Wow that's a really impressive story. I can tell you really made a total 180. Sorry to hear about the accident. Interesting advice, I never thought it might be better to not tell people what you're trying to do. I guess it probably makes it easier to not have 10-20 voices telling you competing advice.
Definitely agree exercise is important, if not for helping you lose weight but because it makes you feel good.
Admittedly I've been trying to give people advice in my own life. I usually stress getting rid of soda/juice and more exercise. I find people don't like the idea of calorie counting for example.