New, larger diver

[mattd]

For 40 pounds, you may want to use an integrated belt and a separate weight belt.  I don't know of any that will hold that much.  I think mine is rated for 10 pounds in the back pockets and 20 in the front for 30 total.  Keep in mind that you may need more weight in salt water.  Even though I went from a 7mil to a 3mil wetsuit, I still needed about the same weight when we were in the Carribean.  The divemaster dubbed me "little anchor man".

I don't know if my BCD is a L or an XL, but you are welcome to take a look at it before ordering one if you want to see how it is put together.  I haven't seen this model in shops besides for at Blue Wave.  Scuba Center carries a bunch of options, but I don't think they had this model. 

For my open water, I used either 24 or 26 pounds with an AL80.  I am now down to 16 pounds with a steel 100.  I'm hoping to shed another 2 pounds on my next dive and see how it goes.   I very much like the steel tanks.

You'll drop at least 5-6 pounds just switching to a steel tank.  You'll also drop some weight if you go to a backplate.  BC's are more buoyant than a BP & W.  I think Air Down There has a selection of BP&W equipment.  They are very knowledgeable about helping you get gear that fits right.