Weight Watchers - For those who've been around through WW Plan changes...

I know many of you have been around WW for awhile, and have seen different plans come and go. My question is this....if you're happy with what you're doing, did you stick with it, or change to the new plan?

Flex has been working very well for me, and I'm thinking that changing anything about it might make me a bit nervous and I may prefer to just keep going the way I am. I have all the info now so know what the point levels are for different weights....

Just curious what all of you have done in the past!

every change I have been reluctant but each time I actually tried it I found it to be just the change I needed.

In reality the only thing that changed since the inception of points is 1 the lowest end and how you counted banked aka flex points and how activity points were earned.

Thanks for the info, Kel! When I started this thread I actually contemplated just PMing you, because I knew you would have the answer!

I've been around the points since 1998 and like I said I resisted at first but then figured out they made the changes for us to succeed otherwise they wouldn't put them out....

If it doesn't work for you after you give it the 'ole college try' (meaning at least 3-4 weeks) you can always go back to what was working best. :)

I have been around points like Kelly. I remember exchanges very well too and probably still have those materials around somewhere. I too liked everything they gave us and kind of cringed at the change to a set daily point and 35 flex points but I LOVE IT now. I never did do well with the banked point program because for some reason, it gave me carte blanche to go way overboard easier. the 35 flex points seem to work for me - don't ask me why - because WW do all the studies and find out what works best. They don't make changes just because (although marketing and money I'm sure plays into it)

Started WW 1/71 and have been through every plan change since. Only one I have hated is points. Currently do Core. Love that Core plan...I don't do well with Flex because junk food is too accessible with it. Been at goal since 1973.

Susan, that isn't W/W fault that you did it (and no I am no slamming or arguing with you)...nor anyone elses fault at what they choose to eat. I like my combo of core foods w/points but everyone has their own sense of what is best for them. LOL

Well, I always give the new program a try.
I've done WW off and on through selections, 123, WP, and Flex.
I am looking forward to the changes, but I will probably ease myself through the change.

It sound like the new change coming up is basically flex what what I know but the way they find your target points is different from the old weight range. So, only sounds like a slight change and nothing crazy.

I actually don't like having the 35 extra points - for myself I can get too carried away with them.

The WW plan I have and still follow is the first points plan that came out. It works for me and, call me crazy, but I really hate change of any kind. I'll probably look at the new plan and say "no thanks" just like I did when the Flex came out. I still don't cap my fiber at 4 grams when figuring points. I figure 57 pounds can't be wrong! Maybe when I get closer to goal I will feel more comfortable shaking things up a bit.

Apparently the new changes are enough that they are doing away with the old trackers including the Daily Tracker book which sold for $5

There may be more changes than originally thought from what my leader is hinting at

I attended my first WW meeting in March of 1970. I still have the original cookbook that had the whole plan in it. I also have the cookbook from 1973 and all the original "cards" from 1974. There was no life then without dehydrated onion flakes, LOL!!!

When the exchange plan came out, I got confused and left WW. I've been back a few times over the years and have just rejoined for what I hope is the last time. I've been counting calories, so the points make sense.

Change is good; it's also smart marketing. The diet industry is so huge that it makes sense for its technology to evolve at a fast pace, giving us changes for the better in our WW program.

Cool, huh...

Like I've said before, this is the first diet I've ever been on. It's been working so astonishingly well that I'm almost afraid to rock the boat! I'm sure though that in a couple weeks when my leader starts presenting the stuff, I'll give it the college try!

Thanks again for all the input!

I'm new to the Flex points, too, so we'll go through the changes together. What an adventure! At least it keeps the program interesting.

Hang in there. Change is GOOD! It keeps us motivated and keeps us thinking about what we can do to change ourselves.

I too have been around WW long enough to go through each one of the points plans.

This change is not a total revamping, it's just a tweak. You can always ease yourself in to it. Keep in mind that WW changes after years of research and there are good reasons behind it.

Baby steps!
You didn't GAIN the weight overnight, you won't lose the weight overnight!

CHEERS

Baby steps!
You didn't GAIN the weight overnight, you won't lose the weight overnight!

WHAT? I won't lose all my fat in two weeks or something? <getting into melodramatic pose> Oh, I simply couldn't STAND it!!!

Where is the fat fairy with the "instantly skinny" wand, and the magic pills?

<end of drama queen tantrum> Actually, I completely agree that baby steps are the only way to make changes permanent, LOL!!

Thanks for the reminder! :D

hehehe :joker: Waterbaby, if I knew where the Fat Fairy was, I'd sell her services on Ebay!

And what about those magic pills?

Anyone remember Phen Fen? YEAH!!! Fat or Death. hmmmm let's decide here

;)

....I still don't cap my fiber at 4 grams when figuring points.... yeah but you probably don't abuse it like some did which is why the fiber cap came out (WINK)

Hi! I've been reading this board for a bit, but this question brought me out to post. I lost weight successfully on the old WW Quick Start and Quick Success plans -- 30 pounds back in the mid-80s. Kept it off for five years, when a job change got me off track and I started gaining weight back. When I went basck to WW they had made a change that made it difficult for me to lose -- they upped the starch exchanges a lot. I couldn't lose on that plan.

I've restarted and restarted and restarted -- never lost much. I've gained 5-6 pounds a year for the past 12 years, gotten lazy, stopped cooking, stopped doing any exercise (and I was never a jock). So I'm restarting again. I may use Points as a framework, but I've been using the old exchange program that worked for me before. It's the only diet I ever loved. ;) I dug out all the old cookbooks from that program -- real food, not processed or frozen -- made up an exchanges chart, and have lost six pounds in two weeks. That's a whole year gone!

Glad to meet you all. Can I post on the WW forum if I'm doing a defunct program, or should I go to a general thread?

Penny

Oldpenny, you may certainly post here! Defunct program or not, you're still here to try to be healthier and lose weight. That is the same goal as every one else! Best of luck to you!

....When I went basck to WW they had made a change that made it difficult for me to lose -- they upped the starch exchanges a lot. I couldn't lose on that plan.

I've restarted and restarted and restarted -- never lost much. I've gained 5-6 pounds a year for the past 12 years, gotten lazy, stopped cooking, stopped doing any exercise (and I was never a jock). So I'm restarting again. I may use Points as a framework, but I've been using the old exchange program that worked for me before. It's the only diet I ever loved. ;)

They never really added or took away 'starches' or really changed the basic programs. I hope that the following info will help you do much better. Additionally if you look at the foods now (and I am not trying to change your mind just giving you more info to make your decision) that are designated Core you tend to eat more balanced.

Points Pies

Balanced (under 250 pounds)

Complex Carbs/Grain Based Foods – 8-9 points a day
Protein-rich Foods – 6-7 points a day
Fruits and Veggies – 0-3 points a day
Fats, added sugars – 2-3 points a day
Milk and Milk Products – 4-6 points a day

20-28 points a day

Higher Protein (under 250 pounds)

Complex Carbs/Grain Based Foods – 5-6 points a day
Protein-rich Foods – 9-11 points a day
Fruits and Veggies – 0-1 points a day
Fats, added sugars – 2-4 points a day
Milk and Milk Products – 4-6 points a day

20-28 points a day

Higher Carb (under 250 pounds)

Complex Carbs/Grain Based Foods – 9-10 points a day
Protein-rich Foods – 5-7 points a day
Fruits and Veggies – 1-3 points a day
Fats, added sugars – 1-2 points a day
Milk and Milk Products – 4-6 points a day

20-28 points a day

-----

Balanced (over 250 pounds)

Complex Carbs/Grain Based Foods – 11 points a day
Protein-rich Foods – 10 points a day
Fruits and Veggies – 3-4 points a day
Fats, added sugars – 2-3 points a day
Milk and Milk Products – 4-6 points a day

30-34 points a day

Higher Protein (over 250 pounds)

Complex Carbs/Grain Based Foods – 8 points a day
Protein-rich Foods – 12 points a day
Fruits and Veggies – 2-3 points a day
Fats, added sugars – 4-5 points a day
Milk and Milk Products – 4-6 points a day

30-34 points a day

Higher Carb (over 250 pounds)

Complex Carbs/Grain Based Foods – 13 points a day
Protein-rich Foods – 8 points a day
Fruits and Veggies – 2-4 points a day
Fats, added sugars – 3 points a day
Milk and Milk Products – 4-6 points a day

30-34 points a day


I dug out all the old cookbooks from that program -- real food, not processed or frozen -- made up an exchanges chart, and have lost six pounds in two weeks. That's a whole year gone! Congrats on the loss but while W/W does allow for processed/frozen foods they truly would prefer people look at the real food...most of us tend to be more satisified on the real food. I do a combo of points and Core. BTW I lost most of my weight originally on the exchanges program too but am so happy that there is something that gives me more flexibility.

I compared one of the recipes from back with exchanges to points and it was the majority of my points and nearly 1/3-1/2 of my selections.


Glad to meet you all. Can I post on the WW forum if I'm doing a defunct program, or should I go to a general thread? You can post where ever you feel comfortable. I post on a lot of the other weight loss forums because I think there is a bit from all the programs that one can learn and use from.

Penny[/QUOTE]

They never really added or took away 'starches' or really changed the basic programs. I hope that the following info will help you do much better.


Actually, they did add the number of starches. I wasn't talking about the current program, but about what they were doing about 15 years ago. Thanks very much for taking the time to post all of that information, but I'm doing just fine. :) I'm not looking for another program.

boaterswife, thanks very much for the welcome and encouragement!

I don't remember them adding any starches...Maybe because I used my optional calories/selections for starches. HMmmmmmmmmmm.

(Sticking tounge out jokingly) this info may help others too. LOL

Everyone is welcome! No questions is too stupid OldPenny, so don't worry.
I'm excited about the change - I have been struggling over the holidays and don't want to lose my momentum. I think this will help. 2 more weeks til they announce it!

Kelly thanks for posting that - reminds me of what I did when I lost my first 25 lbs a few years ago :cool: Sigh, now if I could just get to my NEXT 25 lbs.

I wonder how much of the "program changes" are due to actual IMPROVEMENTS or to MARKETING? I hope for the former, but suspect the latter. I think if a plan or program works for you and it is balanced, who CARES what the "new" program is? I personally get tired of seeing all the changes and having to adjust to them to stay on their plan. It will be interesting to see what new things come up. I just hope that all my old cookbooks aren't defunct as of Jan 1st, because they come up with another method of accounting for food. Not that I would necessarily FOLLOW the change - I think I would stay with what works for me!
Good luck to our US WW friends for Thanksgiving! Sweet potato pie, green beans with fried onions on top, stuffing, turkey...sigh...
:)

Is the new program supposed to come with the first of the year or what? I do WW online so haven't heard anything yet..

I have not been to a "real meeting" in ages.
Will someone tell me what this new plan is all about, please!!!!!!!

I do better on the Points than the Core.

:flow1:

No one has the new information yet and it will be available to both those at meetings and online. You will get it when it is released.

If you are doing it on your own it is a copyrighted information and thus we legally cannot just give it to you so you may have to find a way to obtain it.

It is supposed to be released the week of December 10 so if you can hit a meeting then.

Thanks Kelly,
I will be going back to meetings on a monthly basis. So, I'll make sure I attend that week.

:flow1:

I love the changes when they come along! Even if it's a slight 'tweaking' of the program ...it shakes things up a bit, it's something 'new', I pay more attention to what I'm doing, I journal like I should, I look at it as a 'challenge', and I'm excited to see the results ...it's just good for me. I've been a member off and on since 1973, and every change has been for the better. I reached goal 3 1/2 years ago. I love the flex plan, but I'm definitely ready for a change or two ...even the little ones ...bring it on!

I agree Chickiboo!
Change is GOOD.
Especially since they do a TON of research before making it a national change.

I wonder how much of the "program changes" are due to actual IMPROVEMENTS or to MARKETING? The improvements are based on new research and trying to make sure that the program is the best it can be...that also leads to the new marketing. So it is a bit of both.

I personally get tired of seeing all the changes and having to adjust to them to stay on their plan. It will be interesting to see what new things come up. I just hope that all my old cookbooks aren't defunct as of Jan 1st, because they come up with another method of accounting for food. Not that I would necessarily FOLLOW the change - I think I would stay with what works for me! Why take the attitude of being tired of changes when they are doing it for the program and to help the individuals lose? I don't understand. As for the cookbooks the formula for figuring points are not changing...the changes are minor per a leader friend of mine (clarifying some Core foods, adding some core foods, adding some things that can be counted as dairy products and a new way to determine TARGET points is the major change).

Kelly, adding more things to count as dairy items will be great.
Can't wait for that week.
:present:

i first joined ww in oct. 1968. i was thrilled when that program was changed and i didn't have to eat liver once a week, fish at least 5 times a week, and beef up to 3 times a week.

it took me awhile to adjust to having more freedom to choose and more foods to choose from, but you know what? i'm a much much happier dieter than i was in 1968. the changes ww makes seem to work. the problem i've had over the years is between my ears. not just my mouth but also my mind.

as to posting? you should post where you feel most comfortable. everyone here is very welcoming. i just started posting here at general ww a couple of days ago. i also post on the core board. (even though i haven't been strictly core for a long time.)

We won't be getting our new program until the week of December 17th or for me it will be the 21st. I hope people here give us a bit of heads up as it appears that they are rolling it out in some places the week of December 10th - hmmmmm I'll probably get stuff on my etools online by the week of the 10th huh?

Rose, yeah the e-tools should have it the week of the 10th.

Yesterday my leader said she would have all the new info for us next week, so I'm looking at the 9th for our kickoff date!

I believe that we'll be getting a rundown at our meeting tomorrow - I'm both excited AND nervous! I just started 3 weeks ago, but I love the Flex plan. It essentially stops me from derailing if I eat a little extra...you know, that nasty instinct that say "You had fries at lunch...now your whole day is shot. Why not eat 1/2 a cake, too?" I'm a little freaked out by how easy it has been to stay on track so far, so I hope that there aren't too many changes!

Koloratur, I've been on WW flex since August 8th, and I understand what you're saying! I sit back and think about the last 4 months and wonder why I waited so long, and is it really real, because it has been EASY! Yes, I work out, and yes I watch what goes into my mouth and count all the points, but still, it feels like a no-brainer.....so don't expect that feeling to go away any time soon!

My deal:
Joined WW May 2004
Used Flex (it was the only plan available)
Got to goal Sept., got to Lifetime Nov. 2004

Tried Core for a few scattered weeks--lost once, generally did NOT like it at all.

I'm back to Flex--it just feels better to me. Probably because I'm much more familiar with it.

I do try to eat in a whole grain/low fat/minimally processed way; but, as a vegetarian, I frequently eat nut butters so Core would have been a bad fit for how I usually eat.