Could use some friends/support.

Hello everyone. My story is a bit different. I am 26 years old. Ten years ago when I was 16, I was in a size 6. When I was 18-22 I was in a size 8. Then I got sick... really sick, now I'm in a size 18. I had hyperparathyroidism along with a multitude of other things that are symptoms of hyperparathyroidism. I got so sick I had to quit work and drop out of college and eventually I wound up on bedrest for 8 months during the time before and after a 3.5 gland parathyroidectmy. Of course I gained weight from lack of activity and from my endocrine disorder alone, but I also started using food as a comforter. I quit smoking cigarettes at the onset of my illness, which is ultimately a good thing, but I also had to abstain from alcohol and exercise and anything that could increase my heart rate because it was resting around 120bpm and would shoot up with barely any exertion. So, I was in a stressful health situation and couldn't smoke or drink or exercise, so I ate. I have gained about 100 lbs since 2008 as a result of all this. Now, I have had surgery for my illness and am back to pretty good health aside from the weight thing (not pre-illness perfect health but good enough.) I want to lose this weight. I need to lose this weight. I now suffer from upper back and shoulder pain and I really believe it's because I carry ALL my weight up top. I have never had issues with high blood pressure or blood sugar or anything like that, my heart has no issues except for some tachycardia, which is better than it used to be. But, I know if I don't lose the weight that all could change. I know what it's like to be sick and I don't want to be the cause of any sickness.

So, that's my story. I really don't know where to start with this weight loss thing... I guess this is my start? But like I said, any friends or support would be amazing because I know it's going to be hard.