Hello

Hi, and welcome!
I guess Shorerider gave you all the info links, so you're all set with that.
What I can add is that you have definitely come to the right place, what with being desperate to lose weight. I was the same way when I started. I was constantly depressed, and no matter what diet I tried, after a short time of losing alittle here and there, I'd just give up. I even hated the word diet! It made me cringe, knowing that I'd be deprived of all the "good" stuff out there!
BUT, then I came here, and EVERYTHING changed for me, and I just know it'll be the same way for you too!
MFP is NOT a diet, so get that thought right out of your head. It's a "lifestyle change". And you won't feel deprived, because you CAN still have those "goodies" every now and then. You just need to "work" for em with exercise, as well as watching your daily number alotments. (I treat myself like every other week to a McDonald's double cheeseburger, or even Chinese food!)
Words can't describe how much better I feel about myself these days! And YOU can have that same feeling too!
Between all the wonderfully supportive people here, and the easy to use food counter, you WILL lose the weight that you want to, AND, it'll even be FUN! Gotta warn you though, this site is VERY addicting!