OK I joined here to tract calories I was eating 1200 ,then hired a trainer he wanted me around 2500 with exercise to build and tone , so I actually eating more , I joined July 8 at 223 pounds , I have small goals in mind , but actually all goals are for winter . I have had 8 bad winters like taking many pain and other meds I have no T so I got to exercise excessively to maintain or lose and I had to make a 180 turnaround , At sickest I took 48 pills a day today July 25 2016 . I am own to 6 so life getting better , As I continue my new life I to isn't a diet it is complete life change , as no smoking exercise , no fast food no pasta no sugar or process foods and guess what I still miss a lot I wont say I don't but its my last chance to live in cold I have to move it pain returns in winter I will not go back on meds as its a domino effect . I still in pain but as I losing and exercising life got better. If I had to say what has helped me most of my new life other then stopping smoking with 1 lung lol , I have to say Pilates has changed my life for 8 years I could not walk up stairs left foot and right foot now I can fly like a normal person so is it worth it Yes give up things that u crave for a better quality of life ,my real goals are in 10 pounds increments , If you look at weight I was never 400 I dont know how to erase it . but I am it in for life , but if after all this is winter bad then I will relocate will be sad to move from friends but dont want to go back on meds .