[jesca]

Well, it sounds like you're setting yourself up to succeed, both mentally and physically, so that's awesome! I think the day by day thing will totally get you through. I have done some serious, but necessary diet things, like cutting out everything that could ever cause a migraine so I could figure out what was causing them, and that was really hard. I had to carry a list around with me of the things I couldn't eat because I couldn't remember them all. I did it for 6 weeks, and I can tell you know that I remember that it was rough, but I don't remember a lot of pain. What I know is that I have been so much better for doing it, so I think that's how this could be for you.
I keep thinking that I've been trying to lose weight for so long. Like years, and I think, if I just made a concerted effort, couldn't I do this in a few months and not have to worry about losing anymore? Wouldn't maintenance be so much easier? It makes so much sense when you write it down or think it over, but geez it's hard to do everyday. I'm getting better, but I think that's my mantra now. Better to focus for a few months to make everything great, than to be thinking/obsessing over something for years like I've done.