Lifestyle change...encouragement needed :)

You have made the first step so just stick with it. Get really involved in the site and seeing other people in the same boat will hopefully keep you motivated - that's what I'm hoping for anyways! I'm exactly the same when I get a bit downhearted, I give up. NOT THIS TIME! Add me if you want to be a weight loss buddy

You're not alone, I'm new as well and haven't had the best of luck with diets in the past. I think we just have to put our mind to and not detour. I think what I've lacked is the will power. So if you want, I'll be there for you...if you want just add me.

To be honest you probably have done the hardest part, admitting that there is a problem and now looking for solutions to resolve the challenge (no longer a problem).
As many will say if you read other message boards, it is not going to happen over night and you will need to be disciplined in monitoring what you are eating, ensuring you are eating the correct foods in a good balance.
Gentle exercise will help, if you can make the time for it, and a suggestion if you are going to exercise, take all your measurements, you are likely to see the changes there first, before the scales.

You have done the hard part, so now keep your focus and log everything, especially at the start, and if it is necessary weigh everything, that way you will give yourself the best chance to succeed. Remember MFP is about changing lifestyles, not dieting.....

You can do this, just believe

I completely understand how you feel! My daughter turns 8 this November and I am still trying to lose my pregnancy weight! I have tried every kind of diet, workout plan, pill, etc...I will lose a couple pounds and gain them right back. Lately, I have made it up in my mind that it didnt take over night to put it on and it's not going to take overnight to take them off...I have been losing a lb here and a lb there and it seems to be paying off. I dont kill myself in the gym anymore. I workout at least an hour on Saturdays...and may squeeze in a couple 30 minute workouts during the week if I FEEL like it. I think my biggest contributor to my gradual weight loss is PORTION SIZE! I no longer eat combo meals at my favorite fast food spots, but order just one item off the menu. I try to avoid fried foods (sometimes I just gotta have me some fried okra). I no longer eat junk foods as snacks but instead go for fruit, yogurt, half of a ham and cheese or pb and j sandwhich, etc. I cant give up my coffee, but other than that, I only drink water. I also eat something every 2-3 hours to avoid that STARVING feeling which always cause me to overeat. Lastly, I don't cut out things I crave completely. Sometimes I just gotta have me some Lays Potato chips, or a Snickers, or some Chocolate Chip cookies! So I eat em...I just dont over eat them. If the package says a serving of Chips a Hoy cookies is only 2 cookies...then thats all I eat. If a serving of chips approx 12 chips...then thats all I eat. You can do it...you just have to find out what works for you because no 2 people are alike. We cannot be put on the same diet plan, etc and expect the same results. Eventually you will figure it out through a lot of trial and error. Oh, and one more thing...if you slip up every now and then, don't beat yourself up for it! Nobody is perfect! Just realize what caused you to slip up and come up with a way to avoid that slip in the future and keep moving and fun! Hope I was able to give you at least a little bit of encouragement