" I am working on the diet and weight first to see if I can improve the numbers before starting the cholesterol drugs... "

I think that's an excellent idea.  Often, the most obvious and logical solution is the best first one. 

As long as your doctor hasn't specifically recommended a different course, or recommended against eating less fat and salt, etc., go for it.  (But obviously, I'm not an M.D., and have never claimed to be one, nor am I your doctor, so take this as a layman's bit of advice.)  

The success of your plan depends on your follow-through.  If you're having fresh veggies, chicken and salad for dinner, but then load up on eggs and bacon for breakfast and a Reuben sandwich with chips at lunch, you ain't doin' yourself a lot of good.

Question:  If I continue to eat poorly and don't get daily exercise, will pravastatin (see more info here) improve my cholesterol and overall health anyway?