new here and looking for support and motivation

The fit bit is great in helping you stay active. Once you get yours set up, go to the fit bit community and start adding friends. The challenges are huge motivators at keeping you active and pushing you. It syncs great with my fitness pal to calculate the calories you burn for you without having to enter them manually. My advice is to keep it simple. If you get yourself into a routine that is too far out of your comfort zone you will be more likely to quit. When I started using my Fitbit and MFP I just focused on getting in my 10,000 steps a day and logging all my food. I was able to drop 20 pounds in eight weeks just by walking and staying at 1200 calories (that's the number MFP set for me in order to lose 2 pounds a week.) As a rule, I typically won't eat back more than half of the exercise calories that I earn. But it's nice to have them there if your having a hard weekend. Adjust your step goal as you start to get more comfortable. You'll know when you're ready to start adding more intense exercise because your weight-loss will plateau, save the gym membership and personal trainer for that time. That's my two cents. Feel free to add me as a friend.