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Gretchen Becker who wrote Diabetes the First Year, said that for that first year she was always hungry, it was the only way she could lose weight.

We women have it way harder than men anyway, since we have slower metabolisms and smaller body size. But once we're into or post-menopause, just forget it. My god, do I even HAVE a metabolism anymore?

Diane, the answer to your plateau is probably increased exercise intensity. Not increased time spent exercising, but increased intensity. Instead of walking at 2.5 MPH on the treadmill, push it up to 3 MPH and increase the incline a bit. Make yourself sweat, because at the point you start sweating, THAT'S when you start to impact your metabolism.

I know you swim, so who can tell about sweating, lol. But is it possible for you to...um, work harder during your swims? Or get yourself some aquasize dumbbell thingies and spend 10-15 minutes doing strength training in the water before you do laps? A great exercise in the water is to go in up to your neck and then stand there and cross-country ski-- lean forward a bit, arms straight, keeping your hands flat and constantly pushing on the water as they move beside you, and move your legs as though you're wearing X-country skiis. This is an exhilarating exercise, you'll be able to do it in water for as long as you want pretty much. Added to your laps, you might find it moves the scale for you?

Judy D.