I have not been on this thread before but I do feel I have much in common with the posters here. I lost about 27 lb on low carb but without ever going on induction. It took me about 9 months to lose the weight and I kept it off for a couple of years. Now I have put back about seven pounds over the last couple of years. I have never given up on low carb but sometimes it's harder than other times. I do allow myself the odd treat but it's always harder to stick to the WOE afterwards so I really wonder if it's worth it. I agree that it's important not to be constantly in a state of food-related stress. The really good thing about LC in its less moderate (i.e more strict) forms is that it really does take the cravings away, physically. The problem is the mental and emotional cravings. We are used to seeing carbs as comfort and when we need comfort we think carbs. Also I noticed that a low carb site I subscribed to on FB mainly shows mouth-watering pictures of supposedly low carb versions of very sinful looking food. I have now blocked its posts from my feed because it was totally counterproductive.
It is true that this journey has no end and from that point of view we must live and not live for the day we are thinner. Even if we get there, we have to keep on trucking as we have all experienced - I imagine - what happens when we stop. We have to find a way of eating that is satisfying mentally as well as physically. That will be different for everyone. I am still working on it and I hope you all find your LC way! :-)