What's a good managed weight loss program?

Then Weight Watchers is probably your best option.

I had a lot of success with Weight Watchers years ago.
I really need to go back.

Thanks to both, I’m looking into it. I guess I thought that WW had the whole “buy OUR food only” thing.

No, they help you eat in the real world. I am a 3 time lifetime member of weight watchers. I always loose weight but I think their maintenance leaves a lot to be desired. I finally had success in a “buy their food” program and after 3 years I still eat their food for most of my diet. I got fat on “fast food.” Their food is healthy “fast food,” so it works for me.

what exactly is a “3 time lifetime” member? What are their costs like?

When you reach your goal and stay there for a certain number of weeks (not very many if I recall) you get a “Lifetime Member” pin. If you stay within a narrow window of your goal all your meetings during maintenance are free.
I am a 3 time lifetime member because the first time I became a lifetime member was when I was 15. I only had to loose 20 lbs that time. The Next 2 times were so much later and it was just easier to join up again than to reactivate my lifetime membership. It was embarrassing anyway because each successive time I had more to loose. I reached my goal each time so I ended up with 3 lifetime pins.

I see, thanks. I remember what it was like to be in shape, and have become disgusted enough with myself to finally admit I need help. I quit smokeless tobacco almost 2 years ago, and have gained about 50lbs since.

You’ll do great. It sounds like you are mentally ready. Weight Watchers is pretty cheap if I recall. You can join online (here’s their fee schedule) but it would be better if you went to meetings. It looks like they have a $40.00 per month special going on. It would really be better to start before the holidays than have an extra 5 or 10 lbs to loose from the holidays.