On the other hand, I dropped 40 pounds in three months on a calorie-restricted regimen combined with strength training, and kept it off permanently (even years

On the other hand, I dropped 40 pounds in three months on a calorie-restricted regimen combined with strength training, and kept it off permanently (even years after abandoning the diet and training). That said, doing this successfully does require a mindset change. It requires a "new normal" at the end of the period.