I used to be 100 pounds overweight. I took it upon myself to lose weight and started walking about 3-5 miles a day. It took me about 3-4 hours to walk initially. I also ate salads and lots of vegetables with protein, such as chicken, nuts, beans. I recommend to talk to a dietician/ doctor before you go on a diet and see if you can work out something. I lost 50 pounds in about 8 months. Then, I have lost more since I've been walking a lot again. Walking is good exercise. Please don't do energy or protein shakes because they don't work. Diet and exercise are the best solution. I don't eat just salads now but try to eat healthy most of the time even when I go to McD's and eat salads instead of fries, etc. I also splurge now because my weight is not that bad now. I highly recommend you talk to a dietician first or doctor first before you embark on a diet. It took you years to gain weight. So, please don't expect to lose weight quickly. Be patient and the weight will come off once you start dieting. Also, sometimes treat yourself to something you like to eat once a week. Otherwise, if you change your diet too drastically, you might not stick to it. Moderation is the key to success. And, one last thing don't weigh yourself daily but may be once or twice a week. If you start basing your success on your weight, you might be become discouraged easily. I wish you the best!! And, if you at first don't succeed, keep on trying.