Kira (AKA Kiwi1222) has it right. First, you've got to get really clear about your goals and your why before you can figure out the how. And those goals can and will change over time as you move through your journey. Improved health, increased fitness and endurance, sexy aesthetics
? All of those things are valid why's, but they're vague. Dig deep and figure out why you want to lose weight and/or get in shape. For example, I want to lose weight for improved health BECAUSE I want to get off and stay off of my blood pressure medicine. Why? So that my husband and I can have another baby. How? I will do this by eating 1700 calories a day and walking for 30 minutes at least 3x a week as recommended by my doctor.
And like she said, forget about the when. Sometimes, non-scale victories are what you've got to focus on because the body is a complex biological masterpiece that doesn't always cooperate in showing your work on a scale. My pants are looser, my joints don't ache as badly, I have more energy for housework, I feel more mentally focused. Those are equally worthy measures of success. Someone said something about the scale that has stuck with me forever: A scale only measures your relationship with gravity on the surface of the earth, not how hard you work or the effort you put in to improving your health.
Once you've figured out your goals and your why, some things to consider in a weight loss journey:
How structured of a program do you want? Do you want someone else to tell you what to buy at the store, what and when to eat, and how and when to work out? Or do you want to have some flexibility? Or a combination of both with strong support at the beginning and less as you get your feet under you?
How strict do you want to be? Some people thrive in a strict environment, some people don't. Do you want the freedom to adjust to your own daily schedule or do you want a regimented program?
How do you want to deal with nutrition? Do you want a program like Medifast or Jenny Craig that provides all your meals for you? Or do you want to learn how to cook and control portion sizes on your own? Or maybe a combination of both?
How intensely do you want to work out? Sweat dripping, heart pumping, everything you've got exercise? Or a group fitness class? Or something more easy on the joints like yoga, belly dancing, walking?
How much emotional support do you want? Sometimes, losing weight can drag out of us some hidden emotional triggers like feelings of worthlessness, ugliness, or isolation. Some people need the support of a counselor, some a support group like Over-eaters Anonymous or WW, and others just a really close friend they can talk things out with. But make no mistake, emotional health will definitely come up at some point in anyone's WL journey.
I hope this super long post helped and gave you some ideas on what to consider.