Congratulations, Amanda! I started out about the same weight as you (mid-280's), & have been trying to lose weight slowly. I lost 25 lbs before having my right hip & knee replaced. Then my hip incision became infected TWICE, & in the 6+ months it took to get over that I gained 10+ lbs back. Now I've lost nearly all of that weight, & am looking forward to continued weight loss. I need to lose about 40 lbs more to have my left hip replaced, as it is now quite painful. The only exercise I can do is exercycling & some very low impact stretching & strengthening exercises. So this time the weight isn't coming off as easily, but I'm determined that it WILL come off, & I will soon be thinner & healthier than I've ever been. All that is to say that I'm very impressed with your success, & that you are helping to inspire me to stick with it & not be discouraged. I'm thankful that I've realized that I AM NOT ON A DIET, but am making better, healthier food choices as a lifetime change in my eating habits. Best Wishes to you in your continued weight loss, & have a great weekend! ((HUGZ)), GLAMMER