Hi Jamie!
I am also new to the boards. I am doing SugarBusters (SB), and am also tall (5'11"). As mentioned in my signature, I went all the way up to 380+, and am now down to 339. I also have a target in the 170 range, so I'm pretty much on par with you. (But I'm 34 years old.) It helps me immensely to give myself short-term goals. When I hit 25 lbs down, I got me my first pedicure! Now I'm addicted.
(Praytherosary is right -- nonfood rewards are great!)
I am single, and just graduated with my MBA last May. I gained most of my weight after a failed engagment and my mother passed away about a year apart. I started packing it on and packing it on. Once I passed 350, I gave up.
My roommate's MD advised her to do SB -- she has PCOS -- she asked me to do SB with her, and I did it kicking and screaming.
Well, it's working; I have dropped a good amount of weight since I started in February, and it's usually 1-2 pounds per week. Sometimes I go up a pound or two, and sometimes I have a dramatic drop, but on average, it's 1-2 lbs/wk.
I find following the SB diet curbs my appetite more than anything ever did before. Sometimes I have to remind myself to eat dinner, and then I can't finish it! That's not something a 300+ woman can say often!
Well, it's almost 1am.
I need to sleep! Keep in touch.
Have a great day!