I'm 5'9" and 175lbs.
Last September (2007) I was 216 lbs.
Lost about 40 lbs and it was really easy. I did a combination of no carbs and calorie reduction.
Basically, if my wife made chicken, green beans and potatoes, I didn't eat the potatoes, AND I didn't add extra food to make up for the potatoes.
If you eliminate your carb/refined sugar intake for 5-6 months, you'll get down to your target weight. There's still alot of great stuff to eat.
Once you get to your target weight (mine was 175lbs) start working carbs back into your diet. Step on the scale everyday. If you get down to 173ish, eat what every you want that weekend. Eat whatever you want on holidays. When the scale says 178lbs+, eat more salads for lunch.
Most people probably eat fine to maintain their weight, but they've increased their weight by 40lbs over 15 years or so. It only takes a few months to reverse all that weight gain, and just a bit of attention to the scale to maintain it. I found the whole process really easy. I was surprised how easy it was to loose 40lbs and keep it off.
If you need any advice, post here or PM me and I'll answer.