Need the Weight Off

Don't change everything at once - a common thing with people who have a tendency to give up is that they radically overhaul their diet and lifestyle and then they can't keep it up, so they go back to the way they used to eat and move.

Change one small thing at a time. Like to drink a lot of soda? Cut out one can per day, or switch to a diet brand. (And no, artificial sweeteners are not scary!) Like to eat out? Cut down on the number of times per week you do so, and try to find similar but lower-calorie options you can make at home. Love sweets? Make room in your calorie budget for a little treat every day so that you don't feel deprived. When you get used to the first change, add another! Find small ways to increase your activity, but know that it's entirely possible to lose weight without any purposeful exercise. (It's great for your health though!)

You can do it, but it takes time. Have reasonable expectations, and patience - you didn't put the weight on overnight, and it won't come off overnight. It will go up and down, and you'll have good days and bad days, but if you consistently eat less than your body needs (and it doesn't have to be a LOT less), you will lose weight over time. Aim for honesty and consistency, not perfection.

Best of luck to all of you!