Hi, Kim & Deb! Welcome to WISH. We are just a bunch of people who are trying to get healthy and fit. There are all sorts of plans to lose weight and pretty much all of them are represented here.
I am doing Weight Watchers, though I don't go to meetings. I journal everything I eat through weight watchers on line and I keep a journal here on the WISH boards to keep myself accountable, to track how I am doing and to have something to look back at. Most of all, though, I do it to get support from other people who face or have faced the same struggles I have.
Kim -- I think you will enjoy looking at the various "program-oriented" threads like WW, Firm, South Beach, Atkins, etc. to find a group of like-minded people and find some support there.
Deb -- I have been where you are. The reality is, you are just going to have to make a decision and stay as committed to it as possible. Most of us start with baby steps. Decide what you are doing right and do more of it (ie swimming, walking, eating veggies, etc.) and figure out what you are doing wrong and do less of it (ie eating out too much, late night eating, chips instead of fruits, etc.). Unfortunately, your clothes are not going to fit unless YOU do something. This is one area of our lives where we are the ones in control. We can't blame our food choices on anyone else. We are adults. There is a sign hanging in my office that says "It is the choices I make that determine the person I become" I still have to remind myself every day that improvement only comes with effort.
So, what commitment are you willing to make to yourself today? Are you going to get through the day with no junk food? Are you going to eat a salad for lunch? Are you going to go for a 20 minute walk? It all starts with a decision and a choice. Commit and commence.
Okay, now I just gave myself a very needed pep talk (check out my journal for the saga of my strugggle. It will make you feel better.)
Have a great day!