Many of you have seen my story - in my 4th year and maintaining my goals weight. I'm spending a lot of time paying it forward now.

Lots of questions on the boards about bending the rules. Here's my thinking...

I think there's an important discussion we need to put on the table. Do you bend the rules and are you accountable to yourself if you do? Please post your point of view on this.

Here's my point of view. If you want to get the best results(better than 50%EWL), follow your doctors instructions as closely as you can. If there is a band rule that you don't think you can live with, talk to your doctor about it, be honest and see what wiggle room you have, but make those decisions with your eyes wide open and be accountable for your decisions.

I'm not saying I never bend the rules or fall off the wagon. I am saying that I need to be accountable for my decisions - can't have my cake and eat it too (LOL). My experience says its really important to be honest with ourselves and our doctors, if we want results.

What do you think

Gloria, in my decaffeinated glory, I can't find where to do this. Can you direct me?

The sign up box is on the right hand side of my blog page, just below my before and after pictures, just type in your name and email address. BTW, I really appreciate the feedback; we are going to change the sign up box to make it easier - you're defintely not the first person who wanted to sign up and couldn't figure out how.

I just wanted you to know that I copied and pasted those ten "rules" that you wrote about and printed them out. I enlarged them too. They are going on my fridg tonight. Thanks for them. I actually do must of them already but am always seeking motivation.

I think a "refrigerator magnet" for the 10 Things... is a great idea. what a perfect place to keep all of us thinking about what we're doing.

I think a "refrigerator magnet" for the 10 Things... is a great idea. what a perfect place to keep all of us thinking about what we're doing.

I also have a list of Wills and Will Nots. Here they are. I actually got many of these from another poster on a different thread. But here they are:

A List of “wills” and “will not’s” for me to live by:

I will no longer:

- Be out of breath walking up a flight of stairs

- Search a room to see if I'm the heaviest person around

- Give into the newest miracle weight-loss drug hype or diet

- Place the blame for my weight on circumstance

- Need a double-digit ring or pant size

- Binge eat

- Fret at the thought of going to an amusement park, movie theater, or ball game (because I will fit into the seats)

- Need a seatbelt extender for an airplane flight

- Have "such a pretty face" - without the body to match

- Shop at Lane Bryant or Torrid

- Hide in the back behind plants or walls during pictures

- Use food as my escape and comfort

- Be miserable in my own skin

I will:

- Walk tall with my head held high

- Be able to shave my legs with ease

- Be able to cross my legs while seated

- Fit into a classroom desk

- Control my food, not be controlled by it

- Go for a run - because I can

- Not ever forget where I have come from, I will always be kind to those overweight

- Be thankful for the ability to change

- Become the woman I was meant to be

- Shop at regular clothing stores

-Buy a bra from Victoria Secret

- Wear heels

- Have so much more closet space

- Be an inspiration to others, as much as others have been to me

They are both great motivators for me to stay away from the fridg.

I also have a list of Wills and Will Nots. Here they are. I actually got many of these from another poster on a different thread. But here they are:

A List of “wills” and “will not’s” for me to live by:

I will no longer:

- Be out of breath walking up a flight of stairs

- Search a room to see if I'm the heaviest person around

- Give into the newest miracle weight-loss drug hype or diet

- Place the blame for my weight on circumstance

- Need a double-digit ring or pant size

- Binge eat

- Fret at the thought of going to an amusement park, movie theater, or ball game (because I will fit into the seats)

- Need a seatbelt extender for an airplane flight

- Have "such a pretty face" - without the body to match

- Shop at Lane Bryant or Torrid

- Hide in the back behind plants or walls during pictures

- Use food as my escape and comfort

- Be miserable in my own skin

I will:

- Walk tall with my head held high

- Be able to shave my legs with ease

- Be able to cross my legs while seated

- Fit into a classroom desk

- Control my food, not be controlled by it

- Go for a run - because I can

- Not ever forget where I have come from, I will always be kind to those overweight

- Be thankful for the ability to change

- Become the woman I was meant to be

- Shop at regular clothing stores

-Buy a bra from Victoria Secret

- Wear heels

- Have so much more closet space

- Be an inspiration to others, as much as others have been to me

They are both great motivators for me to stay away from the fridg.

Just checking back on this thread, I really like this list of "wills" - what a great motivator. I can honestly say I'm doing all of them, although the running is something I'm just starting...am going to start training with a group of women to do a mini triatholon. More about that when I hear more...