Re-entering the fray, now with college

I'm not new here in the traditional sense of "I have not been here previously" but I am new here in the sense that I'm going to try again to be active and regularly visit the website. I'm getting back on track with my weight loss, having gained 20lbs since my last trip down the proverbial ladder of misery, self loathing, and lack of self esteem.

I'm 20 years old and I weigh 280lbs. I have struggled with abuse for years and I'm finally free of it, so I'm really feeling a lot better without my abuser breathing down my neck and I'm gunning towards a better life mentally and physically. I'm really hitting the gas pedal on recovery and healing, including weight loss, but I've been struggling with how slow it can be. I'm terrified of stepping on a scale as well, which I'll have to get over if I want to track my progress, or be aware of any progress at all.
I'm starting my second semester of college in August, and I can't walk from class to class without feeling like a billion scrutinizing eyes are on me, and I would really like to feel comfortable walking around my campus.

I would really like to have some friends on here that are in similar situations and will understand.