Welcome to Gaia! ::

Maybe all of this is common knowledge, maybe not. Regardless there are a few things I've learned while traversing this rocky road (no not the ice cream...though that sounds good) called weight loss:

1) It's so much easier if you don't go at it alone. Obviously this is one of the reasons we are all on this board. As great as internet support is though it helps to have some in RL too. Family and and close friends that know of your intentions and support you are always helpful to have. Weight loss buddies you can call whenever you feel overwhelmed are even better, after all, they know what you are going through too.
2) Losing weight should never be a quick thing. This is probably one of the most important things to remember...but also one of the hardest. Once you see a few pounds knocked off the scale you want to see more...and faster. You (probably) didn't gain 50lbs in two months; you are not going to loss it that fast either. Also, statistics show that people who lose weight too quickly typically gain it back just as fast.
3) Skipping meals or eating too few calories is never a good idea. You need three meals and (depending on who you talk to) three snacks a day. You also need a minimum of 1,200 calories a day (unless you are on a doctor perscribed diet that is being strictly monitored)!!! Any less then the above and you will potentially put your body into starvation mode. In starvation mode your body may start to produce something called ketones. Ketone's can be very VERY dangerous to your body.
4) Utter and complete denial of favorite foods/cravings is setting yourself up for failure. Temptation is strong and will always be there. Most people cannot avoid those pulls to chocolate cake, Taco Bell, or whatever their downfall is for long. As I've experienced it, the longer I force myself to avoid these comfort foods the more I gourge on when I finally cave. Instead, try to allow your cravings in moderation. IE; only having one taco from Taco Bell or no more then one trip to the heartburn heaven a month.

Well, that's all I can think of for now and I am supposed to be leaving for Curves any minute now. I'll add more later if I think of any...
Anyone else having any things they've learned?

Wow! Though I understand your frustration with your family, I can't help but imagine how nice it would be to have people telling me I'm too *skinny*. It's always been the opposite for me.
I think you're handling it well though. As long as you stop and do not go done in weight so low that it becomes unhealthy you should be fine.

Oh, and congrats for making it as far as you have! What did you start out at?