I'm new and starting a lifestyle change tomorrow

I am 40 and need to lose about 60 pounds. I have told myself over and over that I need to make changes in my lifestyle so that I can live healthier but have often hesitated to start something. I worked with a small group of ladies last summer to eat healthier and exercise daily and it was working great for me - I lost over 20 pounds but one by one everyone starting dropping out and I was left alone. Doing it on my own, I began to go back to my old habits a little at a time until eventually I was not following any plan and a year later, I have gained the 20+ pounds back. For some reason, working with others and being accountable to others was a strong motivator for me so I was hoping to begin again and to find a large enough group that there would always be someone that was still "in it" with me. While I do want to focus on weight loss, I do not want to do anything that can not be a permanent change in my life - definately no fad diets. Just healthy eating habits and active lifestyle. I am going to start tomorrow because there is no need to continue to procastinate but I do not have an exact menu or plan laid out yet. I think I will focus on whole foods, less than 1500 calories/day, drink lot of water, and exercise 5-6 days a week, at least for 45 min- 1 hr. Part of my first day will be to make more specific goals:) I look forward to chatting with others on the same mission.