I worked for 2 years on the 'other side' and compared with this side you are in for a much harder time. We have way too much temptation in the UK, but in the States it is so much harder. I was in NYC for most of the time, but spent 9 weeks in DFW, that was the most calorific experience of my life as we worked 20 hour days and just ate and slept.
You may find that you will be able to eat candy afterwards, and will push yourself to the limit testing.
If your kids are overweight as well, you need to have an entire family tough love. Every form of processed food, chips, candy, sodas get them out of the house NOW. Junk food is to be banned family wide.
Get the entire house on home cooked portion controlled food ready for your changes. Make time for planning healthier meals. If you can't cook, learn, there are enough recipes on the www.
Make time for living
And just a small lecture from an old timer... follow the rules

, they are not there to be broken. We do know what we are talking about. I have gone from a US 16 (UK 20) to a US 2/4 (UK 6/8) in 13 months. Being thin is FAB !!