Looking for MFP buddies who are over 40, have over 100 pounds to lose, and need exercise motivation

Looking to create a community within a community here on MFP. I think it's really helpful to have a support system of people who share your background and challenges. If you are over 40, currently have over 100 pounds to lose, and you are sedentary/low activity and planning on adding more exercise, please post here and let's keep each other company. Please feel free to friend me if you do that, but don't feel obligated - we can just meet here if you like. You can use the following questions to write an intro post, or just write what you are comfortable with.

How old are you? How long have you been more than 100 pounds overweight?

I am 48. I have had over 100 pounds to lose for about three years. I want to lose 157 pounds to reach my goal weight of 144.

What is your biggest diet challenge?

Sticking with it! I actually have no problem eating healthy food, or restricting food. I don't have cravings. As a kid, and as an adult living by myself, I was a healthy weight. My downfall is falling into the habits of the people I live with - if I buy and cook food to please them, I end up eating the way they do, and gaining weight.

How do you plan to address that challenge?

After trying to change the way my family eats and failing (more than once), I have decided I am responsible for my eating, and my eating ONLY. I am going to eat what I must to achieve what I need. My family can join me, or learn to shop and cook for themselves.

What is your biggest exercise challenge?
I have had multiple back, ankle, and foot surgeries in the last seven years and I am not by any means pain free. Even walking at a normal pace at this weight and pain level is a challenge.

How do you plan to address this challenge?

I don't really have a plan yet. I am sure once I can lose a signifigant amount, my pain will reduce to the point I can begin walking. I have a treadmill, but it's in the basement and I dislike using it. I would like to walk my dogs every day for exercise. I would also like to begin some sort or resistance training. I haven't done any kind of regular workout for more than a few weeks at a time since high school, so I am a total newbie/beginner, without a clue.

What is your diet philosophy/plan/belief?

I think between extensive reading and a knowledge of how MY body responds to food, I know what I have to do. I despise draconian rules or fad diets that are created with the assumption that all bodies have the same histories, chemistries, and nutrition needs. I think in the end this stuff is pretty simple, actually. Eat fewer calories than you expend, lose weight; do that while eating well balanced macro and micro nutrients, and you can lose weight and gain health at the same time.

Do you have a pet? What is their name? Got a picture?

My dog Wilbur is the best boy ever. I want to lose weight and get healthy so we can go on walks again!