I just wanted to pop in with some things that have worked for me.
Drink a lot of water. I used to hate water and would have to force myself to drink it. When I started paying attention to the calories in what I was drinking, I started forcing myself to drink it. I realized that the calories in my drinks were almost equal to two meals. Its difficult at first, but after about a month I wanted nothing but water, and nothing else works (now) when I am thirsty. Also, drink a full glass before you sit down to eat. You will be amazed at how much less you eat.
Someone else mentioned the George Formans Grill. My friends and family say I should be a spokesperson for that; I love it that much. You can cook something really quick,healthy, low calorie and yummy.
Eat breakfast! Force yourself if you have to. I am not a breakfast eater, but I lost 20 pounds(in two months) a few years ago, just by doing this. I couldnt figure out how adding another meal to my daily intake made me lose weight, but I was told its extremely important to jump start your metabolism.
Im not sure if you like salad, but I use to not like it. I started dicing everything - tomatoes,onions, celery, egg, peppers, chick peas or kidney beans, carrots, cucumbers,broccoli, cauliflower and any other veggies I could find (I also shredded the lettuce) added them all together and sprinkled it with italian seasoning and garlic powder (sometimes dill). It is a mouthful of flavor without any salad dressing added to it. On occasion, I add a boneless, skinless (seasoned and diced) chicken breast, cooked on the George Formans Grill.
If its in my house, I will eat it. I can be found on the chip, or cookie aisle at the grocery store, waging a war with myself about whether or not to buy them. I will stand there reading the boxes and bags and weighing the consequences of buying them; I win, when it doesnt go in my basket. You will get over any craving you have much quicker, if what you crave isnt in the next room, and you have to make a trip to the store to get it.
Sleep is also extremely important. I know how difficult getting a good night sleep can be for the parents who are on this forum (sleepless night, here), but it will help a lot if you can find a way to do that.
Losing weight is so difficult because you have to eat to survive. Training yourself to eat the right things is the hardest part, but with time (Im sure it doesnt seem possible now) you will start to only want the healthy food; getting there(and seeing that as possible) is the hardest part. Youre cravings will change.The first time I craved a salad instead of macaroni and cheese (thats a tuff one for me), I was so proud of myself.
Dont look at it like its a diet, it is a lifestyle change; youre not dieting, youre changing the way you eat.
I see where you mention arthritis. Im not sure what type you have, but I discovered, at the age of 32, that I have arthritis in my lower spine. I cant begin to tell you how losing weight made such a difference for me. When I lost the 20 pounds a few years ago, it made the difference between being immobile (because my back would go out on me); to not even knowing I have it anymore. I have to add though that, that is in part to core strengthening exercises my doctor gave me to do, and they were extremely painful at first; now, no problem.
I wish you the best of luck, and I hope some of that helps. I could keep going on, and on, about different foods for you to try, but this was long enough.