I carried an extra 25 lbs for 25 years. In the era of the "Biggest Loser" that may not seem like a big deal. I had always been told by family and friends that I could "carry it." The photo of me finishing a half marathon back in 2006 attests to that. Finally, on Jan 1, 2009 I decided that I just didn't want to "carry it" anymore, not for 13.1 miles, not up and down stairs, nowhere.

Now, that I've reached 5 years of maintenance, I never want to go back! Gradualism was my ...

I carried an extra 25 lbs for 25 years. In the era of the "Biggest Loser" that may not seem like a big deal. I had always been told by family and friends that I could "carry it." The photo of me finishing a half marathon back in 2006 attests to that. Finally, on Jan 1, 2009 I decided that I just didn't want to "carry it" anymore, not for 13.1 miles, not up and down stairs, nowhere.

Now, that I've reached 5 years of maintenance, I never want to go back! Gradualism was my plan and now maintenance is my goal.

The 5% in my title refers to the percentage of people who successfully maintain their weight loss after a certain number of years. The number of years varies with each study (3, 4, 5 or more). That’s why, even as I approach 5 years of maintenance, I continue to log in to Sparkpeople every morning.

This program is responsible for my success and I intend to stay right here. Besides, there’s always new things to learn, new ideas to keep things fresh and new people to meet.

Read More About BROOKLYN_BORN (Updated November 25)

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