I have motivational talks with myself daily. And look at a few large things I have still saved as reminders of how far I' ve come. :-)

So far my motivation comes from knowing how GOOD it feels to be fit. I am recovering from major platics surgery and this being "disabled" is misery and reminds me of being obese. Good reminder that i never ever ever want to be in that health and physical condition again.

Setting fitness goals, planning outdoor trips/adventures that I could never do before like strenuous hiking, and looking at my before and after pics.

Quitting isn't an option. Sometimes it doesn't matter if I'm motivated. I did not spend ten grand and slice out a major organ to fall short of my personal goals. I do what I have to do, even when I hate to do it. Period.

I forget how far I've come sometimes, because I'm covering ground I've already covered. It's easy to slip into old habits. Both eating habits and self-abuse habits. I can't possibly believe I'm fat or feel fat weighing 100 pounds less than I did the day of surgery but if I don't watch it I'll do think it anyway.

I look at pictures. I remember how that fat girl felt and I do everything I can to NOT be her again. And if that means I eat chicken instead of cake, so be it and if that means I actually have to get off my can and exercise even though I hate it, so be it.

~Cheri

6 1/2 months? Try 4 1/2 years. It's hard to stay motivated. It's easy to gain weight back. I stay motivated because if I don't, the scale starts moving up in a hurry.

I think my method is similar the Cheri's - quitting is not an option. I just know I can never return being that person or living that life again. This wasn't a temporary fix for me to return to that person, though I don't think it started like that for me. I've learned a lot as the pounds have come off. It's a subtle difference I'm describing here between motivation and determination.....because some days I don't fee motivated. Even on the days I don't feel motivated, I do feel grateful for the gift I've been given, and I think that helps support my determination to follow through on what I know I need to do.

Thank you all for your replies :-)

I' ve met my goal about 5 months post op and my surgeons goal at 6 months. From HW 304 SW 271 & CW 168 Normal Bmi. Surgery date 4-30-13

I'm still motivated and determined to KEEP THE WEIGHT OFF! :-)

Congrats to you on making your goal so quickly! I just hit 6 months, not anywhere near my goal yet but am motivated to keep going forward. My Doc is pleased with my weight loss, he doesn't expect his patients to lose most of their weight till at least the year mark. I love the sleeve because I pretty much eat the way I did prior to surgery, I am diabetic so no sugars, white flours, breads, pastas, but I am satisfied with a lot less than I used to eat. My portions now make me laugh remembering what I used to be able to put away.

When I was newly sleeved, I read this on a blog...

"No motivation does not mean I won't do the work. The work needs to be done. I will never rely on motivation. Too risky."