I was full time for 9 months before I started HRT,I had a lot of weight to loose before I wanted to begin it. It took me about a year and half to loose a little over 200 lbs I now weigh 180 lbs. I transitioned openly at work changing my wardrobe to female as I lost weight, my first pair of womens jeans was a size 24 now I wear a 12. I didn't pass all the time at first, but I needed to transition or I wouldn't be here anymore. My age helped with my ability to pass I am in my 50's and older women do not face the same kind of scrutinizing looks that younger women do. I wish I could of transitioned earlier but I was too afraid when I was younger, that was in the 70's much different times than now.