Success Doesn't Last

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.