The Biggest Secret to WLS-WL and Maintenance !!!!

You are absolutely correct.  The other factor that I consider essential is staying out of denial.  For me that means always knowing what I ate and always knowing exactly how much I weigh.

Keeping the determination and motivation going is something to look at too. I have varying degrees of both of these things. I think sticking around support groups, these forums, reading blogs, etc. is a good way to keep it going.

I preach, preach, and preach during local support group meetings the importance of continuing to go - yet I am consistently the ONLY post-op person there... and I'm not even 2 years out. Sad! I continue to go because connecting with people helps keep the determination/motivation alive!

I thought you were going to say WAter bc I know I'm not getting enuf in and it makes a big difference

I agree.

Determination!  Love it!  

Two years out here!  As I occasionally slip into old habits, I think it is determination that gets me back on track.  As we've all learned, WLS is not a magic pill, we have to watch every bite we put into our mouths and move.  

I think my biggest difference now, is when I slip up - I don't (so far) go too far off into the abyss and totally give up.  Get back on that bandwagon - drink the water, go to the gym, work on that mindset ("not a failure"), get the protein in, etc.  Lifestyle change.

For example,  a new cupcake place opened in our area - it's absolutely awesome.  Sweets are my downfall and what I still want.  I walked into the new store with a skinny friend and they had samples.  I couldn't try one - cause I knew the old me would order some to "take to the family" and would eat them all on the way home in my car.  Can't go there - shouldn't have walked in the door.  Got to stay out of there.  DETERMINED to win this "sweet" demon!

Determination - the word of the day!  I like it!

Like!

Determined to never go down that road again. You are right Frisco DETERMINATION is it. I have been in maintenace now for 1.5 years I have a three pound swing with my goal weight smack in the middle of the swing. So 1.5 under to 1.5 over. I monitor like a hawk and still log my food and water daily. I love my life now and am so happy that I can physically do the things I want, I just don't have the heart to wreck that. I think I finally love myself enough to respect my body and keep it healthy. This has been such a blessing and I am Determined to keep it.

Well you nailed it again. The difference between those who succeed and those who don't. True in so much of life. But I still wonder why, having plenty of determination, I could never keep weight off without vsg.  I think we know the answer which is that medical intervention is necessary for most of us. 

When I was about to have wls, my brother, a highly successful and motivated person, wished me the best and told me to "do exactly what the doctor said to do". that rang true and I did.  So determination is what is needed to follow those instructions and not try to "game the system".  

Yep, determination is the right word.  Lets celebrate it.   diane

Right on, Frisco, as usual.  Love this post!