I think that measurements are a better gage for weight loss than the scale since muscle weighs more than fat.
Marcie, I have the same problems you describe (well, I don't have the female problems anymore, but I did), and I am able to lose weight. I was borderline diabetic before I got my sweet tooth under control, and I have the metabolism of an 85 year old since I no longer have a thyroid.
The thing is, you have to change your view on food and exercise. It has nothing to do with the way you look- it's completely about health. You have to eat fresh fruits and veggies and eliminate processed foods. You have to exercise at least 5 times a week, and drink plenty of water. The dietitian will work out how many servings of protein and carbs you should have with your fruits and veggies, and will also let you know how evil processed sugars are for anyone who has glucose problems.
To figure out how many calories are needed to lose weight, you first have to figure out what it takes to maintain your weight. If you take your current weight and multiply it by 12, you will get the amount need to maintain your weight.
A pound is roughly 3500 calories, so you have to eliminate, by either less food or by exercise, 500 calories a day to lose a pound a week.
So, say a person is 200 pounds (I like easy math). They would require 2400 calories to maintain that weight. If calorie intake was lowered to 1700 calories, and exercise eliminated another 300 calories per day, the person would lose 2 pounds per week.
Since people with slow metabolisms lose slower, that same scenario will most likely result in a 1 - 1 1/2 pound per week weight loss, or in my case, 1/2 to 3/4 pound loss. But, over time, it adds up and you end up healthier.
Ask the dietitian lots and lots of questions, especially about foods that you currently eat and ask for honest opinions.
That is the second time I have seen you use that term. Did someone grow up with too much Mary poppins?
With my Oldest it was Short Circuit. At one time, I think I knew every one of Number 5's lines!
I'd take Mary Poppins over that, thatnk you. LOL