Also posted in veteran's forum

Through trial & error, I have hit a point where maintenance just feels normal. My eating habits are so ingrained that I'd actually have to TRY to regain. NEVER thought I'd say THAT!

My sleeve was 1/23/12 and I was 275. Within 9 months I was at goal, had tt/panni 10/2013. Maintenance was a very thin tight-rope. I was following the plan, high Protein, low fat, almost no carbs. It worked but 1 tiny splurge and I'd be up a pound or so. I hovered around 120-125. Which is great, but it was taking so much vigilance.

About a year ago, I noticed that when I ate my favorite ribs from a local BBQ place, my weight dropped. Calories didn't seem to matter??

After noticing this pattern for a bit, I began experimenting with other fatty foods. Olive oil, butter, real cheese, eggs, Mayonnaise, avocados, burgers (sans bun) When I eat these foods, I get full quickly and have no hunger for HOURS! Fat at Breakfast is important for me as then I naturally eat less throughout the day.

I eat whatever I want, stop at the 1st sign of full, only eat when PHYSICALLY hungry. I splurge once a month or so (really, that's all I desire as I am very satisfied with my eating) When I DO splurge on pizza, bagel, dessert, etc... I THOROUGHLY enjoy the F#*K out of it!

Now, I eat what I want, enjoy what I eat, no cravings, no weighing or measuring, no counting calories & no stress maintenance. My desires to binge eat have been gone for a long time. Surprisingly my cholesterol is NORMAL, I feel great and my weight hovers between 116-117. Now I (FINALLY) can eat to live not live to eat!

I'm very happy that I've found what works for me, I would love to understand WHY?

Congrats! That is fantastic and inspiring. I don't know that I can help you explain why. But my philosophy is that once we're obese, we're always gonna be "recovering obese". Why? Cuz we've got all those hungry hungry fat cells and internal hormones and thoughts and even guts that want to get us back to obesity.

I think maintenance is something unique to each of us according to the amount of brokeness?? But you're basically keto which is a great way to maintain. And you have a carb up day/meal. NBD. Keeps you healthy. Glad you can enjoy fats!!

Great post. I can only hope to have the long term success and happiness that you are experiencing. Thank you for the insperation.

1 hour ago, Danny Paul said:

Great post. I can only hope to have the long term success and happiness that you are experiencing. Thank you for the insperation.

Thank you! I just kept paying attention to my body, my weight, how I felt, Dr. check-ups, etc...

It sounds like mostly hard work and retraining habits, with a little bit of of a hormonal/chemical "re-set". Whatever it is, you have done a frickin' FANTASTIC job and I am inspired by your progress!

Congratulations! I cannot wait to reach my goal weight. I am in the beginning stages, but i am hoping to be close to it by the time our family reunion comes around in june.

Congratulations to you.

However individual success is achieved, it is inspiring to read that someone out there is doing it!

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@FluffyChix Looks like you've had much success, too!!