Life changing event.

Welcome! I won't put down weight loss surgery - it seems to be the only effective way for some. However, you have chosen a path that requires a lot of self-control and presents a different set of challenges. Congratulations on taking that step!

Speaking from my experience:

Do:
-Log your calories religiously, especially at first. This will help you to develop a great feel for what works and what won't.
-Exercise - even walking 30 minutes is great
-Ask for help - we're here!

Don't:
-Weigh in more often than 1-2 times per week
-Drink your calories (you'll be more hungry)
-Cheat your diary (omit things, or stop filling it out on bad days)
-Hide from the scale
-Listen to any Fad diet (low carb, low fat, red bull and celery)
-Trust your hunger. If you eat the right number of calories, you won't starve. Our bodies get used to overeating, and resist a change. This resistance feels like hunger.
-Deprive yourself of things you love. If you love ice cream, have ice cream once or twice a week. Just not half a gallon of it . . . make it fit into your calorie budget

The biggest: Don't take advice from most people. Most americans are overweight, and eat garbage food. Most people will try to give you advice. Some will attempt to sabotage you, maliciously or accidentally. People will see you losing weight and be jealous. They'll tell you you don't need to lose any more. They'll buy you junk food. They'll say really weird stuff. You've decided to take this step, and you alone will know when you get the results you want.