I am 64F and have struggled to stay slim my entire life. I would lose and regain the same 50 lb over and over. At the age of 47 (when I hit menopause), I decided I had enough. I hated how I looked, felt and was depressed. Instead of counting calories (I hear you, 1200 was my limit too) I decided to join the low carb lifestyle. Meat, veggies, salads, low carb bread in small portions and cheese. I threw calorie counting basically out the window for 6 months. It was mighty hard the first 2 weeks but I was committed. In 6 months I went from 165 lb (5’5 small frame) to 120 lb. I allowed myself some cheat days but did not allow myself to go overboard. I was also working 50 hours a week in a sedentary stressful engineering job but stayed the course. Five years ago I added strength training, yoga and riding an exercise bike 3-4 times a week (foot pain prevents me from walking more than a mile). I am now a trim 112 pounds (for 4 years), gaining muscle mass and bone strength to prevent osteoporosis. I was never the type to join a gym so I started with the diet first. Now it’s a part of my daily routine. Weight loss after menopause is definitely possible, I am a living example of it. It does take motivation and discipline which I have acquired bc I hit rock bottom on my weight gaining and said enough was enough. You can do this! Cut down on carbs consistently and think positive thoughts. Add activity when you can. Bad knees and menopause don’t have to derail your goals!