For one, you're still 11 years younger than me. Welcome to the dark side.
Get a big board, around 152cm is a good size for early planing in 15 knots for big guys.
Kite - most well established brands are good these days, around 14 - 15 sq m I would imagine.
When you get your lessons let the instructor best guide you on your choice of gear.
I garrantee you'll loose 20kg over summer because you'll be on the water all day and have no time to eat!

(Another kiter told me this because he did)