Alex -
I think that's what my doc was getting at when he said 3 months on, 3 months off. The first 3 months kicked butt - I lost 52 pounds. During the off time I kept my exercize regimine (swimming/walking) and didn't gain back a pound - but I ate everything I wanted. No holding back. I went back ON but had to drop the swimming (cold weather) and still did the walking (about 3 miles with my sis in 4 times a week), stuck to the "plan" like glue and nada. I lost a dozen pounds but that was IT. It just stopped.
I think my metabolism was like "oh wait - we tried this before" - lol I kinda wish I hadn't gone off after 3 months - maybe the loss would have kept up. It's tough for me because walking/swimming are my only exercize options due to some back surgeries, etc. I still haven't gained any back - but the loss is on hiatus. Hoping the pool warms up soon - summer's coming - maybe that was the real trick!