Originally Posted by latinasojourn

losing the weight and keeping it off are two different concepts.

you must do these things to be successful.

1. lifestyle change
2. get nutrition knowledge (lots of stuff online)
3. eat ONLY high nutrition foods, and eat only foods that you don't like too much, but are good for you, this prevents overeating.
4. avoid all sweet foods, but do count calories, write down everything you eat.
5. i would suggest an "atkins style" diet to start on first 30 days (but not stay on)---this will allow you to actually see fast weight loss which will empower your psychology. in two weeks you will actually feel more energetic and begin to lose tightness in your waist, and you face will be less fat.
6. first 10 days you must shrink the stomach so you "feel full" on less food. once you get past the first 10 days (and you are on an atkins or south beach style diet you will be able to control your hunger).
7. keep a weight reduction journal, with a friday "weigh-in"---your goal of 1-2 lbs per week, is achievable.
8. after about 3 weeks into the diet incorporate exercise---suggest not adding exercise right at the start because it might exhaust you.
9. drink lots of water, very cold or ice water is best.

good luck.