Keep that thought first and foremost in your mind and you will succeed. It sounds overly simplified, but if you really want to succeed (and believe me, you do) then you will keep working at it and figure out what it takes for you to succeed. It is a learning process along the way. Some things that you try won't work. You may make a few mistakes. I certainly have. But I was bound and determined to succeed this time and I got to where I wanted to be. Refuse to give up or give in and you will get there, too.

About the plateaus... That is how this works. Plateau, drop, plateau, drop. It does get a little frustrating after the 2nd or 3rd week at the same weight. Just keep pressing on. The body needs to become convinced that you have no intention of refilling those fat cells. Sometimes it is very stubborn. Keep eating right and eventually the scale will reward you with a drop.