GiveItOne -- Man, when you describe yourself, you're describing a lot of me, I just did it younger than you. I weighted 190-195 from late high school through 30 years old, then got very successful in my career (gaining 45-50 pounds), then the career fell apart (gaining another 20-25 pounds) before I topped out at 269 pounds (heaviest I saw on a scale... the way my pants fit before I was likely mid 270's) just before I turned 37.

I took drastic measures.

I sat down and laid out on paper, on purpose, what I wanted to do. I quit my job and started a new one in March 2007. I started doing some little things for my weight and started dropping 1-2 pounds a month at first. I quit smoking in April/May 2008 after 24 years of tobacco (19 as a 2-pack a day smoker), and upped my efforts on weight loss, starting to drift down 2-3 pounds a month. On Easter Sunday 2009 I weighed in the mid 240's and turned on the gas. I reached 194 pounds in September (?) of 2009. I've maintained mid 190's now for over 9 months.

I simply set some rules for myself. When I want to eat that kielbasa on a stick, I look at the clock. I allow myself some treats, but never after 6pm. I say to myself "I can have some popcorn, or raw veggies, when I get home -- I'll be a better father that way."

For me, I've intertwined my faith in God with my efforts related to my health. If that is something that fits your beleifs I'd be happy to share some of that with you. In general, I set out for myself some 1) priorities, 2) guidelines, and 3) rules.

For example --
1) PRIORITIES: Do those things first that are important.
-- Eat raw veggies, foods high in fiber, and drink a glass of water about 1 to 1 1/2 hours before lunch and dinner. That 'foundational fullness' helps me make better choices at the dinner table.
-- Have fruit and raw veggies handy for snacking. Eat what is good for you first and you are less likely to pursue the other.
2) GUIDELINES: Have some things you lean to for help.
-- Plan a couple of meals a week where you eat something you really like (or you will go crazy)
-- The portion of meals that is not fruits or veggies should be the size of your two fists put together.
-- Eat every few hours.
-- Hunger pains are often dehydration pains, have water at hand at all times.
-- Have something you can use as a 'replacement' when you have cravings. I chewed on crushed ice -- drove everyone crazy around me -- but it helped me when I quit smoking and when I got strict on my diet. I also use nuts of all kinds to stop cravings -- the natural plant fats are very satiating, and the salt helps as a 'craving-stop-trigger' after you do it for a while. 13 almonds 1/2 a serving, and has a much better impact than some would assume.
3) RULES: Have a couple things where you simply tell yourself 'no'.
-- No food after 6pm except "freebie" foods (freebies are 94% fat free popcorn, raw celery, raw carrots, raw cucumbers -- for me)
-- No meat on Monday (I use Monday as a 'super strict day' to get back on track after the weekend).

All that said.... my cholesterol hasn't come back in line completely with my weight loss -- so my wife and our own DocChopless have encouraged me to make an appointment (which I have... mid July) to get put on Lipitor.

I wish you the best -- (note that I'm going to be off the board for about 10 days.... so don't think I'm ignoring you if I don't post back quickly)

I feel your pain....