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Originally Posted by palmettostar
My most main concern is if you, someone whose participated in WW, feel like it's worth it to join the program and spend the money on.
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For me? Absolutely 100% worth it. Glad I joined that one day. Glad I paid. Glad I upgraded to the Monthly Pass. All worth it.
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Also, which do you prefer - meetings or online? What is the difference between the two aside from in person support with meetings.
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Well... If backed into a corner I would pick the meetings. But, I use the online eTools so often to track and plan. They've
both been a part of my success. (And I get both with the Monthy Pass.)
The difference really is just the in person support/meetings, but that's a HUGE difference. It's not something that everyone feels they need. For many others, though, going to a place where others care about your progress, where you're accountable for your weigh-in, where you can pick up new materials, where you can celebrate... that's the thing that keeps them going. The up and down weeks.
WW Online offers the eTools, tips, articles, and the online support groups. But, honestly? For me, the online support groups on WW pale in comparison to the meetings in person. And, the online groups even pale in comparison to 3FC. I do love the rest of the site, I just don't use their "community" section very much.
However, Online is less expensive than In Person, so for some people they need to use the Online version when it comes to expense.
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What do you get when you join - what kind of materials are provided? Are there extra materials you think I should invest in? If you do the online program, what materials are you provided with and what materials should you get that are extra?
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Upon joining, you're provided with all the basic things that you need to work the plan. As the weeks go on, you get some more materials that build on the basic structures, and encourage more changes.
It's been a while since I've joined (many years) so I can't remember whether or not a new member joining PointsPlus is provided with a Calculator. Either way, it's the only "extra" (if it is an extra) that I would suggest getting. I'm sure someone will be kind enough to come along and verify whether you get a Calculator when joining or if it's extra.
If you go long enough, there are often samples of things given out. Recipes traded. There are the weekly mini-magazines. Lots of fun things to read, and encouraging little tidbits.
The online version provides whatever is available on the site. This includes all the articles you'll need. They start you on Week 1, and work you through the different weeks that you're on the plan, building you up and encouraging more changes. However, it's just without the in-person support, and it's electronic.
The eTools (included online) show you how to track. There's a smartphone application to track on the go. Love the app. Useful without end.
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I've already started making changes in my diet in preparation for this and my biggest concern is feeling like it's a waste of money, I definitely don't want to spend money every month on a program if it truly isn't worth it. I understand that it's all about me and how I follow the program and I've worked myself up enough to say I can do it and it's time!
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Whether or not it's "worth it" is going to entirely depend on what you think it's worth.
I had to join. I had to have someone say to me, "Here. Stay within these Points. Make sure you're tracking these Good Health Guidelines. Come to meetings weekly. It'll be alright."
I like the structure of the plan. I like how the plan focuses on permanent changes. On the whole aspect of weight loss. Not just eat less/move more, but all the little troubles and big pitfalls we can run into. They've been there, and that's comforting.
The plan aside, the meetings alone were worth it for me!
Unfortunately, meetings aren't convenient in my area right now, but I felt the most successful when I went weekly. I loved my meetings. I often quote my first leader (I still miss her). It has been worth it not only for the health information, but for the group atmosphere and accountability. If you have the right leader and the right group, things click. You get a jolt of energy each week. You get a good thing to think about on your way out the door. You get happy for everyone's success, and they're happy for yours.
For me... it's worth it.