The Maintenance Appreciation Thread
RunsWithBees
Posts: 1,508 Member
I think it’s high time to high-five, fistbump, hug, give some recognition to, wink at, show some love to, appreciate and congratulate the ones who have managed not only to reach their goal weight but even more impressively, managed to maintain their goal weight!!! 
Maintenance is not as easy as pie! Maintenance ain’t no walk in the park! Maintenance ain’t no picnic! Maintenance is not a piece of cake!
Well sometimes it does involve these things, but the point is: it’s not easy! It’s hard! It’s difficult! The struggle is real! 
And then on top of that we maintainers don’t get the added boost of basking in the glory of anyone noticing how hard it is to stay (within a range of) a given goal weight. No “congrats, you’ve stayed the same!” No “wow, your weight hasn’t deviated significantly in the direction you don’t want it to!” No “awesome, you still fit in your clothes!” No “amazing +/- !!!” 
There are no “maintenance challenges” to join because there’s no excitement in that since it would be slower than watching snails race, in the summer, when they aren’t even moving (let’s face it, maintenance is not exciting at all)
MFP doesn’t give us auto-generated posts when we enter the same weight every week at our weigh-ins. Could we get an enthusiastic autopost saying “(mfp username) has maintained +/- their goal weight for ...... days!” That would be nice once in awhile.
Since we get no recognition for maintaining, this thread is for us to reach out and spread the love to our under-appreciated, unsung heroes, who most of us MFPers are ultimately striving to be... the maintainers for working so hard just to stay the same!
Maintenance is not as easy as pie! Maintenance ain’t no walk in the park! Maintenance ain’t no picnic! Maintenance is not a piece of cake!
Well sometimes it does involve these things, but the point is: it’s not easy! It’s hard! It’s difficult! The struggle is real! And then on top of that we maintainers don’t get the added boost of basking in the glory of anyone noticing how hard it is to stay (within a range of) a given goal weight. No “congrats, you’ve stayed the same!” No “wow, your weight hasn’t deviated significantly in the direction you don’t want it to!” No “awesome, you still fit in your clothes!” No “amazing +/- !!!” There are no “maintenance challenges” to join because there’s no excitement in that since it would be slower than watching snails race, in the summer, when they aren’t even moving (let’s face it, maintenance is not exciting at all)
MFP doesn’t give us auto-generated posts when we enter the same weight every week at our weigh-ins. Could we get an enthusiastic autopost saying “(mfp username) has maintained +/- their goal weight for ...... days!” That would be nice once in awhile.
Since we get no recognition for maintaining, this thread is for us to reach out and spread the love to our under-appreciated, unsung heroes, who most of us MFPers are ultimately striving to be... the maintainers for working so hard just to stay the same!
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Replies
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Congrats to all the maintainers for getting there! And staying there! And continuing to stay there! Just keep doing what you’re doing, you rock!!! 11
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*disclaimer: occasionally we do get some recognition, for example my doctor is always very impressed that I’ve kept my excess weight off for the past 5 years and my partner always has nice things to say at my weekly weigh-in when I’ve stayed the same 20
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Great post! People don’t necessarily say the things as you mentioned, but I see a certain look on their face, especially when I haven’t seen them for awhile, and often get “you look great!” accolades. I know what they’re thinking and it’s fine with me! I think people are surprised I’ve maintained for 2 years and look better than I did 1-2 yrs ago. It’s also interesting to run into people I used to work out with, and I look better but they’ve perhaps gained 10-20 lbs.13
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Awesome post!
I was going through my fall and winter clothes this weekend and thought to myself how awesome it is to be able to fit into the same clothes from last year (although some things are a little more roomy). I was so used to the opposite happening.
In my offline life people either have only known me only after weight loss and others are so used to seeing me the way I look now and they forget how heavy I used to be.
Even my own hubby saw some old pics of me and forgot. lol He said he didn't see all that weight on me back then. It is nice to hear him say things how he admires my dedication. For example me getting up early to get a workout in everyday or working out while we are on vacation.
My doctor is so proud of me how I changed my life around with no gimmicks etc. and most importantly have kept it off.
On the flip side of things there are some others that might not say it, but I know they are shocked that I've lost so much and kept it off and a small number haven't said a word.
So many different experiences I've had, but one thing I learned is that I need to be my own cheerleader.
After trying on those clothes this weekend I gave a pat on my own back and said Rainbow, you are doing so amazing and I'm proud of you. Keep it up! And I treated myself to some new neon pink running shoes.
Keep up the great work maintainers! 41 -
Yes! I had pointed out in my thread yesterday that I LITERALLY do not know one single person in real life that is going through this. I don’t have one friend, family member or co-worker that has lost 100#. My entire network of people are thin, normal, or slightly chubby - not one is obese. They all watched me lose the weight back in 2012 and gain it all back, so I think they’re even afraid to even engage.
Y’all are my life line. My only source of experienced losers (I mean that with love). The wise ones.41 -
Thanks! It does take some getting used to the drop off in positive feedback. It really helped a lot when people told me they noticed. Now all that is left is success that no one else notices or failure that everyone notices. I know this is supposed to be positive, but I think I might smack the next person who tells me some variant of "I bet you're glad to be done with that"19
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CarvedTones wrote: »Thanks! It does take some getting used to the drop off in positive feedback. It really helped a lot when people told me they noticed. Now all that is left is success that no one else notices or failure that everyone notices. I know this is supposed to be positive, but I think I might smack the next person who tells me some variant of "I bet you're glad to be done with that"
I think that short of returning to prehistoric hunter-gatherer days, I’ll always have to watch my weight Most people will think there’s not much to maintaining but it’s a constant battle that I’m already committed to continue fighting.
I recognize the enormous effort you are putting into maintaining and you’re awesome to have made it this far! 9 -
Yes! I had pointed out in my thread yesterday that I LITERALLY do not know one single person in real life that is going through this. I don’t have one friend, family member or co-worker that has lost 100#. My entire network of people are thin, normal, or slightly chubby - not one is obese. They all watched me lose the weight back in 2012 and gain it all back, so I think they’re even afraid to even engage.
Y’all are my life line. My only source of experienced losers (I mean that with love). The wise ones.
I think even though we are fully committed to take on the challenges of maintenance on our own, it’s always good to know there are others that understand the struggles first hand a little extra support is always nice! You are doing fantastic! Keep on fighting the good fight! 4 -
Great post! People don’t necessarily say the things as you mentioned, but I see a certain look on their face, especially when I haven’t seen them for awhile, and often get “you look great!” accolades. I know what they’re thinking and it’s fine with me! I think people are surprised I’ve maintained for 2 years and look better than I did 1-2 yrs ago. It’s also interesting to run into people I used to work out with, and I look better but they’ve perhaps gained 10-20 lbs.
I like how sometimes you can indeed tell that they are impressed with the fact that you’ve maintained for X amount of time simply by the look on their faces, but they just don’t know what to say
I suppose the fact that a such large percentage of people return to their starting weight makes them assume that you will eventually revert. It’s a reasonable assumption due to the statistics, but I have decided that I will definitely be in the minority and defy the odds!
You have a spectacularly inspiring profile pic! And your hard work is paying off every day that you maintain, amazing dedication! 3 -
rainbow198 wrote: »Awesome post!
I was going through my fall and winter clothes this weekend and thought to myself how awesome it is to be able to fit into the same clothes from last year (although some things are a little more roomy). I was so used to the opposite happening.
In my offline life people either have only known me only after weight loss and others are so used to seeing me the way I look now and they forget how heavy I used to be.
Even my own hubby saw some old pics of me and forgot. lol He said he didn't see all that weight on me back then. It is nice to hear him say things how he admires my dedication. For example me getting up early to get a workout in everyday or working out while we are on vacation.
My doctor is so proud of me how I changed my life around with no gimmicks etc. and most importantly have kept it off.
On the flip side of things there are some others that might not say it, but I know they are shocked that I've lost so much and kept it off and a small number haven't said a word.
So many different experiences I've had, but one thing I learned is that I need to be my own cheerleader.
After trying on those clothes this weekend I gave a pat on my own back and said Rainbow, you are doing so amazing and I'm proud of you. Keep it up! And I treated myself to some new neon pink running shoes.
Keep up the great work maintainers!
You are right about the clothes! It’s a wonderful feeling knowing you can still fit into the goal weight outfits! I use certain clothes to keep tabs on my maintenance too, for example if things start to fit snug then I know I gotta dust off the old food scale and watch the portions a little closer.
It isn’t always easy, there are many ups and downs but you seem like you are doing a great job on your maintenance motivation! I’m cheering you on as well!
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This is a great post. I could never have imagined how difficult maintenance would be when I lost weight. Or that losing weight would change my relationship with food forever.
It’s so important to recognise the positives when there isn’t the tangible success of seeing the numbers on the scale drop any more. For me it’s seeing how much fitter I am and how exercise is integral to my life now. And recognising how nice it is to wake up and think “what do I want to wear today?” Rather than “what can I wear that will fit ok/ hide the fat”!22 -
Great post
I now get told that I don't look as good because I'm too slim! I hate when that happens because in my opinion I've never felt or looked better! - only recently my brother in law who I only see a few times a year told me I looked better when I was curvier! that really pee'd me off
- I've been at maintenance for 5 years for goodness sake! plenty of time for people to get used to the improved me! It takes quite a bit of hard work and effort to maintain my weight, almost as much work as it did when losing but totally worth it 15 -
I'd be down for an auto generated "Hannah maintained her +/- goal weight for x number of days" post on my MFP feed! I'm really proud of myself for being able to maintain my weight for the last year and some change, especially since the likelihood of gaining all of your weight back after losing is so high. It IS hard because without having a goal to work towards (the number on the scale) it's so easy to just let all your good habits slip.15
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Seriously, it feels like no one but me (and my SO, because he hears about it all the time) understands how hard it is to maintain.I'd be down for an auto generated "Hannah maintained her +/- goal weight for x number of days" post on my MFP feed! I'm really proud of myself for being able to maintain my weight for the last year and some change, especially since the likelihood of gaining all of your weight back after losing is so high. It IS hard because without having a goal to work towards (the number on the scale) it's so easy to just let all your good habits slip.
Get yourself a goal that isn't related to weight Do you want to run a 5k, lift a certain weight, bike a certain distance...?
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Bumping this because we are now around a week into October, with Halloween and Thanksgiving coming up for some (kind of glad neither of those are really an issue here in the UK!) and Christmas not so far away.
So maybe let’s celebrate maintaining through the switch from summer to autumn and focus on keeping it up in the weeks to come.7 -
Hooray for the maintainers!!! 2
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I wish a thread like this was around 3 years ago. I joined MFP almost 4 years ago, tipping the scales at 187 (I'm 5'7"). My doc said I was this close to obese and recommended MFP. Yay, I lost the weight. At 130, I called maintenance, but kept losing! I know now that I was not alone in that, but it would have been nice to know it then. I continued to lose until I reached 114. Long story short, I have come to grips with maintaining. I keep my weight between 114-117. Yes, it is a tad low for my height, but my doc is ok with it. I consider 115 to be my "me" weight.
I just turned 60. I love to run and walk and do other exercises. Winter will find me on my elliptical.
Thanks, @monkeefan1974 for this thread!
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I just celebrated my 5 year maintenance anniversary yesterday (and 44th birthday as well). That is all. 30
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I have found that I need to have a fitness related goal. This helps push me to do my workouts on days when motivation is out doing something else. It also keeps me fit doing something I enjoy. Maintaining is challenging, but if I have good habits in place, I just need to refocus, pay more attention to the food scale, and remind myself that I am "in training" for something.9
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monkeefan1974 wrote: »I just celebrated my 5 year maintenance anniversary yesterday (and 44th birthday as well). That is all.
Holly 💩; you're awesome! Not only a five year maintainer but you've managed to post emojis on the MFP Forums!!!
Congratulations on the five years and on your birthday!
I'd love to be like you when I grow up...
oh wait a second, I'm older... but a good couple of years short of your maintenance mark!!!😉8 -
Four years here and had to smile at this post. Loved the comments about being able to fit into the same clothes, year after year, instead of finding them too tight or having to buy larger sizes. I so relate to that. For me, maintenance has not been all that difficult ... it's just the same as losing but with more calories. It's a lifestyle change, for sure, and good habits replaced bad ones. Congrats to all of us!!!14
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Really inspiring stories here people - thank you! I have been maintaining for just over three months now - for the first time in my life, I am not on my way up or down and it feels amazing. Still takes so much work though so well done everyone x x7
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Also there should totally be a maintenance ticker!!!10
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I love this post! Maintenance is definitely something to be proud of.
I started losing in 2007 and hit my all-time lowest weight in 2015 (down about 140 from my heaviest). I have put on 16 lb since then. I do go up and down. Sometimes I feel like I've failed because I have not stayed at that magical lowest. But maintaining 120+ weight loss at ALL times for the past four years makes me feel very proud. In the past 2 months I've gone back down 3-5 lb and feel inordinately psyched yet again!
When I was losing, a lot of people commented on how slowly it was happening. MOST people in my life truly didn't even notice until I'd been working hard for years and lost about 80 lb. I know quite a few people who have quickly lost over 100 and put it back on just as quickly. I want to be the odd one out who keeps it off. So far, so good!
One of my favorite compliments is a friend saying "It seems like you have been skinny forever, I can barely remember that!" on seeing an old photo of me at size 26. It's not that I am skinny (still definitely a little overweight and curvy, and happy with it)...but I know what she meant, and it made me feel awesome.24 -
seltzermint555 wrote: »I love this post! Maintenance is definitely something to be proud of.
I started losing in 2007 and hit my all-time lowest weight in 2015 (down about 140 from my heaviest). I have put on 16 lb since then. I do go up and down. Sometimes I feel like I've failed because I have not stayed at that magical lowest. But maintaining 120+ weight loss at ALL times for the past four years makes me feel very proud. In the past 2 months I've gone back down 3-5 lb and feel inordinately psyched yet again!
When I was losing, a lot of people commented on how slowly it was happening. MOST people in my life truly didn't even notice until I'd been working hard for years and lost about 80 lb. I know quite a few people who have quickly lost over 100 and put it back on just as quickly. I want to be the odd one out who keeps it off. So far, so good!
One of my favorite compliments is a friend saying "It seems like you have been skinny forever, I can barely remember that!" on seeing an old photo of me at size 26. It's not that I am skinny (still definitely a little overweight and curvy, and happy with it)...but I know what she meant, and it made me feel awesome.
What a great compliment! Congrats on maintaining for 4 years, that’s an amazing accomplishment indeed! I know when looking back at some of my old photos people will say that they don’t remember me being obese/overweight but I sure remember! 3 -
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seltzermint555 wrote: »One of my favorite compliments is a friend saying "It seems like you have been skinny forever, I can barely remember that!" on seeing an old photo of me at size 26. It's not that I am skinny (still definitely a little overweight and curvy, and happy with it)...but I know what she meant, and it made me feel awesome.
I only started paddling SUP after losing the weight and have made friends in paddling groups who only know me as a fit guy. I have gotten a few "you're so lucky" or "you wouldn't understand" comments from heavier people. Sometimes I tell them and sometimes I let it slide when I feel like all they would hear is "you're wrong; it can be done if you are dedicated". The dark side of it is sometimes I hear some comments about overweight people from other fit people that are pretty derogatory.10 -
CarvedTones wrote: »seltzermint555 wrote: »One of my favorite compliments is a friend saying "It seems like you have been skinny forever, I can barely remember that!" on seeing an old photo of me at size 26. It's not that I am skinny (still definitely a little overweight and curvy, and happy with it)...but I know what she meant, and it made me feel awesome.
I only started paddling SUP after losing the weight and have made friends in paddling groups who only know me as a fit guy. I have gotten a few "you're so lucky" or "you wouldn't understand" comments from heavier people. Sometimes I tell them and sometimes I let it slide when I feel like all they would hear is "you're wrong; it can be done if you are dedicated". The dark side of it is sometimes I hear some comments about overweight people from other fit people that are pretty derogatory.
I know what you mean. I work with people who have only known me when I was about 20 lb heavier than I am now. So if I ever mention weight loss/healthy eating in conversation, they're thinking that I mean the difference between being like 2 sizes larger versus now. They think I was a little plump and now less so...they don't know I was morbidly obese for many years and know a lot more about "the struggle" than they think I do. For reference my "before" pic on my avatar was well below my heaviest, so I was massive. It can be a little weird at times. I usually don't go into more detail though.
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seltzermint555 wrote: »CarvedTones wrote: »seltzermint555 wrote: »One of my favorite compliments is a friend saying "It seems like you have been skinny forever, I can barely remember that!" on seeing an old photo of me at size 26. It's not that I am skinny (still definitely a little overweight and curvy, and happy with it)...but I know what she meant, and it made me feel awesome.
I only started paddling SUP after losing the weight and have made friends in paddling groups who only know me as a fit guy. I have gotten a few "you're so lucky" or "you wouldn't understand" comments from heavier people. Sometimes I tell them and sometimes I let it slide when I feel like all they would hear is "you're wrong; it can be done if you are dedicated". The dark side of it is sometimes I hear some comments about overweight people from other fit people that are pretty derogatory.
I know what you mean. I work with people who have only known me when I was about 20 lb heavier than I am now. So if I ever mention weight loss/healthy eating in conversation, they're thinking that I mean the difference between being like 2 sizes larger versus now. They think I was a little plump and now less so...they don't know I was morbidly obese for many years and know a lot more about "the struggle" than they think I do. For reference my "before" pic on my avatar was well below my heaviest, so I was massive. It can be a little weird at times. I usually don't go into more detail though.
If anyone makes any kind of remarks regarding my weight or eating habits, I love to whip out the before pics and show them how obese I used to be. They’ve usually found it quite inspiring that I was able to get down to a healthy weight in middle age. When they ask me what “diet” I followed and I say “no diet, I just counted calories” they are quite surprised but soon lose interest because calorie counting just isn’t very exciting 14 -
Yeppers!
Congrats to all us maintainers..... I was slim all my life until I got a chronic autoimmune disease in 2010 and consequently gained 35ish lbs. My weight loss journey started mid November 5 years ago and I reached my goal weight the following March 5th (2014.). I'm about to turn 55, so no middle age excuses cut it with me :cheer:8
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