I was 245 when I started in June, I am now at 180. I went from a 20, 22+ to a 16 and the 16s are now a bit baggy.
For exercise I ride a bike, it's easy on the hips, knees and ankles. I also started jumping rope, and I am going to try Tru's suggestion and start Pilates. When it gets warm again I'll start swimming again.
I rode 25+ miles yesterday. When I first started it was hard to make it to the end of the block.