February of 2004 I was 400 pounds, 17 months later I got down to 160 lbs (6'0"). The weight loss totally changed my life. I was lucky in that I was able to lose the weight without having any readily apparent long term complications. (No lasting HBP or Diabetes, I do have some loose skin)
I would never have believed it 4 years ago but eating less and moving more really can work wonders.