Hey ladies - I'm not looking to lose weight right now, but over the past few years, in between pregnancies, I've lost 55lbs and have become, for the first time in my life, a healthy weight. I did not join any clubs or programs, nor go on any particular diet.
The things that worked the best for me were:
1. Deciding I was going to do it. Really. I wrote down my goal with a chart to mark off each pound lost. It was on the pantry door where the snacks are.
2. Drinking water. I hate water, but it made a big difference.
3. Eating regular meals. If you starve yourself, you'll slow your metabolism, and have a terrible time making progress.
4. Eating well. Fruit. Veggies. Almonds. Whole grains. You know what's healthy - stick with it. Avoid packaged stuff, meal replacers, snack bars, etc.
5. Exercising. Build some muscle - it's boosts your metabolism. A pilates DVD worked wonders for me. I can't get out easily with all the little ones, so I needed something to do at home. Once I got into the habit (and it was hard to make the habit, but you CAN do it!) I found it made me feel SO MUCH BETTER!
6. Forgiving yourself. If you have a crappy day and polish off the chocolate ice cream, don't give up. Say "Well, that was a crappy day, and I'm probably going to see it on the scale, but so what. Tomorrow will be better."
7. Realizing that your cycle affects your weight loss/gain. Some weeks, you'll retain water and gain a few pounds. Keep going. They'll come off again. Be patient.

All the best ladies! Honestly, if I can do it, anyone can do it. I was a serious couch potato with pathetic motivation, and I made it.

Oh - by the way - every time I started really stepping up the amount of water I drank, I became pregnant.