Anthony, you've known me for years, so the following bit of emotional support should surprise you not at all.
You've already taken a step that most experts consider critical in any "self-improvement" effort. You've told people. Most of all, you've told people who actually care whether or not you succeed. Always take the time to mention your successes, be they big or be they small, on here and get the kudos and support you need to keep going. Also mention the frustrations you'll have, the plateurs you hit, etc., so that your supporters can urge you on.
You can't do something like this in a vacuum. I was on Weight Watchers for a while - I dropped it for the time being when I moved and had to do "medical things," because I can only juggle so many balls at once - but I'll get back to it. Their whole program is based on not only sound eating advice but MAD emotional and psychological support. (My youngest sister recently got a pin for losing 60 pounds in her effort. My other sister gets applause at her meetings.) I was doing it online, and they have chat rooms, zillions of them, so that you can chat with people who have things in common with you. Age, stages of life, hobbies, etc., etc.
I wish you, instead of luck, strength and belief in yourself. I know that if anyone can have washboard abs (I rather like that phrase) again you can.
Just don't make the tummy too damned hard. Most women consider it terribly polite for a man to have a comfortable place for her to rest her head during "physical workouts" of her own...if you get my drift there.
