How Do I Start My Weight Loss Journey?

Yes.  Weight loss is a journey.  It was a journey getting here and it will be a journey getting back to that smaller size.  So, how do you start?
Great question.  That's what I am frequently asked by those wanting to start loosing weight. The most important point is that you need to want to start. In the words of Napoleon Hill, "Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything."
First, Know Where You Are Coming From.
Get a journal and weight yourself.  Write it down and then check your weight every 2-3 days.  Don't weigh yourself every day.  This can be discouraging and many people fluctuate 2-5lbs every day based on meals and water intake.  
What you should record every day is what you eat.  Record your meals.  If you are being followed by a weight loss specialist, they will want to see this.  Record every thing you eat.  And, record your water intake.  I am amazed at how many of my patient's are dehydrated and just putting water back into their systems help them loose weight. 
Second, Plan Your Day.
Planning is the key to weight loss on any program.   You should plan your exercise and plan your meals the night before.  Failing to plan is really just planning to fail. 
Third, What's the Underlying Cause?

Acanthosis Nigricans

You can't loose weight unless you understand why you are gaining weight.  Two thirds of my patients are insulin resistant to some degree.  This is usually the cause of their weight gain.  Your doctor will need to identify this through blood work.  However, as a rule of thumb,  if you walk toward the wall and the first thing that touches the wall is your belly, there is a significant chance you are insulin resistant.   If you have skin tags or thickened browning skin at areas of skin folds, you are probably insulin resistant.  

Skin Tag

Insulin resistance requires a different dietary approach than the low fat diets.  If you are insulin resistant a low fat diet will not be very effective and you may even gain weight on a low fat diet.  If you have any of these symptoms, you need to follow up with your doctor or weight management specialist.
Loosing weight is possible.  As a journey, it will probably have a number of components that will be necessary to make it effective for you.  
Either way, enjoy the journey!!