How successful were you in loosing weight question?

Went in to see the dietitian at the Mather VA last week in regards to loosing some weight off this old mans body.
The goal is 30 pounds, down to 200, by the end of the year.
That's a figure that's pretty much do able, i guess, as this 70 year old will be changing his eating habits.
Any of you guys out there in the membership land, loose weight, and how successful were you at doing it?
Any tips to follow, you can pass along?
Thank's.
Jim V.
hemi71x