Congratulations on your loss. 80 pounds is a wonderful achievement. And thank you so much for your insightful post. I am having a lot of trouble losing and gaining the same 10 pounds after a 50 pound loss. But I'm sticking with it. Something has got to give and it won't be my resolve. I'm worth it and my body is too.

We can't predict when and how much we are going to lose. There are so many factors beyond our control. All we can do is stay on program, drink water, exercise, and have patience. It also helps to remember how far we've come, rather than how far we have to go. I've lost 50 out of a proposed 150 pounds. I'm a third there. This is phase two. I'm not on the bunny slopes anymore. I'm on the intermediate, and the going is a lot tougher. I imagine I'll fall more and it will take me longer to master these slopes. But after this 50 pounds, I'll be up at the top of the mountain on my way to the Olympics. Now how's that for taking a metaphor a loooooooooong way. But you get my drift.

Again, you've done a great job. Happy dance.