You can do this.

You know how I know? Because I am doing this. You're heavier than I was when I started, but not by too much. I started at 395. After almost a year of very hard and consistent work, I am under 280. I have not had surgery. I have had the advice of a nutritionist, the advice of a trainer, lots of gym classes, lots of support from my family, and lots of me deciding that I want to live the life I want instead of the life I have to deal with at the size and ability I was at.

Set multiple goals, on scale and off. Make a plan. Get good sound advice from people trained for it. Then take the advice you pay for. Work your plan in a way that works for YOU, everybody and every body is different.

YOU CAN DO THIS.

I mean, maybe not right NOW, per se. It's after 9pm, my time.

But you know, during the day.

Kimpossible:
I Dont even know where to say except this is a good place to be for people who get it, he good days the bad days and the endless support. I hope you find that here as well. We are all in this together.

I always thought it was kind of ironic that exercise equipment doesn't really support those of us who need it the most, 8^(.

In my case, walking was the only exercise I could really do at first since I couldn't fit on any exercise equipment (over 350 pounds). I basically stopped taking the bus and walked to and from the train station which basically gave me 2 miles of walking a day, which REALLY helped with burning calories.

I can fit on my exercise equipment now, but I still prefer walking (nice to get that change of scenery).

The other thing that REALLY helped was using this site, I mean SERIOUSLY using this site.
I started tracking all my food, and we even got a food scale (yes, my wife is losing weight with me, 8^) ).

It was really eye opening to see how much we were 'really' eating on a daily basis. We had to go cold turkey from take out for a while and start cooking at home until we got a handle on what we could and couldn't fit into our daily calories. Once we got control of that, plus adding in realistic food/exercise goals on the site, we were able to see the weight start coming off. Realistic food goals also includes the fact that we are going to eat junk food during the week, just a LOT less than what we were before.

Oh, and set some mini goals for yourself, you HAVE to have those little goals so you know that you are accomplishing something, and reward yourself too when you meet them.

You are definitely in the right place to lose the weight. Make sure you go in and set all your goals, and then start tracking, EVERYTHING.

Keep up with it, I'm sure you'll see some results that you'll be happy with.

Kim I read your first post and I have to admit I cried. very few people understand what 400+ feels like. until about 3 weeks ago I hadn't really left my house for almost 9 years. there was a few moves in there and my fiance dragged me out maybe once or twice basically kicking and screaming. The feeling of embarrassment turned into panic attacks and I couldn't handle being out in public. About 2 months ago I started having chest pains and I could feel my heart fluttering so i told my partner I needed to lose weight or it was going to kill me. I have been on my diet now about 26 days and I started at 435 now I am at 402. So excited to get under that 400 mark. feel free to add me and maybe we can work together. we are at the same place...over 400 and just starting to fix it.