Hi M.,
I agree with the other comment about cutting out soda, and that includes diet soda. The best thing to drink is water and if you only drink water you'll cut lots of calories easily.
This spring I canceled cable TV and I have since lost 10 lbs! If there is nothing on TV I wont sit there mindlessly flipping channels -- I got off my butt and a few weeks later my butt was smaller ;-)
You might try land's end for bathing suits, they have many 1 and 2 pieces that will hide figure flaws.
Finally, about the poochy... that's a scar you can only get with motherhood! Rock-on Sista, it's a sign that you are a MOM and probably an awesome one at that!
Good luck with everything!
E. W.