I've no doubt that I will keep the weight off (I have never really been a yo-yo-er though, at 22 I just kept piling the lbs on every year) because I have worked really hard to lose it all and I just know that I will. You need to reach for success, not fear failure. And for the moment, just take it day by day. If you mess up today, then try to make up for it tomorrow, but never lose heart. Just keep at it and don't be too timid. We are weight loss warriors!

I know that I'm going to keep the weight off because I'm so much more aware of what I eat and what I can eat. Sugary snacks were always my downfall and now that I'm painfully aware of how many calories are in that bag of candy I am much better at staying away. Sometimes it doesn't happen, and occasionally I make the conscious decision to forgo my healthy dinner in favor of a bowl of ice cream, but at least I realize that I am just not able to have ice cream every night and have the figure I want.

I agree with what Meg says about wanting to be scared. I think a little fear can be a good thing. I quit smoking about ten years ago, but sometimes when I'm stressed (or when I've been drinking) I still want a cigarette. One of the main things that keeps from taking up smoking again is the thought that if I did, I'd just have to quit again. It was hard enough the first time; I don't want to have to do it again.

I'm not at maintenance yet, but I'm close enough to be worried about it (sheer panic might be a better description). I hope to turn that fear into something positive that will keep me vigilent about my calories and going into the gym.

- Barbara