I’ve been off and on ideal protein for 6 years! I always gain when I stop the diet. I go back on and lose the weight. This is the “lifestyle” You have a trigger number, if you gain 5-7lbs you go back on phase 1 protocol. At least there’s a plan in place. I don’t believe in this diet being the answer, it’s only sustainable if you can afford to continually be going back on it. I’ve heard that some have success keeping the weight off but they must not be having any food cheats or drinking alcohol. I’m incredibly disciplined in healthy eating, I work out cross fit and a ride horses, hike, bike, very active lifestyle, I still slowly gain weight when off 100% protocol. The diet works. You will lose the weight if you commit 100% to the protocol. But sustainability, for me and others I know, the weight creeps back. Be prepared to abstain from all refined sugar and carbs for the rest of your life. Practice self control, you can only have 1 glass of wine, half a piece of toast, and 1 square of the chocolate! And it can only happen on the 3rd Friday of every month between the hours of 3pm-5pm otherwise you will gain the weight back! I’m kidding, but you are only supposed to have a cheat day, but still moderate your cheat, you still should be very moderate in what you consume, then get back on track the next day and always monitor your weight, so when those pounds start coming back you can get back in phase 1 to get them off. It takes a really committed person to be so disciplined on going for the rest of your life.