Ok I have had major problems losing and I did have to monitor calories to lose. I started but limiting calories to 1600, because I stalled at 1800. I lose at 1600 just fine. Now I don't really count calories every day, but what I do is to eat only until I'm not longer hungry. I don't really have a full sensor. I go from hungry to stuffed, so I have to really pay attention that I'm no longer hungry and am not stuffed yet. That allows me to lose. I do miss that really full feeling sometimes and I go overboard like last night mindlessly munching on cheese. BTW I don't suggest it unless you absolutely have to.