) but ive tried lots of times before and i never get off the ground with it. My sister recomended i check this out. She thought maybe with the right support i could do it this time. I sure hope shes right! Im looking forward to getting to know everyone here!

Babs!
Babs. This is a great place for support.
Have you got any particular plan in mind for shifting the pounds?
Krista! Your sister was right, this is a great forum to get support, insight and advice. It sounds like you have a plan in place. There are a lot of excellant threads posted about journalling your food, and keeping track of the excerise that you do. Our group has a journal thread, and a lot of people recommend the Fitday website to keep track. There is a biography thread where you can fill in all your stats. Post often so we can get to know you! 
even if I just got the salad bar thinking it would be better for me, my salad would have lots of egg, cheese, croutons, bacon, and heavy dressing, so that was just as bad! It really is hard at first, but once you're used to smaller, more appropriate portions, you'll wonder how you ever managed to eat so much before! It's almost a struggle now for me to finish a meal at a restaurant (and I usually make healthier choices now than I did back in the day), and I often end up leaving a little on my plate or taking enough home for another meal. Congrats on facing your problems and making the effort to turn them around!
I packed up using my enormous dinner plates and switched to smaller ones so I could still have a full-looking plate.
I hate to feel deprived!