Oo - this is my kinda thread! Thanks for sharing Chris. I know it can be difficult to do so big ups to you for doing it. If you want my advise (oh yea, I graduated with a KIN degree ) Here it is:
Give up pop - Obvious and its already been said - gotta cut back on the pop. There's substantial evidence that these drinks increase the long-term risk of several cardiometabolic disorders, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease yadda yadda yadda... you probably are well aware. More importantly for your goals, however, there have also been several clinic trials showing that the reduction of these drinks leads to meaningful weight loss.
Don't obsess about going to the gmy - Getting to the gym can be difficult, but it's not the end-all of fitness. Over the past few years, I think there's WAY too much emphasis being put on "going" to the gym. People can get fitness without ever going there. Sign up for a pick-up league of football, play shinny once a week, join an intramural baseball league... social activities like sport are often underused as a way of getting fit. That being said, being physically active and increasing your metabolism is key. If going to the gym is the way for you, then giddy-yap.
Small Changes - Fitness and increasing your metabolism can be done by simply altering some tiny decisions you make. Take the stairs instead of the escalator, bike or walk to class, eat many smaller meals rather than 3 large ones.- all these things are very easy to do and will show major results, regardless of everything else.
Find what motivates you - the most important part of attaining your goal is that you can stay motivate and have the drive to accomplish it. I have several little things that I have that keeps me motivated but ultimately, it keeps me going. You gotta keep that drive.
The fact that you've already successfully lost a lot of weight in the past before should be a huge push in the right direction for you - you know it's attainable. Now you just have to put in the time and dedication to see it out. Even with the one time I've met you, I can see from your personality that you have a steady resolve about you and if you set your sights on something - nothing's gonna stand in your way!!
Thanks for reading ahah, hopefully this helps a little. If you want anything more specific let me know. My door is always open.