3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community

Hey there.. My name is Maria, I am 23 years old and I am 231lbs.. It's actually wierd saying how much I weight, because I am too ashamed to share it with any of my friends. I was never thin, but I always used to weight aroung 170lbs (I'm 5'6"). About 2 years ago, after an extreme protein diet that lasted roughly 8 months, I got a severe stomach condition, followed by a problem in my breathing system. Therapy lasted 9 months in total, I had 2 surgeries as well, and due to the pills and antibiotics I gained 60lbs in less than 3 months. I am now healthy, but I feel horrible. I don't like my body, and I don't know what to do. I've been on a low-calorie diet -to balance my health as well- for the past 12 months, but I have not lost any weight! I am trying hard, but I keep loosing focus.. I joined this forum because I really want to do this!! But I just feel like I'm doing it alone, and everything just brings me down... I'd love to hear from ANY one of you that has started off and is going along with their diets, I could really use the support...

Its nice meeting you all,
Maria