How to get rid of that fear?

I know what you're talking about. For me, faithfully logging food and exercise and patience to wait for the loss to come is the thing that gives me the strength to continue on toward my goal.

It seems to me that your issue is not losing the weight but actually breaking that cycle which makes you put on the weight. Once you break that cycle, the weight will come off and stay off too.

How do you break that cycle? You have to radically alter your diet completely, I've always believed in the philosophy that the best bodies are built in the kitchen and not at the gym.

Limit your carbohydrate intake to under 130 grams and replace the calories with proteins and fats. (from good fats sources). Doing this will mean you stay fuller for longer and less likely to snack on junk. If you do feel like snacking choose something with zero to low carbs and high fat or protein like peanuts.

Exercise regularly like you would do and just follow the basic principle calories in vs calories out.

I take monthly progress photos and combine them into one large picture. I can scroll down and see the month-to-month changes.

You need to take responsibility, do things properly avoid making excuses and get on with it. I apprecuate for many people its difficult and soemtimes I find it hard or just eat something thats a bit more calorific than I want, but I take responsibility and work hard to get back on track, never wont cant frustrated depressed when it comes to weight loss dont enter my vocabulary. I have a very powerful focus that accepts what happens and does soemthing about it, many dieters spend too mucch emotional energy on getting frustrated, depressed, sad or making excuses instead of using that energy to get things done.

Keep it simple, do it well , focus on eahc day and each lb then you will get what you want. Mental attitude and being smart, knowing how to motivate and look after yourself are importnat tools.

You talk about poor mental resolve, mine is awesome and powerful, nothing short of a bomb or me being run over will prevent me from target. Believe in yourslef, understand what you have to do and make the commitment you will follow the plan you have till its done, then do it. Follow your well though out plan and its a winner, its straightforward. Dont start until you are ready to do what it takes.

Fattylardkins, I'm in a slightly different situation so I can't really comment. One thought though, your username sounds like a negative self fulfilling prophecy. How about something more positive like FutureFitnessGodess?