I agree with the quote "If you believe it, you can achieve it." My problem has been that presurgery, for about a decade, I simply no longer believed I could lose weight and keep it off. It seemed hopeless. So hopeless in fact that I couldn't even bother to start trying because I knew my progress would not last. Once I decided on having the surgery, I finally believed. I believe enough that I am disposing of all clothes that no longer fit me. I had never done this before in my life. I would just hold on to my clothes for when I was sure to need them again. I only ever disposed of clothes that were too small. So now, I'm in a bit of a predicament. I'm finding my new found belief is dwindling because so many people in my program's support group I attend have gained so much of their weight back. I am continually inspired by wls posts I see on instagram and they make me see it is indeed possible with the most incredible transformations. I check these posts daily to keep my belief strong. Would you suggest I stop going to my program's support group? Or do you think the knowledge and accountability from attending outweighs the squashing of my belief?

Keep in mind that each persons journey is different. I wouldnt stop support group meetings, but if you feel they are not helpful or they are bringing you down, maybe you can find another local support group that you can attend. Knowledge is power.. Sometimes the knowledge at support groups is repetative because folks are in different stages. You need to find the right fit for you and draw off of it as much as possible. Once something becomes a thorn in your side.. time to move on. Only you can make that decision.

You can also think about how their situations teach you that you can't take this success for granted. Once the honeymoon is over (and for some unlucky folks, that's pretty darned quick), the rest is hard work. We need to remain vigilant or the pounds will sneak back in with our old bad habits. Keep in mind, a 10-20% "bounce back" is considered perfectly normal and isn't considered a failure since the people are still so much smaller than they were.

I am not going to practice things until I get them right, I will practice until I no longer can get things wrong. And if things don't work out, I will yell "Plot Twist. and move on.And maybe that will make my New Year happier!