Ive lost weight but I dont feel that much better!

When I graduated nursing school last year in June, I weighed 148 pounds. I am 5'4". I was a size 9, a tight size 9 and I had a muffin top and didnt feel comfortable weariing any snug fitting top without a cardigan or a sweater over it. I could hide everything under scrubs as a nurse!
Then I got tired of feeling so heavy and feeling everything jiggle as I walked. I didn't have much energy and I wasn't motivated to work out at a gym that was down the street from my house at my college. One of my friends, ex-friends had worked out with me occasionally but it was inconsistent and sporadic. I also wasn't on a diet. I ate whatever I wanted. And I ate out every day, multiple times a day. I was making small progress. Minimal.
In May I began to diet very strictly. No fast food, salads, high protien, no carbs, no sweets, etc. But I was not exercising enough to lose weight quick enough. I was very deconditioned. The first month is the hardest and most important! You truly learn about what your willing to tolerate and do for your body. After jogging 15 minutes, my sides would start to hurt and I would become short of breath, like I couldnt take it anymore. In about a month and half, my strength increased and I was running 20 miinutes, no problem. I got less cravings for unhealthy foods and craved lean meants and fresh ingredients more than anything. The only problem was I was still casuall drinking with friends. Mixed drinks, cocktails, beers.
I am still not willing to change that.
I do however want to educate myself better on muscle building and fat percentage loss. I need book suggestions.
I work out 5 times a week now. And I lift weights almost everyday. I alternate using the treadmill and stair climber machine. I worked my way up to 37 minutes on the treadmill, Lightly running. And I'm at 16 minutes on the stair climber, at a low intensity level. Which is very difficult still.
I now weigh 127.4 pounds. As of today. I am a size 4-7, depending on the band of clothing.
My bust went from a 36 to a 34, but I'm still a C cup thank god!
My thighs still touch but they dont rub as much and my shorts dont ride up! My legs dont jiggle when I walk and my glutes feel higher. I havent measured inches but I plan on doing that next!
i eat 2-3 times a day, low carb, sugar-free, high protien, low fat. I don't count calories.
I feel like I have more energy, confidence and stamina! But despite having more energy, my confidence could be better, and I feel like I still am too strict with eating as if Im depriving myself of foods I really like. I think Im over disciplining myself. But the end result of it is good and I feel like it's worth it. And I enjoy having less guilt. Actually zero guilt. Anyways, thats my success story