8 years out and need help

Understood.  You didn't mention your age.  I know my body changed when it went through menopause.

I'm 33, so none of that fun yet. 

desert_lily - I wish I could give you a hug, you sure need one!!!

I most certainty do not have the magic answer for you, boy I wish I did.  I can only speak to what works for me.   My fat is  very stubborn also.  When I need to lose weight (like now), I have to stay right around 1,000 calories.  Protein and veggies only.  Really, that's it.  I have to record my calories as I go through out the day to make sure I keep focused.  I allow a sf jello or pudding in the evening sometimes but nothing else.

I hope you can take a couple of nuggets from all these posts that will help you.  Good luck to you!