessing!