I started Exante in late August, was a bit on and off with it for about six weeks, and went from 18st4 ish to 16.10ish, then I had a massive hiatus for ages and put 2lb back on, like a muppet. I started again five weeks ago today at 16.12 and lost 9lb, 2lb, 4lb, 3lb,5lb and am now at 15.2. I haven't cheated this time, nor do I intend to! Have noticed a massive difference in health and happiness. My crunch moment came quite a while ago now, when I realised I couldn't climb on a table. I'm a very short teacher, so I do this a lot (displays etc), and it was the first time I had really NOTICED that I couldn't do something because I was heavy. I started a new job in September which involves a lot of running around and switching locations, and when I started, I couldn't wait to sit down when I could, and I scheduled a good 5-10 minutes to get across campus with heavy stuff. I've noticed recently that it only actually takes about two minutes, and I get grumpy when I'm forced to be stationary for too long! THings I do that help are: 1. Jump on the scale about three times a day - now a lot of people don't recommend this, and I'm not going to either, but I reckon it's important to have a strategy. Weight can fluctuate an amazing amount for all sorts of reasons, some you can help, and others not so much. I know that I can easily go up 5lbs in a day, and up to 8lbs for 3 or 4 days around totm - because I've watched it happen, and watching it helps me, I think it helps my brain rationalise it! Whatever you do, be a regular weigher - whether that's three time a day, once a week, or once a month - and be prepared for the fact that it won't always be steady! 2. I read somewhere that weight loss is like a horse and cart situation. Sort the horse (your mind) out, and it can trek the cart anywhere. The cart can't move on its own. 3. Listen to how you speak to yourself, and think about whether you would talk to anyone else like that, or what you would think/say to someone who spoke to you like that. If you are someone who attacks yourself a lot, you might find it helps? 4. The biggest thing. I read somewhere on a forum that a dieter was taking it 'one hour at a time', and I keep that firmly in mind. Sometimes it's too hard to take it a month, week or even day at a time. But if you take every hour at a time, the days look after themselves! You will be ok lovely, and you've come to the right place - people here are lovely, and always on your side!