I understand your desire to lose weight and the health benefits. I have a continual battle with weight, but know some weeks and months might seem like you should give up because you only lose a few ounces, dn't give up. We go to a place we lose weight and then you will lose the inches and muscles will tighten up. Then you will lose more once you body balanced its self out and slipping once a month is good for the soul. At 4ft 6 ins I was 210 lbs and 70 inches around my middle.  I lost it down to 145lbs but it took almost three years. It was a health rate and I was able to stay down, until I have children and the battle to lose again was on. Since then I have had four major battles of losing. I was slow going one and slower getting it off. Don't diet s hard you give up and don't expect it to disappear in a few weeks, because you will gain times 2 the amount you lost. Be the turtle and you will get beautiful and healthy. BE the rabbit and you will harm you health, life and physical structure.  Today I went off my diet I have taken 30 months to shed 65 pounds again. I have gone again from 208 lbs to 143 lbs. I have 12 more pounds to go to keep my body and life healthy. My blood pressure is back to normal, my heart rate is good now and my blood sugar is back to normal. Improving my health was my reason for losing not to look beautiful for any one just for me. That is the other thing I learned know your real and logical reasons for losing. I will have to say, I am glad you have the courage to share, your adventure.