Jim, you can do it if you want it badly enough.
But... here are some tips.
1. Start when you have a bit of a "breather". If you have REALLY BIG projects going on in your life, wait until a week when your life is quieter.
2. Get ready before you start. Cut down on carbs, go through your cupboards and ELIMINATE all junk and anything that might tempt you once you do start. Throwing food out is NOT A WASTE OF MONEY. It may save your life. That was a big mind-set for me to change. If it is full of fat and calories, get rid of it.
3. Try and go shopping with someone else for support whenever you can. Steer clear of aisles in supermarkets which are tempting. I couldn't look at certain things for weeks until my mind and body stabilised and I found them no longer tempting.
4. Once you do start a serious diet, keep life very simple, get LOTS OF REST, and don't pick up big and stressful projects for a little while.
5. Beware of social invitations for the first little while. For about 3 weeks, unless it would cause enormous offence to someone you care about, avoid social occasions. After that, MAKE YOUR OWN FOOD or TAKE YOUR OWN DRINK before going. It takes me about a month to be comfortable around other people who are eating things I like, or drinking stuff I like. You will find your own ways and tricks of getting through those "must do" social occasions.
6. Ignore other people's well meaning attempts to tell you you are doing the wrong thing, or should be doing it differently. Tell them you are under medical advice or whatever it takes. You don't have to explain yourself or justify yourself to others if you want to change your life. Once they see the results, they will back off - eventually. So many people want to "do your life for you" and it gets very wearying!!!! Believe in yourself and be your own best friend.
7. If you have a friend, buddy or partner who can help you along the way - great. Make sure it is someone you have confidence in, and you can spill your guts to them along the way. Everyone else - it's not their business!!!!!!
8. If you have parents or close rellies around, beware as they often think that feeding up their child/nephew is a way of showing love, or will get offended if you don't eat their super cooking. Bring out your "medical supervision" explanation, and assure them you love their stuff but it's not for you right now.
9. Hang in for the long haul and don't let the numbers on the scales do you in. They will go all over the place for a while - don't weigh more than once per week if you can manage it, less is better. On a daily basis, we retain fluid, lose it, and the numbers can be scary. This is a long term project to get your life in order - if you follow the plan, it will happen for you!
10. You can definitely lose whatever number of pounds you need to. Just don't be in a huge rush, follow the rules and believe in yourself.