How I did it: After having heart surgery I really didn't want pop and a lot of the more junk food type of food, which made starting out the process easier.  As I have continued to heal and get back into my old routine I have started to crave some of this again.  I always knew I should lose weight but never could get it to budge.  This time though I cut out pop started watch what I ate(counting calories) and began walking and riding an exercise bike once in awhile maybe once a week twice if I had time.  I also changed my ideals on how fast to lose weight.  Instead of trying to take off 5 pounds a week like I used to aim for and then get discouraged when I could only do that for a week or two.  I aimed for 1 pound a week.  14 weeks in I'm at 18 pounds gone!  

Lessons & tips: Give into your cravings but in small amounts or if possible find a low calorie substitute and see if that works.
Pick 1 day a week that is your weigh in day.  You can weigh yourself when ever you want but that day is the only day that counts.  I also am going with that day I can weigh myself all I want until I eat, the lowest weight counts.
Find a support system of some sort.  I have a wonderful helper who is constantly saying "we" can do this which reminds me that I am not alone in this.  I also have an online group of weight loss buddies...and many coworkers who are very supportive. 
Speaking of co workers....tell them what your doing tell everyone.  Its kind of like going public.  It made it more real for me. People begin to cheer you on and will also once they see your serious tend to not offer you sweets and stuff as much. Listen to advice from them even if you don't use it.

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Jul 14, 2010, 04:56AM PDT | 1 comment | 4 cheers