Hey again Tahiti--
What type of plan am I on? Well, right now I'm still trying to lose those stubborn last 20 lbs so I'm actually being a bit more scientific/strict about my diet and exercise program. I'm eating an average of 1500 calories daily (in the form of small, healthy meals throughout the day), strength training every 2 to 3 days, and doing about 30 mins of cardio whenever I can manage it (usually about 3 x a week).
However, when I started losing I was right about the same weight you are now and I just made the decision to eat healthier and try to get more general activity into my everyday life--I didn't really go on a "diet" so to speak. I figured that if I was truly eating healthy and responsibly and was still overweight, oh well maybe that was the way I was meant to be. I made a commitment that everytime I ate I would choose something healthier than I would have usually. This meant switching out an italian or meatball sub at lunch for a turkey sub in the same size without cheese. Instead of grabbing 3 slices of pizza at the pizza shop I opted for the lunch special where you get 3 stuffed shells, a salad, and small roll. I started skipping high calorie/low nutrient foods that I wouldn't really miss, like butter, salad croutons, sour cream. When I got a sweet craving I choose something sweet that at least provided nutrients (like yogurt, granola bars, chocolate milk) instead of the usual honey bun or cookies. If I was hungry I always ate, but sometimes when I knew I had already eaten enough and shouldn't really still be hungry I'd just eat a big bowl of green beans or brocolli--anything that would satisfy my urge to eat without overloading my calories.
At the same time I tried to get a little more every day exercise. I took the steps instead of the elevator. I ran down the mall for co-workers whenever they wanted coffee. I parked a little bit further from the door. I didn't really try to exercise, I aimed more just to stop
avoiding activity like I usually would have.
After the first month, when I saw I had lost weight and not really even felt like I was "dieting"--just being healthy instead--it really helped to motivate me. I stuck with the same routine for two years and managed to get down to the weight where I am now. I probably lost about 60 lbs in the first year and 30 in the second. That took me down to 150ish, which I have mainained for several years by just doing the same things. Unfortunately the last 20 lbs are requiring me to really analyse my diet and challenge myself with exercise. But that's cool. I'm happy at 150, I just want to see if I can finally get to goal
I don't know too much about diabetes or the extra challenge that it will impose on your eating habits. I was reading up on diabetes awhile ago and it seemed like there was a lot of thought involved in when a diabetic should eat what type of food in regards to their insulin intake/levels. It must be a challenge! If you could find a way to make healthier choices, consistently, while staying in-line with whatever diabetic guidelines you have then I think you would definitely see a weight loss if you're patient.
If you want to find a structured plan to follow, from what I've seen weight watchers is healthy, reasonably and sound. In my opinion it's the best "diet" out there because it forces you to eat a well-rounded diet and the point system is very convenient for tracking calories. I also see more weight watchers people who manage to maintain their weight after loss, which is a crucial aspect. If you're interested at all there's a weight watchers forum here at 3fatchicks
Anyway, I'm sorry to be so longwinded. It's really hard for me to explain everything that had to take place for me to finally lose this weight though. It was years of trial and error on top of a basic commitment to just be healthier. Overall the best advice I can give you is to find small ways that you can improve your eating habits and lifestyle. They have to be things that you're willing to do forever in order to maintain your loss, so start small and reasonably and see where that takes you. Once you start losing weight and see the rewards of your choices and efforts, it really does become a lot easier.
Good luck and I hope to see you around more!