53 years old and 55lbs to shift - hoping for support

I've managed to put on 30lbs in the last year, a combination of damage to both Achilles' tendons and the illness (and eventual loss) of my father. I'm struggling to last more than a couple of days each time I start dieting and am feeling a failure.
Starting on MFP today and focusing on monitoring calories and gentle exercise, it's going to be a long journey..
It would be great to find someone else for mutual support? Thanks