I haven't read all these posts, but I have some comments for you.
First, congratulations. Making the first step about knowing you need help and are seriously wanting that change bad is the hardest step of all.
Second, I've found the key to weight loss is 3 simple rules. 1. Exercise more. 2. Eat less. 3. Eat better. They are in order of importance as well. I've found time and time again.. sticking to those three will make significant changes to your physique.
From what I have skimmed, everyone seems to be giving you very good ideas. When it comes to losing weight, the number one factor is exercise. It sounds as if you are already realizing that route and are willing to do it. Dedication to that will get you 75% of the way there. I would however recommend doing weight lifting in combination with your cardiovascular workouts. I often here people who want to lose weight say, "I don't want to bulk up though". Well, the key is that building muscle mass will help your body to burn more fuel all day long even in a relaxed state. Muscle burns energy all the time. The more muscle you have, the more you will burn.
Here is a site that I would thorougly recommend about weightlifting and especially diet:
www.bodybuilding4you.com
Get on their forums, post this same message you posted here on there and they will help you. There are lots, and I mean LOTS, of great readers of that forum that truly want to help people that are in dire needs of a health makeover.
You can go there and set goals for yourself. I always believe setting short and long term goals and sharing them with others can help immensely. Also, finding someone who might be willing to take a "challenge" with you and also be going through what you are going through at the same time can give you the mental fortitude sometimes to stick with it because you can have each other for support. Keeping a daily log of your exercise and what you eat is also a good idea. It forces you to visually SEE how much you put in your body for the day. Write down how much you drink too (in all forms) just so you can see how much of everything you are putting in your body. Do this for several weeks and it can put a realistic spin on what you really need to work on.
Pertaining to diet, the number one rule for weight loss is : eat less. Second rule, eat better. Remember which rule comes first. I know the hardest part for me is eating better, because I love those sweets, but I believe in moderation. For me, I decided that even though they were bad for me.. if I could reduce my intake of desserts to only 1 after only 1 meal, and no snacking on sweets during the day.. that was a really good start.
In looking for foods that give you energy, Stevie is on to something. You want to find foods lower in the GI (Glycemic Index) because they release their energy slower over time and will help you to feel full longer. Also, as others have said as well.. WATER. Drink plenty of water. Tons of water.
Alright, and I know you don't want to hear it but... stop drinking. If you can, it is better for you in many many ways. The alcohol reasons aside, it is a killer on a healthy diet. Especially beer. Also, another hard to hear one is to stop drinking soft drinks/colas/cokes/sodas/pop. Taking those out of your diet alone if you are a big soda drinker will make a big jump toward helping you keep down your caloric intake for the day.
Okay, some starter rules for you if you can handle them.
1. Exercise more (weight lifting AND cardio)
2. Eat less (drink plenty of water and use foods low in the GI to help curb hunger pains, and stop the snacking.. just don't buy snack foods - if they aren't around, you can't eat them.)
3. Eat better (read and learn about the GI and the right balance of protein/carbs/fat for your body's needs*).
=).. see, they still apply
Most of all, good luck. Keep your current mindset, and don't get discouraged.. it takes time. I know you want fast results.. but these things aren't overnight kinds of changes. However, with the right amount of work, you can and will see your changes start very quickly. However, once you've lost the first 30-50 pounds it might slow down and you might hit a plateau... from there you will need to refocus and know that you can still go further.
Take care and good luck.
* beware what you read on websites relating to portein/carb/fat blends for your body. Most are targeted toward bodybuilding, and thus are skewed toward that thinking.