It's true that repeated starts/stops will make subsequent attempts more difficult, but it's not hopeless. Your very best bet is to research and find a plan that you know you can stick with for LIFE. After you've done that and made the commitment, the next thing I would advise is that you forget about timelines.....they just set you up for a sense of failure if your goals are not met.

The key to success on any diet plan is to stick to it as best you can, be patient, be consistent and DO NOT GIVE UP. I started at 182 in March of this year and now I'm at 156-158. I started with a goal of 150 by Aug. 31....but I soon tossed that out the window when I realized that I was in this for life, so it didn't matter how fast or how slow the weight came off. We'd all like to lose 3 lbs. a week, but that truly isn't realistic. The only alternative is to do the best we can! The rest will take care of itself.

Good luck!!