Want to live my life again

Hi All,
My name is Chris and I am new to the MFP community. I have struggled with my weight for most of my life and have finally decided to really take charge of it. As I get older, I find myself having more difficulties with my joints and with other health issues, some of which are at the very least exacerbated by my weight. I also have a lot of obesity in my family, with both of my parents and my older sister being morbidly obese. For me, this journey is really not that much about what size I am or how much I weigh, but more about the things that I am able to do. I used to love to hike and did not used to have any issues with it even at my current weight. However, as I get older, I find that my stamina is decreasing and my cardio health sucks. I am a belly dancer who currently has severe arthritis in my knee as well as a torn meniscus, both of which are made worse by the fact that I am carrying around extra weight. So, in order to save my joints and to allow myself to do those things again that I used to enjoy so much, I am changing the way that I eat and care for my body.
This is not a diet, as I don't believe that diets are the answer. This is a major life change, with the goal of making my life better in the long run, because I am worth it! I deserve to be healthy and it is up to me to make health my new reality.
I am glad to have friends who will offer me support and encouragement along the way and to make new friends along the journey.
So, here we go!