Anyone conquered a lifetime of bingeing and yoyo dieting?

I've been up and down forever, as high as 215lbs, as low as 166lbs, currently 178lbs (with a goal to be under 170).

I've gotten better over the past 3 years and this January I only need to lose 8 lbs to reach my goal (and I expect the first few will come off as quickly as they went on-- in a matter of weeks.) Some January's, I've needed to drop more like 20lbs.

What I did in 2017 was to go on a calorie counting diet (using MFP) and when I reached 170 I went on maintenance, still tracking my weight and eating daily for a full year. I've stayed under 180lbs since then for the first time ever.

My advice from this:

- Think about your motivations. Create a document that lists why you want to lose weight. It's a difficult process and you need really good reasons. Take some time with it and write them down. (Chisel them in stone, if possible.)
- Consider what resources you can bring to bear on the problem. Could you engage a therapist, nutritionist, personal trainer, life coach, or other person to help you on a regular basis?
- Find a friend who has similar goals to you
- Ideally, upon consulting experts, choose a diet plan that you think will suit you. (MFP is based on calorie counting, which only suits some people. There are other approaches.)
- Pick your start date. Throw out all temptations and stock up on healthy choices. Schedule regular visits to your support team. Schedule your exercise.
- DO IT.

Best of luck!