Can I lose weight the 2nd time around????

Not at all!!
It is possible to lose weight. Celebrities go on fad diets (many, not most) and this is why they fail!
If you strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle with wholesome foods and the proper blend of cardio/strength training, you will see your body look its best!! Do not be discouraged EVER! And know that you can do it :flowerforyou:

It is possible, MFP can help. You can eat normal foods and lose weight and keep it off. Its all about portion control, really measuring and weighing your food, and making better choices. Eliminating or reducing your processed food intake will help.

Good luck to you

You know the answer for that, or you wouldn't be here. There are plenty of examples of people who haven't succeeded at first, but did eventually lose. It almost sounds like you're already setting yourself up w/an excuse. Unless you have a medical condition that prevents you from losing (this is VERY rare BTW), which can be ruled out w/a visit to a doctor, you CAN get healthy. It's YOUR choice, it's YOUR food decisions, it's YOUR exercise decisions, it's YOUR health decisions....so no excuses. Read the short article at the link below to see what I'm talking about. I'm guessing your friend is overweight & has given up & that's HER excuse...that no one can do it a 2nd time around...and if you succeed, then she'll have to admit she's wrong & actually DO something...but then she'll probably just come up w/another excuse. I'd suggest avoiding your friend's company if she's going to be discouraging you, & find positive encouraging friends.

http://weightloss-forlife.com/ezine-11214_422.html

For me, when I regained my weight -- I tried to lose it again on the same diet plan that worked so well for me. However, It didn't work the second time around. I was told by the diet forum expert..that the second time doesn't work as well as the first attempt. But if I were to stick with it ..it would take longer..but would work. I was so burned out on the dietary restrictions of that diet..i just couldn't do it. In fact.. I think because I deprived myself so much.. i ate like crazy and gained so much more back.

That is when I decided I'd much rather come here..learn how to eat all the foods I like within my calories so I can live my friggin life. It is taking longer. ..but I think it will be worth it in the end. As these other fine people tell you; this way is slower..but you make real changes that will keep it off for good. AND.. you get to eat what you want. I love that.

yep it is doable, I lost 125lb with gastric bypass 9 years ago with a 90lb regain, It is very slow this time, but averaging a 1lb a week, that would be 52lb a year. That is perfectly fine with me, I am losing and learning to live this way this time, no more regain for this chick:)