Just Joined

Hi All!
I've just found this site after googling how often is good to be visiting the gym per week. I've been a fat bird at over 200lbs for as long as I can remember (I'm 40 this month). I've finally decided that enough is enough and it's time to stop saying 'I'll start tomorrow'.
I joined my local gym last week and have managed to get thru a different exercise class every day since. As a chef, I'm pretty clued up with the nutrition side of things but as far as fitness and exercise go, I don't have a clue lol. I'd love to make some new friends and meet like minded folk who can advise me on the best ways to make the most of the gym, and to kick my *kitten* back into gear every now and again too. I'm aiming to lose enough weight to gain the confidence to take up Kung Fu again and also to kick the beejeezus out of the type 2 diabetes that I got diagnosed with 5 yrs ago. So that's me! Here's to day 1 of 'Operation Slinky'! x