Success Doesn't Last

4mricandy

I can't be the only one that has experienced this - lose the weight by eating proportionally, exercising, and just being committed - only to regain the weight later.
Stories?

chrissyrenee1029

I've definitely been there. In my mid-20s I went from the 170s down to the 140s and gained it all back and then some. About 3 years ago I had a really good run and was probably one good week from getting out of the 200s from the 230s when I basically freaked out because of how my body was changing and quit. Apparently I had gotten comfortable with my fat self and didn't know how to handle a smaller me.

I'm back at it now though and am almost 10 pounds down already just by picking back up with my old (healthy) habits. I don't really have a choice but to stick with it this time for the long haul. My long-term health can't handle all this excess poundage.

crystalbluewolf13

I've been there. I lose 2 stone and was on top of the world....then it all crept back on slowly. My problem is once i've gotten to my goal weight i get lazy and that's when the sneaky calories jump back on my legs and tummy

oedipa_maas

I've been to that rodeo too many times to count. I didn't tend to change things for life, I was always looking at immediate results. I eat too little and that always back fires on me. I had an ED for a long time and the cycle was pretty brutal.

This time I'm trying to change my lifestyle, as successful people say, and not get obsessive or starve myself. It is hard to lose weight, but I'm glad there are a lot of people on MFP have long term success. That inspires me.

TutuMom41

the only way it does is if you loose it living a lifestyle that you can maintain forever.

my2kin04

oh yes, definitely. I think everyone on here can relate to that. This time I am coming up with a game plan though: work out until I lose the weight, then maintain by two classes of zumba ( my work out of choice) a week. I think that should help.

MsJulielicious

If you're doing something sustainable like finding out your tdee and eating at a modest deficit (while learning to make your everyday favorite foods fit), and exercising whatever amount is reasonable and enjoyable for you (while exercise isn't necessary for the weight loss I encourage it), you will lose the weight. Then be able to eat at you tdee and maintain that weight loss.
I yo-yo'd like crazy during my early to mid twenties because I didn't yet understand those concepts.

gelendestrasse

I put 22# (is that one stone?) back on after a death in the family. I'm back to 190 now but struggling to go lower. Dang body is revolting!

UpEarly

I lost and regained many times in my 20's/30's. I would go on a 'diet', lose the weight I wanted, celebrate by returning to my old style of eating, and then regain everything I lost (+ usually a few new pounds).

Back in 2011, I decided I didn't want to be 'fat and 40', so I committed to a lifestyle change. I didn't 'go on a diet'. I made a very small calorie cut (-250 calories a day from my TDEE). I didn't have a list of 'bad' foods. I didn't eat diet cheese or fat-free salad dressing. I continued to eat everything I liked - just portion-controlled and within my calorie limit for the day. Most days, I ate around 2200 calories. I started walking my errands, taking the stairs, and just moving around more.

I lost 66 pounds in about a year and have kept it off ever since (2+ years). I have to be diligent and vigilant, but I basically eat what I want and never feel deprived.

I think 'going on diets' is what sets people up to fail. Going on a diet implies a temporary change. You can't make a temporary change and expect permanent results.

kittenkris

Ha! I do that every year. I loose 30 to 40 pounds over the summer only to gain it back during the school year. I teach first grade. As soon as it gets busy I stop exercising and start eating too much sugar. Hopefully this year will be different and I will continue to work out even after school starts....I have to now. I am 50 and my body can no longer handle it. I don't want diabetes. That is why I am going to still eat what I want, just less of it!

Meerataila

Many times. But if I spend half my adult life fat instead of all of it, might that not be counted as a success of sorts in the end?

Anyway, I won't judge it by that regardless. I'm going to do what makes me happy, just as often as I can. If not being fat ever seems less conducive to happiness than being fat, bring on the cookies! Meanwhile, I count this as a success, whether temporary or permanent.

ittybittybadonkadonk

I can so relate .... I lost 78lbs back in 09/2010 ....then tragic things and life in general got in my way and I gave up to gain it all back and then some ....I was gone from this site from the end of 2010 until Jan 2013... weight seems to be coming off much slower this time around but I am determined more so then ever ....

margannmks

I did my first diet when i was 14. I recall i ate a lot of lemons. Lost 10-15 during summer break and started junior high, keep my weight under control till my pregancy at 22 went from 118 to 165 on my 5'2" frame. Lost most of it by exercising at the spa, as it was called, and diet. Gained about 10lbs a year in my early 30s so at age 35 needed to lose about 30 lbs did so over a two year period again by diet and exercise, actually exercised alot even lifting freeweights which no women did at the gym, i loved the muscle hated cardio but did it cause i thought i had too, got back to 120s. Gained slowly in my 40 s quit smoking gained a little more, would lose maintain ,gain prob 10-12 lbs off and on but never let it get out of hand. Then late 40s hit and hormone hell couldnt lose a pound, tried everything i just kept getting bigger,finally hit 150 and started a bootcamp exercise class ,5 days aweek, it kicked my butt, it took a year and ahalf but ive lost 25 lbs back to 125. Would like to be around 115 but im maintaining and still lifting like crazy and its been two years and im not stopping. I even have all my progress pictures from 3 decades of gain/lose.

F00LofaT00K

Success can only last if we continue to follow all of the changes we've made to lose the weight in the first place. I can see how it can be difficult to stick to an exercise regime that you don't really want to, or if you were following a very restrictive diet and finally cave and eat all the foods you've been missing; however, I wouldn't say the "success" is what doesn't last. I would say it's the person's commitment to their new lifestyle that may not last depending on how drastically they have altered it to lose the weight in the first place.

But you asked for people's experiences and I have yet to even meet my goal yet. This is just what I think based on reading people's threads on here looking for motivation after gaining back the weight.

Kalikel

I like my men with a beer belly, lol. I like big arms around me! So, I never understand why men worry. But I get that you do.

They say that you have to toss out this "All things in moderation" and switch to healthy food - make a lifestyle change - if you really want it to last. It not about controlling portions and exercising, because that's easily undone.

I don't have the secret for you. I don't think there is one. That's what what they say, though.

whitebalance

Been there, done that. This is the first time I've done it systematically, and the first time since college that I've added physical activity to the mix. Been maintaining and getting fitter/stronger/leaner for a year. So far, so good.

melimomTARDIS

I have had 2 "failures". I did atkins in my teens, and gained weight/felt sick/constipated. Started dreaming of bread. LOL, not a good one for a person who prefers a high carb way of eating!

My second failure was on the "body for life" diet. It involved 5 days a week at the gym, lifting weights, eating high protein, and having a cheat day once a week. Well I lost my weight, but after I moved out of my parents house, and got married, moved to a new state... well, those 5 times a week workouts didnt come with me.And as a new wife, I had more time to cook and eat meals.... no more "cup of cottage cheese and call that lunch"... And the pounds I lost came back QUICKLY.

i think this time I will be long term sucessful, because as long as I continue counting my calories, i can continue to eat what I choose. I also moderate my portion size(measuring cups, and eating from small bowls/plates) and take a daily walk (with my dog) for a light enjoyable workout. The weight came off slowly, and my lifestyle has changed quite a bit.

I also am not lying to myself. I DO eat fast food once a week or so. I DO eat frozen and convieniance meals. I dont like to run, or get sweaty and out of breath. I cant lie and pretend my lifestyle is different than what it is, So i had to find food at a fast food resturaunt that didnt go above calories, and I had to find frozen meals/quick meals that met my needs.

kallistei

I lost 30 pounds when I was about 16 and weighed about 220 lbs. I looked a lot healthier and felt pretty good even though according to BMI charts I was still overweight (I'm pretty tall - about 5'10"), then went to college and gained it all back +60 more I've also lost about 10-20 lbs a few times in the past 3 years, but always ended up gaining. I'm back again though and more determined to change my life instead of try to "quick fix" it.

Debssssssssss

If you're doing something sustainable like finding out your tdee and eating at a modest deficit (while learning to make your everyday favorite foods fit), and exercising whatever amount is reasonable and enjoyable for you (while exercise isn't necessary for the weight loss I encourage it), you will lose the weight. Then be able to eat at you tdee and maintain that weight loss.
I yo-yo'd like crazy during my early to mid twenties because I didn't yet understand those concepts.

Yup, this.

parkparksarah

Happened also to me!! Its kinda annoying actually after all that effort just to gain more T___T

darrensurrey

I can't be the only one that has experienced this - lose the weight by eating proportionally, exercising, and just being committed - only to regain the weight later.
Stories?

Presumably you regain because you stop eating right, exercising and being committed ie you go back to your old habits. You have to ditch the old habits permanently. It's about a lifestyle change. Your old lifestyle is making you fat. There's no short cut or easy way. You have to change because you want to. It's hard but it's like changing a lifetime habit. Finding stuff you enjoy for activities will help to keep you "exercising". Try a sport you've always wanted.

kdeaux1959

It can work that way and often does... especially when unsustainable methods were used to get to goal. The best counter I've had was to emphasize fitness... This is a goal that is ongoing...Therefore, I am constantly trying to improve something... Lift a stronger weight, run farther, run faster, get leaner... I never really attain my ultimate goal because I always have something to achieve... Yet, I constantly meet mini goals along the way... in one way it can be frustrating but it keeps us from getting into that cycle of going back to what got us fat to begin with. Ongoing commitment.

hyg99

Second time round for me too. Did this 10 years ago, lost 3 1/2 stone and was at goal. Looking at pictures, (crikey I look so well and happy) I did ok for 3 years then started creeping back on, then about 3 years ago we had 10 months without a kitchen and bad habits really set in, till I reached 8lb more than my highest. I am now closing in on that target again and every thing I've changed feels sustainable, I actually prefer healthy food anyway and really enjoy my exercise classes so I am so hoping this time it will stay off.

3BabyBlues

went from this 205lbs:



To this 156lbs:



Back to here at 235:



Now present 195lbs:



I'll get there again soon.

Cheechos

Long term success for weight loss is...difficult, at best. Simply put, a lot of people fail at it, especially if they are serial dieters and do not change their habits forever. The people who are most successful at keeping their weight down stay aware of what they eat (via counting calories, keeping a general food diary, etc.), set new fitness/maintenance goals for themselves regularly, and monitor the scale pretty much forever. That's why it's really important to listen when people say to choose something that you can live with for the rest of your life. Success doesn't last for a lot of people because they can't stick to something like calorie counting or cutting out carbs forever and ever, and if they start slipping up a lot they're more likely to get discouraged. This can also happen if they get comfortable a year or two after losing the weight and they stop paying attention. Always pay attention, always keep trying, and find a weight management tactic that you think is sustainable for the rest of your life.

Personally, I'm definitely in the camp of people who can't keep weight off forever. I'm trying different things, though, and pushing to find something that I can keep up with and modify to meet my changing needs until the end of time (jeez, that sounds like a tall order).

perseverance14

I plan to stay on top of it, if you just weigh yourself every morning you can see if you start trending up, then nip it in the bud before it goes too far, that is what I plan to do.

bigboar

I plan to stay on top of it, if you just weigh yourself every morning you can see if you start trending up, then nip it in the bud before it goes too far, that is what I plan to do.

I was at 172.2 back in jan 2013 and decided it was time after my doctor telling me I needed to diest as I should be back down around 145-150. I worked at it hard for a few months and got to 153.4. After that I thought all was well and went back to eating junk food and stuff whenever I felt like it. Well, after finally making myself get on a scale last week guess what? I came in at 176.4 which is the highest i have ever been. I have since started back up and this time my goal is to do exactly as you after I reach my goal..

BEVERLYSTEEN

For me it is a constant struggle and after awhile I get tired of it and let myself go again, sad but true. I then stop getting on the scale because I don't want to see how high it is and when I finally do I bing because of the disappointment in myself. Then I keep telling myself that today will be the day I will start again but then I don't. God has heard my prayers and helped me get back on track and I am grateful.

makypud

You are right, the key is moderation if you can keep on your calorie count you set for yourself it will work. Congratualtions

janatarnhem

Time and time again.....followed so many diets in my lifetime so far!
This time has got to be the last though.....I am reading through the forums and seeing what is working for the successful who have made it and are maintaining over time!
No more fad diets or removing all the foods I enjoy in favour of...carrot sticks, or whatever! This has to be healthy eating at a deficit and doing regular exercise, shifting to a new gear when required.

I do not believe this weight off, weight on cycle has to continue...hope you find the answer you need to make this work for you!
Good luck! :happy:

teeya1984

story of my life...

Year lbs

2004 - 176
2005 - 200
2006 - 230
2007 - 190
2008 - 158
2009 - 215
2010 - 200
2011 - 190
2012 - 155
2013 - 175
2014 - 155

My biggest problem with my weight loss is that I celebrate it with FOOD - greasy, disgusting FOOD.