My waist is 43 inches-measured at my belly button. is this bad? i weigh 280 pounds and am 5'5.

Yes, this is bad.: The question is, "Is this bad?" The answer, of course, is yes, unless there is a temporary condition such as a pregnancy. A doctor can check to see if there is another problem going on, other than eating too many calories for too long. Her waist will get smaller and smaller each week as long as she lets her own body use up her stored fat. Her doctor can advise on how to do this simply and safely.