I completely understand where you are coming from. I'm the heaviest I've ever been. I used to be a stick, so it really bothers me being the weight that I am.
When I think of the long term goals I have, that's when the anxiety kicks in, and the thoughts of failure take over. I have to lose this much weight by such and such a date, and if I don't, I have failed.
What I think is much better is the short term goals. Maybe this week, try to lose 1 pound. It's not unrealistic, and when you accomplish it, you feel great. Once that goal is met, set another one. And so on.
So start small and don't let those thoughts of failure kick in before you've even started. You can do this, and there are plenty of us here to support you!

Yvette makes a great point. Small goals are great because they are achievable and noticeable.

Accountability is key as well. The Weekly Weigh-In has helped me to stay on top of checking my progress once a week and making adjustments as needed.
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Diets_Weight_Maintenance/forum/20729883-weekly-weighin-july-1925

I have lost about 70 pounds and kept it off over the past 15 years. I took it in 15 pound increments. I lost the first 15, then just tried staying there for a while, then I lost the next five, then five more, etc. It takes commitment and it isn't easy, but don't think of failure before you even are through the first week. Just keep plugging away. The weight will come off.

Thank you for taking the time to respond. Losing weight is difficult and I guess I am trying to brace myself for the struggle ahead. It's true though that setting smaller goals are a good idea. My big goal right now is 25 pounds. That will not make me thin, but I will feel a lot more comfortable at that weight and I am not trying to be unrealistic about what I can accomplish. I am just 2 pounds away from my first mini- goal, so it feels very reachable.

It's inspiring to hear of a sustained weight loss of 70 pounds over 15 years. What do you think helped contribute to your ability to keep the weight off? What were the permanent changes you made?

I will also check out the weekly weigh in. It sounds like a good idea.

Givelove, I made some changes that have stuck for quite a while. No more sodas, even diet. I drink hot tea, iced tea, and seltzer water. I don't eat past 8 at night. I eat 3 meals a day, 1 or 2 snacks. I eat protein at every meal. Protein give you energy and tastes good to me. I eat no potatoes, no pasta, no bread, except Ezekiel, but I eat brown rice a few times a week. I eat 2 or 3 fruits a day, and as many veggies as I want.

And the biggie: No sweets. No candy, cake, cookies, pie, etc. And no chips, dips (except with veggies), nuts. I eat microwave popcorn a couple of evenings a week.

Once in w while, if I am really hungry, I eat a tablespoon of reduced fat peanut butter or a couple slices of turkey in the evening. I hope this helps somewhat. It is not easy, but at some point in this journey, I just decided I would rather be a healthy thin than fat.

I like Yvette's idea of starting with a 1 pound weight lose goal. I think I'm going to give that a try as opposed to trying to lose 20 pounds up front.

Thanks for giving me more info on your continued ability to keep the weight off. I don't know how strict I can be with myself over time, but I am hoping to make some permanent positive changes. Probably the biggest hurdle I will need to overcome over time is portion control. I have lived most of my life eating what I want within certain limits. But I know I need to practice more self-directed behaviour. Hopefully, these changes will become habit after I lose weight and I won't wind up back where I am now or heavier.