After a decade of failing, I'm also finally succeeding at getting to my ideal weight.
I crossed a big threshold last week - I'm now at the top end of my my healthy range. I want to get to the middle before I stop losing weight, but to have gone from being officially obese, to officially overweight, to officially healthy weight is very pleasing!
For me, the key was measuing calories in and calories out. Measuring only one just did not work, I had to measure both.
I use the Apple Watch to track what I burn, and My Fitness Pal to track what I eat, and while losing weight, I try to burn 500 more calories each day than I take in.
The only way that's practical of course is by adding excercise into the equation. An hour on the bike every day combined with watching what you eat works wonders.
B.