Hi and Welcome from me too, ClareBarr!
It’s lovely to have some new people on here. The more the merrier I say, and we all help and encourage each other along the way. I personally find that the interaction with the people on this forum is a great motivator in my weight loss mission. I know for a fact that if I was trying to lose weight by myself in isolation, so to speak, I would never be able to do it. Coming on here and sharing my plans with the others makes it all seem (relatively) easy, and once I’ve written it down here, I feel more compelled to stick with it.
Being able to discuss my goals, intentions and progress with the lovely people I have met on this forum helps me enormously. The people here really are great and a kind of camaraderie has built up amongst us. It’s great to see everyone encouraging and supporting each other whilst having a bit of a laugh (Yes, and sometimes even a tease Diane
) at the same time.
There really seems to have been some tremendous progress made by lots of the people on this thread – I’ve a feeling that it will work for you too. And……we’d love to have you along.
I’m sorry to hear about your health problems. I know what a shock, and how disheartening, that can be – but as others have already mentioned quite a few of us on here have medical issues, so you are not alone - we do understand. I have coronary heart disease and as a result of a heart attack decided to take early retirement when I was 52. That was five years ago now.
Part of my particular problem is eating as a form of taking a break from the boredom of sitting around at home with too much time on my hands. Could this be the same with you, because of the reduction in your working days? If so, instead of actually doing the snacking thing, come on here every day and post your detailed "meal plan". It's strange isn't it, but focussing on food in
this way and actually planning my meals out has certainly helped me to lose weight. I've shed almost 2 stones in 2 months. I have another 2 and a half stones to go, and I am convinced I will get there!
I’m not a medical expert, but I’ve no doubt whatsoever that losing weight, if you are overweight, can have some real beneficial effects. For one thing the stresses and strains on the body are reduced because it is not having to support as much excess weight or propel it around.
I think the key is to find the right sort of exercise to suit the individual’s ability and then to combine that with a healthy diet/lifestyle.
I notice that you mention that you go swimming occasionally. I understand that can be great exercise, because the body is doing work without being unduly stressed as it is fully supported by the water. We do have marathon runners amongst our numbers here, but more typically the majority do much gentler exercises such as walking or exercise machines etc. There’s bound to be something that would suit you! Just start gently and don’t overdo it. It is a well known fact that exercise can lift people's moods too.
Often the hardest thing about dieting is taking the decision to make a start. You seem to have done that already. So, you just need to do the easy and enjoyable bit now – which is to visit here and talk to us about how much weight you want to lose, what changes you are going to make to your eating habits, and lifestyle and what goals you'd like to achieve!!
I can almost see the weight dropping off you as we talk
(I've never looked hot in my life but I can live in hope 
)
enrobed 
in Madras Curry Sauce. (approx 500 cals)