Hi All.. newbie here

I am new to this. Just wanted to say "Hi" to everyone! I originally weighed 280lbs. My long term final goal is 168lbs.

My first goal is to get to a decent weight for my wedding in September. My goal of weight loss for this was to lose 84lbs. I have so far managed 18lbs, so 66 to go in 28 weeks. I need to aim for 3.5lbs per week. This may look excessive, but I have also taken up walking. Mainly at weekends, and I have walked 10 miles just this weekend. My muscle is improving, so I feel more strength also. Just last week I lost 6lbs alone- my 3rd week in- and I ate a decent and varied diet.

I have been actively sticking to weight loss plan since 2nd January. I was half heartedly doing this prior to Christmas for 2 weeks, so managed to lose a bit then as well.

I have lost 18lbs so far. MFP is fab for me, as I travel a lot with work, so when I get food at the services, I know to go for salads and fruit, and whether my carbs allowance will allow me a wrap instead of salad etc etc.
I have identified where I was going wrong and have still found I can eat the stuff I liked, I just have to watch my choices for the rest of the day!
I have also realised that I have to exercise as well as eat healthy to make nay sort of decent progress!

I have found it is a complete change of life, and attitude and I have never felt so motivated and raring to go with this new plan!
I WILL lose my weight! No ifs or buts. I have a few friends who are doing a similar plan and we walk together, so are supporting each other.

I just want to say to any slimmers reading this- Good Luck- we can do it! We'll all be gorgeous and fit before we know it!