motivation and staying on track

 I was wondering what others do for motivation, whether they are on the liquid diet pre-op or many years out post-op? I believe it was 'Boxermom' *****ad on here mentioned that for the first few years after surgery it is your everything, but after year 3 or so you begin to go back to feeling comfortable and maybe laxed? I was wondering what others do to help make sure you never let yourself go back to the way things were that got us all into this situation? 
I have never liked my picture taken, and have very few of them of me around. But now I am wondering if I should keep the few I have and hang them in certain places in my home so that I have to see them. As a reminder of what I do not want to allow to happen again. Right now I am so happy with just how much better I feel in EVERY way! I can remember clearly what I felt like to move, bend or even just sit before surgery! I appreciate the way I feel now in comparison but only hope that in time I dont forget. 

Hi Randa
I Keep b-4 and after pictures in a album and look and update them often. I feel that the success achieved compared to where I was a better motivator then the possibility of going back to what was. Remember Positive reinforcement is better than negative self-talk.

And also If you are following your rules; you are making good habits. It takes Thirty day to instill a good habit in to auto pilot.  I have noticed that even though I may indulge, It is on a much smaller scale and timed far and few behind. (use to be if I hit  MC D's The order was big Mac large fry large soda, on a daily basis, vs. my new auto choice of Chicken wrap and a bottle of water once in 3 or 4 months) or when I go to a sit down restaurant and the waitress ask what to drink. Automatically Water w/ a few lemon wedges. not  Coke or Pepsi!  Cant stand reg milk must be fat free skim . Some thing just plant in your routine and stick. but there are times when your sweet tooth or carb monster will rear it ugly head. And i admit that I give in but with healthy limits. One serving and only when the urge is nagging you crazy.

food is one thing but Exercise has some of the same issues except it is weather you schlep it off or get out and do it. for me I need to be creative and change it up so it don't get boring. I also like to do stuff that is fun orientated rather than the grind of forced exercise. like sit ups and stuff. vs. a family hike in the park or Stationary bike  vs riding in the park outside.

It is a life time of changes but eventually they will be habits or a part of your everyday life.

well, the food is always a struggle for me but i always get protein in, just need to cut the carbs down.  i do better than a lot of ppl cuz it raises my sugar and who wants to take another insulin shot anyhow?? my drivers license shows a great pic of how i looked a yr post op and is great motivation.  my pics of my wedding show the b4 pic and also reminds me of how i dont want to look.  both are good to keep around.

i cannot stress enough that almost more than food, exercise is key.  i would eat a lot of not so good choices but exercise daily and still lose .5 lbs per wk or at least maintain.  right now its hard to get out and get up, but i walk the dog park cuz its my happy place and my boxer loves it.  so its really more for him than me, so whatever gets you moving really.

find your niche.