Limitations of Aero for the Large

Solid work on the weight loss!!! There really isn't a specific wieght or body fat percentage that makes getting aero easier or more doable. While the lighter, leaner athletes can more easily get into that position it has a lot to do with flexiblity and bike fit. I'm 230lbs and have a road bike with clip-ons. When I'm down in my "aero" position it isn't pretty and probably not anywhere close to perfect, but it's much less drag then my big body upright on the saddle. You'll get to where your comfortable trying to get into an aero position and that'll be the right time for you.

At 5' 3" and a shade, I was around 200lbs when I first started triathloning. May have been as low as 190ish or somewhat over 200, but thereabouts.

I didn't have drop bars. I had a bike 6cm too large outfitted with cruiser bars and I was in a nearly fully upright position.

I'd already lost a fair bit of weight here but as you can see, still pretty big.

I got my first tri bike when I was probably 160-170, and aero was fine. I will say that I still needed to be a bit angled up, and that I did waste some energy banging the tops of my thighs into my boobs and spare tire. But just the sheer reduction of drag made a big difference to speed.

This is where I'm at now (need a better picture but you get the idea). Classic, lots of 90-degree looking angles aero position (my leg isn't actually fully extended though it looks that way). I don't know what I weigh exactly but I'm guessing 140-145. That's still pretty chunky for as short as I am, but the belly is pretty flat, the boobs are smaller, and they squish down nicely with a good sports bra.

After a 6-hour ride in that position ...

I wouldn't say it's pointless to do clip-ons for you at all. Even a 30-degree further forward position makes a big difference in drag to essentially upright.

I will say, especially for heavier riders, get SHORTY aerobars (or the ones that are connected at the end, like a loop) and get a decent bike fit with them. Full-length clip-ons redistribute your weight on a road bike in ways it is not designed for, and compromises handling and safety.