Also, periodically, you should do a carb re-feed. That, or you'll sort of go out of your mind.
But it's true --protein will quash the munchies more effectively than fat.
I went from 260 pounds to 201, so far. I also did lot of cardio, of course...
What's the reference to Kidney problems all about?
"you definately have to drink a lot"
And if you drink a lot of cold water, your body burns up calories warming it up in your stomach.