My name is Laura and I am from Texas. I am guessing I am in the same boat as everyone else here. I have lost and double gained and quit trying.
My doctor recently told me about a book called "The Beck Diet Solution". It uses the ideas of cognitive therapy to help change thoughts and habits with regard to food, exercise, etc...There is a workbook that walks you through two weeks of preparation before the diet begins. It has given me hope.
One of the exercises is to chose a diet coach. This a hard task as most everyone I know is thin and in good shape. Unless a person has been overweight, they really don't understand. I do have a coach and she has been supportive thus far but I feel I need some people that really know what is going on. I have already read some really good posts and look forward to reading and posting more.

Welcome aboard. I haven't heard of that book but if it emphasizes changing your mind to sustain permanent weight loss.... it's probably pretty good. I don't think I agree that a coach has to have experience with being fat. I've never been real fat yet I've successfully 'coached' many fat people thin.