Graze or Eat by the Clock

I see a range between 3 meals day, 3 meals and 2 snacks, 6 small meals, and "eat what you need, when you need it." Which is the most successful in the first 6 months?

I think things change over time. It's too much an individual thing to say what is best for everyone. Some people just get hungry so fast they need
to graze. Not something I was ever really comfortable with though. 

The first 3 months I didn't really have the appetite or capacity to do more than the 3 meals.  After that I added snacks because I seemed to get hungry mid morning and midafternoon. (beef sticks, cheese, slice of cold cuts, things like that for snacks).After a year I eat if I am really hungry. Sometimes late night - mostly just a snack not 
a full meal.

You have to thread the line between falling into old eating habits and keeping hunger at bay. I think a schedule is best the first year
but there are always occasions you get hungry and there is no real reason to torture yourself. Just track so you know what you are 
actually eating.

I personally let my body talk to me- if I'm hungry I eat. I seem to maintain my weight right around 160. I am sure I will need to change that

eventually because I need to lose another 20lbs but for now I am ok with it. I am letting my body and my mind adjust to the fact I am half the size

I use.d to be

I graze in order to get all of the protein in.