Other than food choices and exercise . . .

Plan your meals/snacks rather than just winging it.

I would add this: while the enthusiasm is strong to make the changes early on, someone should fully discuss (rather than make mere mention) with a newby the fact that there is no end to the requirement for them to be compliant regarding food, water, supplements and exercise.

I'm talking for the entirety of their life, not just while the weight is coming off, 2 years, 5 years, 10 years, or even 20+ years out. 

-Discuss the ongoing expense of follow up bloodwork and supplements.  The need for them never goes away. 

-Discuss how they will handle themselves outside their routine meals such as in social outings, food spreads at work/church, in settings with food as the emphasis like weddings, reunions, etc.  For those who cook, how they see themselves managing food as they prepare it for themselves and for those group settings where they bring food in quantity.  Discuss the temptations to nibble, drink alcohol, etc.  We all need to be ready with a plan, and the resolve to stay the course.

We all need to understand that it's natural to revert to comfort foods while dealing with emotional upset, but we MUST behave in a way that is opposite of what is natural in order to avoid the dreaded reaching back to what may have 'comforted' us in the past. 

Overall, I think developing coping skills for the long haul is key to lifelong success with the weight battle.

Terri,

For me it was getting busy doing other things to take my mind off of eating, weight loss and the scale.  I was driving myself crazy.  Also, I drink water and take walks during my lunch breaks -- I can usually stick to small portions after a walk.

For those with lap bands, don't depend on the band to do all the work -- we have to work hard to make the weight come off.  My weight loss is slow, but I don't gain back what I lose.

The number one tip is:

Do not compare yourself to anyone else.