So far, 14 months at maintaince and I AM one of the 5%. 190+ pounds lost, and my only real goal in this entire process was/is to not regain any weight I was fortunate enough to lose.

When I started out, I didn't have a number or a size in mind, I just wanted to keep off what I lost, so I would NOT have to do it again. I was so tired of doing it again. I was tired of hitting a number and thinking, "gosh this was the weight I was when I________" (Fill in the blank with any life events).

I have NEVER met a person in real life who has lost a great deal of weight and has kept it off. I have met a lot here at 3FC though, and that gives me hope, and keeps me coming back.

"There are lies, damn lies, and statistics" (Mark Twain)

Do not let the statistics define or limit you.

I like a lot of what people have said here. I think there is something to be said for letting go of those limiting beliefs and accepting that weight loss/lifestyle change may just be an ongoing life-long thing. Hopefully at some point it will get easier to do what needs to be done to keep the pounds off, but maybe it won't and that's a choice we all have to learn to make. Statistics be damned, I think it boils down to choice.

I was just struck by those numbers, because I've gained back about the same amount as you after a loss too. That's about 230 calories extra a day. Pretty easy to add without thinking about it...and maybe what a person would try adding for maintenance after cutting! That tells me it's also *crazy* easy to gain back once you stop watching (I know that from experience)!

I have read many times that those who continue to exercise at a good level do not regain the weight. More muscles means you burn up more calories even when you are doing nothing. I think the evidence that many have kept it off is proven by this forum.