I think the biggest thing is keeping your motivation going--I think that's why ww works for so many people. They focus on having you remind yourself often what your big reason for doing this is (your "why"), especially if you go to the workshops. It has to be really specific. I've spent my whole life losing and gaining and re- losing and re-gaining so mine is "to stop dieting and start living" but it could be about your kids, partner, friends, job, running a marathon, living a long healthy life, looking great at a reunion or something, but it has to be something so powerful that you stay motivated when it's hard. I like going to the workshops, it's kind of like therapy. Also thanks to the person who mentioned overeaters anonymous, I might check that out.