new here

Well, I been lurking around for about 2-3 weeks,
in the past 18 years I have had 5 children, and quit smoking, gaining weight with all of the situations, lol
well at first a few here and there didnt bother me, I am now "40" and realize I need help. I would like to get back down to 160, that would mean a 55lb loss, seems overwhelming to me. my first goal is to loose 20 before June, when I go home to visit my entire family I havent seen in over 35 years ( family kidnapping situation) including 2 sisters. I want to look/feel nice when I get there.
I think I could loose 30 safely by then but I dont want to set my first goal to high and get discouraged, I seem to get motivated to do something and lack follow through....anyway, I am here, hopefully to loose some lbs and gain some friends