Leepers

When I reached maintenance, my honeymoon was definitely over. For me, losing weight was easy. I had a plan, and I stuck to it. As I started to allow foods and portions back in, I realized that I would never be able to eat mindlessly for the rest of my life. For the rest of my life, I will have to think about everything I put in my mouth. I exercise a lot. I'm running half marathons and doing mini triathlons. But you can't out exercise a bad diet. I am still trying to find balance. It is difficult. But every time I get dressed and look in the mirror, I realize that it's worth it. I never want to go back. Every time I reach a new exercise goal, that is my reward. I try to accept that to live the life I want to live, I will have to evaluate my relationship with food on a daily basis.

Love, love, love this! As someone who has also taken up running and exercise since my band, I love to hear other people's success stories. I have plans to run the Kentucky Derby MiniMarathon in April, the day before my 42nd birthday. I remember how depressed I was about my weight and health on my 40th birthday. That year, I decided to make a change. Best thing I ever did. And yes, we must always keep pushing, at least a little every time. Best wishes to your success in 2015!

Awesome article.

@@catfish87 Hi Catfish! Did you ever find a reason for the passing out? Do you still have any episodes? Weirdly enough, I have had 2 episodes within 3 weeks of each other, where I have almost passed out. The one I had this weekend really freaked me out. I was at a restaurant and had just finished eating. Nausea, sweating, room going dark as I ran to the bathroom. I'm interested in the whole vagus nerve theory.

I do not deny myself happy hour on the weekends. But I definitely get my butt into the gym the next day.

I have a large chest. I hate when women have floppy books at the gym. So I do my best to reign these puppies in. I wear my regular under wire bra. Over that, a very tight sport bra, over that, a tank with a built in shelf and then a loose tank. Lol. Sounds crazy but it works.

You look fabulous! How inspiring that you were successful during such trying times.

Five minutes is better than no minutes. Just keep doing that five until you can go to six. You have to start somewhere! Chin up!

Oh, how I love this post. Sometimes I actually feel different than others because I am so committed to using my tool. Like you, I enjoy having a few cocktails here and there, but I follow the rules 99% of the time. Moving is key. I notice that since I've lost 55 pounds so far, I'm a lot less tired at the end of my 12 hour shift. I even took the stairs to the fourth floor of the garage after work today. I love your blog and it inspires me that you can travel and socialize and have a few drinks and still reach your goal. It's all about finding balance and using the tool you committed to having implanted in your body. Best wishes on those last nine pounds!

Thanks Nancy! I agree, some may be okay with that sixty percent. I want to go all the way, but if for some reason I stop at a size 16 or 18, I will still be happy. I just can't be 300 pounds anymore. And slip ups are hard. I was sick this last week and definitely allowed more carbs into my diet than usual. But, this week, I'm back on track, starting today.

1. 4 days 2. 7 days 3. 2 weeks 4. Quickly 5. 287 lbs 6. 20?? 7. 50 lbs 8. Not there yet, but hoping for a nice, big number!

A beautiful story. Thanks for sharing.

I kinda latched on to how much carbs were being eaten. I think natural carbs from beans and veggies are Ok, but the bread or "biscuits" should be avoided. By biscuits, you mean crackers to the American readers? Definitely they need to stay way from the liquids and eat slower.

From what I've been reading lately, it is no longer thought that eggs raise your cholesterol that much and that they are really healthy. I eat an average of three eggs per day in various forms. I think you're doing great to find protein from other sources. There are many veggies with good amounts of protein. I've been eating really healthy and keep track of what I eat in my fitness pal. I've cut out most carbs like bread and pasta. I will eat healthy carbs like beans. I find that most days, without really trying, I reach my protein goals. Sounds like you're really doing a good job. It's all about finding good things to eat. Best wishes.