Does it ever not work?

If given the chance to do it again, knowing what I know now, I would choose, NO, absolutely not. I did everything right and only lost 50 pounds. I never had that "drop right off" stage, the 50 pounds was a struggle every day. I think the first 20 pounds that came off was simply because I was vomiting everything I ate for the first 3 months.

Having this surgery was the worst decision of my life

I'm sorry things didn't work out the way you'd hoped. But I've followed your posts for a long time, and you haven't "done everything right." 

Grim Traveller I hope you follow me. My surgery is the 14th. I've been reading posts on OH to get a feel for what's ahead. I appreciate your honesty and sense of humor and keeping people honest about what they are really doing. Through my "diet expertise" I've learned I've always done better journaling and being accountable. I'm a great Weigh****cher member because I lose 20 lbs and never any more but kept going. In all honesty after the initial weight loss usually 3-4 months I arrogantly knew I could handle a little cheat now and then. 100+ pounds overweight and here I am. So please call me on my BS.

The advise is golden... follow it and remember it's for life, and it is a daily work-in-progress. Baby steps. Hope your surgery went well and good luck.

Lora is absolutely right.  

Starting out, you may feel invincible with your weight loss - but trust me bad habits creep in far too easily and crappy foods start coming in too early as well.  I often see people eating all the wrong things early out depending on "moderation" to keep them on the right path.  Well for many of us, moderation is far easier said than done.  I highly suggest working on the goals of following the rules and keeping the triggers out as long as you can -- work on goal, and then worry about the "treats".Food will always be there.

At almost  9 years out, I've seen many successes but also many failures.  Use your tool well - remember you only get one chance to get the most weight off that you can.  

Good luck

Dawn