Over 50 woman - 40 lbs to lose - been on two weeks -

Looking for other friends in their late forties/early fifties who have about the same amount to lose. I have been fit most of my life, but the weight just crept up on me these past five years. Somehow I got to be a size XL, even though I didn't look much different to myself in the mirror.
How did it happen?
Gradually stopped being as active as I had been, and gradually changed my eating habits to include lots of pastries and chocolate. Noticed I can't actually do things I used to love - skate, go to the pool, (in what swimsuit???) wear shorts, wear any of my old size 10-12-14-16 clothes, walk without my thighs rubbing together uncomfortably, keep up with the neighborhood walking group, run, etc. Pretty limiting. Also feel tired all the time and achy. I am 5'6", but I have a small frame. I definitely was not meant to weigh 180 lbs.
Been telling myself for years to get a handle on it, but just couldn't sustain a diet/exercise plan for more than a few days, and would get SO discouraged thinking about how long (months!) it would take to lose the weight. But for some reason, I am sticking with it now. How about you?