Hi. There are a lot of different ideas regarding this. One thing I have read and found over the years is that the best way to lose girth, size, fat and to have the physique you want is to monitor your diet. That's the first thing to really address. How is your eating? Are you limiting processed foods, fatty foods with little nutritional value? That is important and the biggest factor in terms of how much fat we carry around.
Once that is addressed and being worked on, if your doctor says it's okay, then you can work out. Add a mixture of things. A cardio work out on a regular basis of some sort-- whatever you like, Zumba, kickboxing, bike riding, running/jobbing/walking, elliptical machine, boot camp class all are excellent. Trimming away with cardio means that everywhere will get toned and in better shape including your problem areas. And adding in weights is great because it keeps the metabolism still running even after you are done exercising. Start light and do more reps is the way to go. Three sets of 10? Squats are great, lunges are great, try walking lunges. At a gym, I get my bet work outs. Why? Well, the atmosphere really promotes it. But this may not be something you are allowed to do (don't know how old you are). If you do go, check out their class schedule even aqua aerobics or open swim times. And then you can for usually a lower fee ask the trainer in the gym to show you how to use the equipment. You might enjoy the abductor machine or the hamstring press. But it's good to have someone show you.
You also can google Hiit work outs (just as I spelled it. These are short interval training youtube videos that last usually under 30 minutes but give you a great work out.
good luck