So nice to have you here!! I wish I could have been more accepting of my weight. I have tried dozens of diets some I put myself on, some my parents or doctors had me on. Atkins was the only one that really made a positive (or rather a negative )difference in my weight. You need to read the book and follow it. Adjust only if you have allergies or intollerances. Be sure to drink all your water (being big makes us very suseptable to dehydration) and please don't give up. This is your first time and you'll drop in weight. This is my fourth time so I'm slower.. but not too bad. I'm 5'-8" my goal is 150 but to be honest 180 would be just as great!