The span of time between the last time I did this and this time was THREE YEARS! I got into pretty good shape at that time (though the weight did not go down.) I started up again about three months ago and am amazed at how quickly I'm regaining both the physical things I had been able to do and the health benefits. Back then it took my BP and HR a while to drop. This time, it's doing it rapidly. My body remembers what it was doing three years ago and it's like it wants to get back to that place. It is not fighting me.
My point is, you will get there and you will be amazed at how quickly. Don't look back! Only compare tomorrow to yesterday. You're going to be back in shape as long as you don't quit.