Anyone mantained for over 5 years?

PaleoRainy · 08-06-2009, 01:14 PM

Sorry if it's a silly question, I was reading an article a few days ago that said anyone who lost weight with a diet can mantain it from zero to 5 years, but it's due to come back. Worrysome and I'm not at all sure it's true, it is like saying if you "were fat you can be slim for a while, but you'll always be fat in the end". I don't think it's true.
So is there anyone here who mantained for over 5 years? Just to make sure that article is WRONG!!

Ailuros · 08-06-2009, 01:19 PM

I'm coming up to six years in a couple of months, and I'm sure there are others around who've maintained for longer.

PaleoRainy · 08-06-2009, 01:48 PM

Yay!! See that article is wrong!!
Thanks, really wanted a pat in the back!

Ailuros · 08-06-2009, 01:52 PM

Have you seen Barry Groves's site? he and his wife have maintained their LC weight loss for about 40 years.

andipand · 08-06-2009, 07:39 PM

and also the actor John Schneider. He used to be over 300 lbs before the Dukes of Hazzard. In the early 70s he did low carb and from what I can see he has sure kept it off.

JuliaL · 08-07-2009, 06:40 AM

I reached my goal in November 2003 and have maintained within 5 lbs. of that ever since - almost 6 years!

I think the main reason people don't maintain their loss is that they never learn to refocus their goals from weight loss to other things. When I reached my goal weight of 140 lbs. (from 190 lbs.), I didn't know what to do, so I adjusted my goal to 135. I was able to get down to 136 for about 15 minutes

, but I realized that to maintain a weight that low I would have to be very restrictive. I knew I would not be able to sustain such restriction over a long period of time without feeling deprived.

The answer for me was to change my focus from the number on the scale to fitness. I set exercise goals instead of weight loss goals. I watched my measurements and my clothing size rather than the scale. I still weigh myself at least once per week, and I still use my food journal at least 3-4 days per week.

I've decided that 140-145 is my 'happy weight', and as long as I don't get above that I'm ok. If I do creep above 145, I cut back on carbs and/or cut out alcohol for a while.

Exercise has also been a key factor in my maintenance. I've made exercise a daily part of my routine, like brushing my teeth or taking a shower. It simply must be done. Regular exercise allows me to eat enough calories and carbs so that I don't feel deprived, and I can still maintain my weight. At 140-145 lbs. I wear a size 6 or an 8, depending on the brand, and I can live with that.

Just because there are statistics doesn't mean you have to become one. You can do it too!

sugarless4life · 08-08-2009, 07:15 PM

Will be 7 years in December.

Downright amazing when I think back to January 2002 and I told myself "I'll give this 2 weeks...."

Betty

jeaniem · 08-08-2009, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Just because there are statistics doesn't mean you have to become one. You can do it too!

Thanks Julia! That is so inspiring I often think about putting in all the effort to lose weight if the statistics are so poor for maintaining. I think you're right about finding new goals as well I am already finding I need to do different types and intensities of exercise to stay motivated. Jeanie

mcarr36 · 08-09-2009, 08:30 AM

May was 7 years for me. As long as I keep my carbs low it is easy for me to maintain. I exercise a couple of times a week. For me the low carbing is what keeps my weight down. The exercise just makes me feel good.

totallyme · 08-09-2009, 09:31 AM

6 years for me

Loretta V · 08-09-2009, 02:22 PM

Passing my 8 yr mark and heading on to 9 yrs in Dec., of maintaining within a 2 to 4 pound range for the most part.

vee716 · 08-10-2009, 03:53 PM

I will hit 5 years in about 3 weeks! Provided I don't regain 140 lbs in the next 3 weeks, I'm another example!

Charski · 08-11-2009, 08:48 AM

I lost my weight (most of it on WW) and have been maintaining since 2001 - been doing Atkins for a little more than 6 years now. Still maintaining and STILL HAPPY with my WOL!

Fitterly · 08-11-2009, 11:34 AM

I have maintained since 2001 so that would be 8 years. I did have a 6 month period of time where I gained about 15 pounds back, but then I lost it plus more. I always work at trying to lose another 3-4 pounds but I was just at the doctor yesterday and we flipped through my charts and I've been the same weight (1-2 pound difference) since I started seeing him in 2002. To maintain my weight I do low-ish carb and exercise.

ItsMyJourney · 08-11-2009, 11:40 PM

Darn--I read a scientific study a few weeks ago and I didn't save it. But the gist of it was that the statistic that is commonly thrown around (that 95 percent regain all or even more than they lost) is NOT based on good science. It came from one study done a long time ago with 100 people. It has just been repeated so many times that it is now taken as gospel that people have to gain their weight back.

I have maintained a 100 pound weight loss for several years. (I still have more to go unfortunately--but I have been able to maintain what I lost.)

fischdeb1 · 08-13-2009, 07:28 PM

You are all such an inspiration to me! It's only been 1 year for me, which is the longest time I've ever been able to maintain weight loss. You give me confidence, that yes, I will keep this weight off for ever!
Deb

jeaniem · 08-13-2009, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ItsMyJourney

Darn--I read a scientific study a few weeks ago and I didn't save it. But the gist of it was that the statistic that is commonly thrown around (that 95 percent regain all or even more than they lost) is NOT based on good science. It came from one study done a long time ago with 100 people. It has just been repeated so many times that it is now taken as gospel that people have to gain their weight back.

I have maintained a 100 pound weight loss for several years. (I still have more to go unfortunately--but I have been able to maintain what I lost.)

Thank you for posting this! It gives me hope and more confidence that I will be able to maintain the loss once I get there.

LoveMontana · 09-01-2009, 04:16 PM

Yes, It's been a good many years.

See my stats.

08-06-2009, 01:14 PM	#1
PaleoRainy Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: it matters more where we go Posts: 272 Gallery: PaleoRainy Stats: Goal reached (33 lbs) - New goal: 182/175/165 WOE: Paleo Diet Start Date: First 24/09/08 - Restart to second goal 24/08/09	Anyone mantained for over 5 years? Sorry if it's a silly question, I was reading an article a few days ago that said anyone who lost weight with a diet can mantain it from zero to 5 years, but it's due to come back. Worrysome and I'm not at all sure it's true, it is like saying if you "were fat you can be slim for a while, but you'll always be fat in the end". I don't think it's true. So is there anyone here who mantained for over 5 years? Just to make sure that article is WRONG!! __________________ Please don't mind the typos, I type too fast and am not a native speaker. From *Vegetarian* to Velociraptor. http://paleorainy.blogspot.com/ Paleo diet YES to: meat, fish, seeds, fruit and vegs NO to: dairy, grains, starchy vegs, processed foods and all kinds of sweeteners (artificial and so-called natural).

08-06-2009, 07:39 PM	#5
andipand Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: UA Posts: 320 Gallery: andipand Stats: 284/265/105 - 2009 version WOE: Low Carb Start Date: 07/28/2009	John Schneider and also the actor John Schneider. He used to be over 300 lbs before the Dukes of Hazzard. In the early 70s he did low carb and from what I can see he has sure kept it off.

08-07-2009, 06:40 AM	#6
JuliaL Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 18,014 Gallery: JuliaL Stats: 190/143/140 16/6/6, height 5'8", age 49 WOE: Atkins/BFFM Start Date: 4/22/03	I reached my goal in November 2003 and have maintained within 5 lbs. of that ever since - almost 6 years! I think the main reason people don't maintain their loss is that they never learn to refocus their goals from weight loss to other things. When I reached my goal weight of 140 lbs. (from 190 lbs.), I didn't know what to do, so I adjusted my goal to 135. I was able to get down to 136 for about 15 minutes, but I realized that to maintain a weight that low I would have to be very restrictive. I knew I would not be able to sustain such restriction over a long period of time without feeling deprived. The answer for me was to change my focus from the number on the scale to fitness. I set exercise goals instead of weight loss goals. I watched my measurements and my clothing size rather than the scale. I still weigh myself at least once per week, and I still use my food journal at least 3-4 days per week. I've decided that 140-145 is my 'happy weight', and as long as I don't get above that I'm ok. If I do creep above 145, I cut back on carbs and/or cut out alcohol for a while. Exercise has also been a key factor in my maintenance. I've made exercise a daily part of my routine, like brushing my teeth or taking a shower. It simply must be done. Regular exercise allows me to eat enough calories and carbs so that I don't feel deprived, and I can still maintain my weight. At 140-145 lbs. I wear a size 6 or an 8, depending on the brand, and I can live with that. Just because there are statistics doesn't mean you have to become one. You can do it too! __________________ Check out my story: http://www.quickandsimple.com/diet-w...ht-loss-lawler

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08-06-2009, 01:19 PM	#2
Ailuros Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,609 Gallery: Ailuros Stats: Maintenance (since 2003) WOE: Controlled carb, real food Start Date: 2003	I'm coming up to six years in a couple of months, and I'm sure there are others around who've maintained for longer.

08-06-2009, 01:48 PM	#3
PaleoRainy Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: it matters more where we go Posts: 272 Gallery: PaleoRainy Stats: Goal reached (33 lbs) - New goal: 182/175/165 WOE: Paleo Diet Start Date: First 24/09/08 - Restart to second goal 24/08/09	Yay!! See that article is wrong!! Thanks, really wanted a pat in the back!

08-06-2009, 01:52 PM	#4
Ailuros Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,609 Gallery: Ailuros Stats: Maintenance (since 2003) WOE: Controlled carb, real food Start Date: 2003	Have you seen Barry Groves's site? he and his wife have maintained their LC weight loss for about 40 years.

08-08-2009, 07:15 PM	#7
sugarless4life Atkins Ambassador Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 12,545 Blog Entries: 1 Gallery: sugarless4life Stats: 5'3 / 100 pounds / 53 yo /maintaining for 7 years WOE: Lost it with Atkins / RUNNING to keep it off! Start Date: January 19, 2002 - NEARLY 8 YEARS ON ATKINS	Will be 7 years in December. Downright amazing when I think back to January 2002 and I told myself "I'll give this 2 weeks...." Betty

08-09-2009, 08:30 AM	#9
mcarr36 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 106 Gallery: mcarr36 Stats: 118/115/110 - 5'2" WOE: Atkins-Maintenance Start Date: March 2002	May was 7 years for me. As long as I keep my carbs low it is easy for me to maintain. I exercise a couple of times a week. For me the low carbing is what keeps my weight down. The exercise just makes me feel good.

08-09-2009, 09:31 AM	#10
totallyme Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: SC Posts: 352 Gallery: totallyme Stats: 142/116/110 5'2" Start Date: February 2003	6 years for me

08-09-2009, 02:22 PM	#11
Loretta V Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kentucky Posts: 15,313 Gallery: Loretta V Stats: 140/123/120 WOE: Low Carb & Low Fat Start Date: July 2001/ Low Carb Friends 9/2001	Passing my 8 yr mark and heading on to 9 yrs in Dec., of maintaining within a 2 to 4 pound range for the most part.

08-10-2009, 03:53 PM	#12
vee716 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Oakville, ON CAN Posts: 2,320 Gallery: vee716 Stats: 340high 297/158.6/150 WOE: WLS(1999) - low-carb Start Date: September 5, 2003	I will hit 5 years in about 3 weeks! Provided I don't regain 140 lbs in the next 3 weeks, I'm another example!

08-11-2009, 08:48 AM	#13
Charski Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Central Coastal CA Posts: 13,325 Gallery: Charski Stats: 174 (WW)/130/150 goal 5'5" 56 years young WOE: ATKINS! now and always.... Start Date: 5/03	I lost my weight (most of it on WW) and have been maintaining since 2001 - been doing Atkins for a little more than 6 years now. Still maintaining and STILL HAPPY with my WOL!

08-11-2009, 11:34 AM	#14
Fitterly Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: searching for balance Posts: 792 Blog Entries: 62 Gallery: Fitterly Stats: 118/job-focused non-weight focused WOE: learning to enjoy life the low carb way Start Date: 08/11/2009 end date: 10/18/2009	I have maintained since 2001 so that would be 8 years. I did have a 6 month period of time where I gained about 15 pounds back, but then I lost it plus more. I always work at trying to lose another 3-4 pounds but I was just at the doctor yesterday and we flipped through my charts and I've been the same weight (1-2 pound difference) since I started seeing him in 2002. To maintain my weight I do low-ish carb and exercise.

08-11-2009, 11:40 PM	#15
ItsMyJourney Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 74 Gallery: ItsMyJourney	Darn--I read a scientific study a few weeks ago and I didn't save it. But the gist of it was that the statistic that is commonly thrown around (that 95 percent regain all or even more than they lost) is NOT based on good science. It came from one study done a long time ago with 100 people. It has just been repeated so many times that it is now taken as gospel that people have to gain their weight back. I have maintained a 100 pound weight loss for several years. (I still have more to go unfortunately--but I have been able to maintain what I lost.)

08-13-2009, 07:28 PM	#16
fischdeb1 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 170 Gallery: fischdeb1	You are all such an inspiration to me! It's only been 1 year for me, which is the longest time I've ever been able to maintain weight loss. You give me confidence, that yes, I will keep this weight off for ever! Deb

09-01-2009, 04:16 PM	#18
LoveMontana Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: NY/PA border Posts: 26,383 Gallery: LoveMontana Stats: 5'1" 155/100/110 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Dec.1997	Yes, It's been a good many years. See my stats.