20lbs I lost throught weight watchers, then I started to yo-yo (but I think weight watchers will work great to lose just 20lbs). Then I jumped on Medifast (with my doctor's permission). It's a soy protien based diet. I was on a "modified" version of the program, meaning I had 4 of thier supplements a day (and they have oatmeal, soups, shakes, bars, hot chocolate and actual FOOD now too I think) and 1 meal, but my "meal" was the size of what most people consider a side dish. For example, 1/2 an acorn squash would be my "meal". I lost 2lbs a week on that and have kept most of it off a year later. I was on the program for 6 months and lost the rest of my weight during that time. I stopped when I wasn't clinicall obese anymore. I'm just considered "overweight" now, with 30-35lbs to go!
I recently purchased the beachbody.com's Power 90 videos and those have been kicking my tail into gear!
It's fun too. I also recommend The Method's Bootcamp video (though it takes more coordination).
What Medifast taught me that weight watchers didn't is that 3 meals a day is NOT normal or healthy. I eat every 2-3 hours now. But I eat small. For example, breakfast this morning was 1 buckwheat bananna pancake (left over from my pancake bake I do every Saturday morning) made with Splenda (instead of sugar) and a cup of tea. Two hours later, I had 1 full hard bioled egg and 1 just egg whites.
A few tricks - Don't eat anything at work that you don't bring! It'll help control calories. Cut out caffine, it screws with your metabolism. Get evaluated for any hormonal problems. I'm a PCOS patient, so I tend to keep the weight on and it causes my body to be a tad insulin resistant, so I have to monitor my refined carb intake a little more closely than most folks (which is why Slim Fast actually PUT WEIGHT ON ME! It's carb based, or was when I was on it years ago). Cut out soda if you can, or limit yourself to 1 day. Keep alcohol to a moderate level, meaning 1 glass of wine per night, 1 beer per week, 1 mixed drink per week. You can substitute water for oil in most recipies. You can also subsitute cooking spray for greasing pans before cooking.
Another thing that helped is I stopped buying processed foods. It saves us money and lets us know EXACTLY what's in our food. So no more crackers and junk for me (expect for rare occasions). If it's got all those preservatives in it, imagine how well it "preserves" in your body! We go to Henry's and Wild Oats Markets and Trader Joe's and pick up food there. We buy whatever is on sale and work out meals (sometimes creative meals) from that. It keeps a variety in the house as well, and saves us about $100/month on groceries.
And reward yourself with things OTHER than food when you reach a goal. Get a new pair of shoes, or a spa treatment. My DH has actually started a rewards program for me. For the first 5lbs, I reward myself for the loss. For the next 5 lbs, he plans a reward for me. Get a good support mechanism and you can do anything!
I see you have kids too. Remember - they learn to eat from you!
Good luck! PM me if you need an online support buddy!
So my question is, HOW??? I have about 20 pounds to lose and have done atkins which worked last summer, but wasn't realistic for me. Today I started weight watchers. I'm just curious how you did it!!!!
Yes, I've had 2 kids dear, that can really change someone's body - ugh, it makes me mad! I'm 140 now, was 123 when I got pregnant with Tori. He wants to see that magical 117 again, and all things will be solved then. Whatever!
). I'm going to check out that video online and read about it. I'm SO uncoordinated that it isn't funny so the other wouldn't work for me either! I also had a personal trainer for a year and didn't lose a thing with him. So frustrating! 
I can't believe I was ever there.
