Boy you are right on the key subject that is starting to weigh on me (pun intended). I almost feel relieved that I still have weight to lose, it makes the path forward clear. But, I am hopeful I'll hit my goal in this challenge and I'm worried about maintenance. I've lost weight on previous occasions and gained it all back and then some. This time has been different, I've lost double the amount in previous attempts and I'm determined to not throw it away this time. I'm also digging having jeans that fit! My guess is that those of us who have been overweight got there because of our propensity to overeat. Assuming that basic fact is still true (of course it is), then maintenance will feel similar to a loss program in terms of attention to calories and the scale. I am working on my expectations. Maintenance is forever (or until I choose to be fat again). I need to always be self-conscious about calories and cool-it on portions and snack binges. I also should expect some failure and the need to get back on the weight-loss wagon from time to time. A five-pound weight loss sprint is easier than a 25-pound weight loss endurance race--right? My mother-in-law is in her eighties and is still in Weight Watchers!! She is thin and in good health. Lesson learned.

I'm nervous about the maintenance phase too but for me I have a ways to go to get there. I think you have to do what feels best to you. Honestly, I'm looking forward to being a healthy middle of the normal weight range so personally I would go with the buffer, but if you feel happy with where you are now, shift into maintenance mode.

As one Weight Watcher leader told me, it's a lifestyle change. So you have to keep at it until eating healthy is just a part of your life.

I know I've posted on this before, but I think you should really consider getting into a heavy lifting program like New Rules of Lifting for Women or Stronglifts. I'm doing it now and it's OK to maintain muscle while eating at a deficit, but the gains you can make while eating at maintenance (or even a little higher) are amazing. Take a look at this thread and make sure you enable the images.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/977538-halp-heavy-lifting-made-me-supah-bulky

+1.. mainly because you said...

I am still loving the feeling of walking into shops and picking up clothes in what seems like crazy small sizes and they fit!

I think that body recomp is more of what you are aiming to acheive. I think losing inches instead of pounds is what will make you feel accomplished in the long run. If need be, still try to have a small deficit to keep you on track with your food choices, but I would try to keep it close to maintenance.