Welcome, Carla!!!
My husband bought me a bike Christmas of 2008 - Trek Navigator 2.0; she is heavy, but I feel stable on her, and the wider tires helped me gain confidence on the trail considering I hadn't ridden in years!!
I thought I looked "funny" on a bike, but thought about the Queen song "Fat Bottom Girls" lol.......I was initially only able to go 5 or 6 miles, but kept at it because I loved being outside and getting around; I have bad knees and jogging is difficult on them. That said, nothing compares to a good bike fit! My old bike was a Wal-Mart special, no professional fit, and it hurt to ride - knee pain all the time. As such, I hated riding!! But after moving to Colorado and seeing all the people out and about, I wanted to try it again. I did a lot of research on the kind of bike I wanted, and was determined to get me a cruiser or hybrid type bike so I would be more upright (those road bikes looked so uncomfortable, being huntched over!!).

Well, by June of 2009, I was going on 20-30 mile rides, and felt my confidence and stamina increasing with every pedal!!! I was hooked!! I bought a commuter bike in July so I could start riding to work, and in March of this year, I got a cross bike (now I'm huntched over, and love that bike!!!)

If you can afford it, buy from a bike shop and get a good bike fit. I didn't ride for years because of the pain from an ill fitting bike. It doesn't have to cost a fortune - you should be able to get something decent for $300. I have totally converted my husband on the value of paying a little more for a good bike than wasting money at Wal-Mart or Target.

Don't be afraid of clothes or feeling like you need to buy a bunch of fancy cycling clothing. I rode for a year in capris and seamless, comfy panties (I've now discovered Navaro makes padded cycling briefs that can be bought at REI for $25 - wear them under any kind of shorts without worrying about a diaper look!). Even though I'm riding several times a week on 30-50 mile (or more) rides, I'm not comfortable in short spandex and will only wear cycling capris that come to my knee, or mountain bike or commuter shorts with a padded liner underneath (I won't be seen with sausage legs!!!).

My husband can't believe what he created in me with that Christmas present 2 years ago. It has so helped with my weight and confidence. If nothing else, I really admire the power and capability my body has (even though I'm not "small").