If not at first....

There is no last time for me. That's what made this time successful for me. I lost 200 pounds and thought sure it was done. I re-gained 20. I lost it again. I re-gained it back. People gain and lose. Thinking you will ever be done may not be the truth. For me, I have to just accept this as my lifestyle. It works for me.

This Time the voice says this journey is for life, I am happier than I have EVER been. Failing isn't part of the deal this time, bumps in the road will happen falling and getting back up yes, but failing no

It's amazing when you know, just KNOW, that this time is something different. I knew it the first day, I think. I may have had moments where I doubted myself, may have had bad days, but I've never lost confidence that this is my LAST rodeo.

I'm glad to hear you're in that place, too.

Awesome!

It's different this time because I have finally accepted myself for who I am. I've never been as open and honest about my weight issues until now.

For me, there's no beginning and no end to this process. This is a lifestyle change that will last the rest of my life. If I mess up, so be it, it's not the end of the world. I just keep at it day by day, doing what I can to move things forward.

I've come so far but also have a long way to go. I define success by making the best choices I can for myself daily and by making the best choices I succeed.

Last time for me, too, because there may not be a "next time"...and I really want to live to see grandkids, and great grandkids, and maybe even great-great grandkids.

I think sometimes we think we're ready for the big change in our lives, but not really. Then it's just a cycle until you're really ready. I think subconsciously you were really ready this time around.

Hmm. I think I agree most with David H.

This time, I also know it's the right time. My two earlier pregnancies made me lose weight as well, but I always gained it again very fast, despite my resolve to say no.

I lost 17 kilo before my wedding, but once my goal was over, I slowly slowly regained them, and then some.

This time? I don't know why, I can't say. I don't have a specific goal to work to, like my wedding or like you and that beautiful gown. I just know. The pregnancy means a hiatus, but not an end. I will lose more, and stay that way. I just know. I think it has to do with maturity: accepting yourself for who you are, and that you're fantastic no matter how. And then the eating is just not that important anymore. Dunno.

Oh, and the tons of compliments I got this weekend, just made my resolve stronger. I went on LARP weekend, and these people hadn't seen me since early March, 15 kilo ago. Even the most bluntest and blindest of guys complimented me: "Where is the other half? God, you look good!"

Not gonna gain that weight, not me. Not with your help :-p

For me, I never really think/know that "this" time will be the last. I know it's going to be a lifelong effort. (Notice I didn't say "challenge". I think with dropping 50+lbs I've already gone through the challenge. Now it's just doing what I know is right.

and p.s., You really ARE kevin bacon famous what with JackSh*t commenting here!

You look fabulous!

This time won't be the last, the past has proven that to me time and again. I've recently discovered that I'm an emotional eater, and I'm trying to learn how to get away from that. I've been trying to loose the same ten pounds (to start with) for the past year an da half. I blog about it, but more or less I feel like a joke. I can't quite seem to figure out how not to be this way, how to cope in other ways, and how to finally get control. I'm glad I found your blog today. This post snagged me and I'll be hanging out here...gawking mostly. ;)

Hi Heather- I, too, am an emotional eater. I may help you to go to a counselor/therapist to have someone to talk to. He/She can help you talk through problems, and help you come up with things to do when you feel like you need to eat those emotions. I went to a therapist when i was younger, and i am just now starting to do a few of those things i was told to do when i feel the emotionally eating coming on (blogging, journaling, walking, singing, playing music, starting a new hobby).

This is my last time, too. I started out differently this time, with the intention of being the tortoise rather than the hare. And somewhere along the way, realized I'd experienced the paradigm shift from 'means to an end' to 'permanent lifestyle change'. It's relieving. I'm so much easier on myself for making mistakes along the way.

I have been signing up for endurance events (5k, half marathon, full marathon, etc) that will force me to continue training and being healthy.

Also, all I have to do is look into my son's eyes and know that I want to be here for him for as long as I possible can.

The battle never stops unless we accept and love who we are right now. It seems ironic to most people who're trying to lose weight, but you have to love the fat you before the thin you will dare to show herself. Easier said than done, but so worth the effort.