So I'm visiting a bank and the lady helping me is perhaps in her late 40's or 50's but she's lithe and built like a 19 year old athlete. It's motivating, if through workouts (and some genetics) a woman can be that fit, then I should be able to get in better shape and see some benefits.

There are so many misconceptions around on loosing weight and getting blood pressure and sugar down is just saddens me.
The great thing is that now folks are beginning to slowly get better information.
Find out your body type. Getting the metabolism built up is important.
TOTALLY get fructose out of your diet and as much more sugar as you can.
It's being well argued that breakfast IS NOT the most important meal. Supper sets you up for the next day.
Don't skip meals, eat smaller ones.
Long hard exercises are not any more important than getting your system up to speed.
Learn about different muscle types.
Certain vitamins are necessary for thyroid function and maintaining a good metabolism.
Learn about "excitotoxins" and stay away from them, especially MSG and Aspartame.
Aspartame has no calories but it will increase your appetite. Used in scientific experiments to fatten up mice. Stevia is great!
Butter is better than margarine. Don't argue with me! :)
Eggs are GREAT for you! I said, don't argue.
Oh, the list goes on and on....I've helped too many people with some of these things and seen the results over and over.
Did I say anything about "fresh" vegetables, kefir (probiotic), using olive oil or coconut oil instead of the other oils.
Get your Omega 3's (fish or krill oil), take your co-q10, vitamins d and c and b ....
I've seen people lower or even get off sugar meds, lower blood pressure, drop cholesterol levels more than you would believe.
There is MUCH we can do about these things once we learn a little and find out how good the results are.
Not meaning to rant but I'm not likely to be back to this thread again so I thought I'd just throw some things out.
You CAN change much and enjoy doing it at the same time.
One of the most helpful sites that is pretty much in the mainstream of my beliefs is Mercola.com
You decide for yourself what you might agree with and toss the rest. Just a suggestion and I wish you the very best.

Freebird,

I have been told that I am Type 2 diabetic. I have dropped my weight down to 187 and I am 5'10" . I have started using real butter and I have cut out soft drinks and most of my sugar. I take the CQ10, Zinc, Vit C Complex, and Chromium polynicotinate, and L-Arginine.... I would like to be able to get off my sugar pills....

I'm no fitness expert, but I do have a suggestion which will make your journey much more fun. If you live in an area with state parks or forests, take up hiking. My wife lost 25 lbs in one summer of hiking on weekends, and cutting out junk snacks, soda and fast food. I drove her all over WV and KY, going to different places to national forests, state parks and wilderness areas. We had a blast, she improved her health, and we both experienced some of the most beautiful places in Appalachia. Anything you can do to turn it from work into play is a plus. Also, be cautious on how you diet. With all of the talk of don't eat this or that, you can shy yourself on important nutrients.