GOOOO Andy!!! I'm gonna be your cheerleader. But no pompoms ok?
I think it's awesome and you're on the right track here... change of lifestyle. The results may seem 'slower', but they will be results and they will last. No yo yo stuff. Just remember to change it up, especially with exercise. Like cycle on and off things.. key is cardio. .. eh, I'm rambling on what everyone else has touched on..bunch of smart peeps here!!
Good luck hun, let me know if I can help. (no I wont go running, to the gym, or cook for you lol)