content: I found a random program online with lots of dumbbell options at first as the barbell was intimidating. Cut pop and booze out of my diet, and tried to eat cleaner and less in general and went from 305lbs to 250 at 6'3 over the summer with 3 days a week in the gym and not tracking calories, only eating when hungry.  If you don't want to do 5x5 strong lifts, Jim stoppani has some good programs for beginners, and there is also Scooby. Hardest part is going to the gym for the first time.