Overall many good suggestions in this thread. The key thing is this: a LIFESTYLE CHANGE. It can't be for one week , one month, or one year. It must include both diet and exercise, and should include the occasional (but rare) splurge to maintain sanity. So many people want to take the easy way out and go for obesity surgery rather than exercise some self control.

For those of you who have accomplished weight loss or are working on your goal presently, congratulations!