Hi!
I'm kind of new here, myself, but not new to trying to lose weight
One thing mentioned upstream that I'd like to repeat - find materials (books, podcasts, videos, audio books, etc.) that support what you're trying to do. The more you feed your brain the right messages, the easier it is to make good choices and get through the tough times. I feel like I have to declare TOTAL WAR on these pounds hahahahaha
I have a stack of books that i keep on hand to read through whenever I start slipping. Some are pure motivational type stuff, some are more educational (I'm doing a carb-controlled plan and need to keep reading the how's and why's of the impact of sugar and carbs in the body...hoping that I eventually know it all by heart, but it's a lot of info to keep track of!) . I also have a supply of healty eating and exercise podcasts to plug into whenever I need a boost, or when I'm doing laundry or something mindless. It's like having a team of support staff motivating me anytime I need it.
Put reminder cards around the house, with motivational phrases or key points that you're trying to remember. Posters, pictures - maybe some pics of healthy food choices, or athletes in action, activities you'd like to participate in, locations that make you happy, etc. i keep healthy recipe pics in my kitchen, to remind myself to make something good for me, not just 'good'. I have issues of healthy magazines on the table in the livingroom and in my office so i see the headlines and cover pics daily.
All this is on top of sticking to a good food and exercise plan. Honestly, the biggest battle is in your head - once you get your brain on board with the whole thing, the nuts and bolts are really pretty easy. Any diet plan will work if you stick to it, and any exercise is going to boost your results. I do controlled carb (started with something called TLS, but am moving towards a DIY south beach-ish kind of plan. Carbs are my total downfall, but I'm making so much progress on that front that it amazes me daily.) I also believe in trying to stay active every day in some way or another. Weightloss is 80% diet, but looking good is 80% fitness.
If you're jumping in this week, give a shout! Maybe you'll be my motivation to take the re-commitment plunge
I was kind of maintaining for the past few months because our schedule was kind of crazy, and I was looking for a point to re-start with serious intention.
Good luck - don't be hopeless!! There's always hope, and you have a lot of people here who would cheer you on through the journey. Hang in there and give it a shot!