Thanks for this thread, guys. It is very inspirational. Sometimes, when I think of how many pounds I have to lose it is overwhelming. It really helps to see people that have been where I've been and done it.

I did want to mention to Liz175 that a super low cal diet might actually work against you. From what I've been reading, it might actually make your metabolism crash and make your body hoard every little bitty calorie that you give it. Just a thought.

Re: Factors for success...since I haven't done that, I can't comment, but I do have some experience with failing. For me, it almost always comes down to not taking the time to plan ahead for meals and snacks. For me, I have to have it all figured out BEFORE I get hungry, otherwise, I'm just a trip to the fast food join waiting to happen.

My new motto: Failing to plan = planning to fail.

Have a great day, everyone!