I was a Weight Watcher success story about 6 years ago, and I think most of that was due to my meeting attendance. The meetings were great, we'd take the topic of the week and have a great open discussion of it, followed by any awards, and then a free-for-all point finds and stories and whatnot discussion. Even the folks who came in looking like they'd rather be anywhere else in the world found themselves at least listening in, if not participating.
But now, here I am a few years later starting over again at basically the same weight I started at the first time. I've been to 7 different meetings at different times of the day and with different leaders and all the meetings have been the same. The leader reads from the given script, a couple of people acknowledge awards. Then that's it. Heck, I saw a woman reach her goal and cry on her cell phone to her friends about how happy she was, but the meeting leader only said "congrats to xxxx, I think she made goal today" just as we were walking out.
It's really disheartening, actually. Are there new rules for what leaders can and can't say at meetings? I really feel that the openness and camaraderie of the meetings, combined with a really great program, is what made me successful the first time and I really need that back. Someone reading an anecdote from a piece of paper in front of the room just isn't going to cut it.
Anyone have any input? I really hate to badmouth WW...I know this program works! But it seems so much more sterilized and corporate than it used to be.
Wow, that's too bad about those meetings. My meetings are pretty much the same as your first description. Our leader is really good, asks how everyone's week went - challenges, triumphs etc. then she gives out awards, the meeting topic is taught and discussed and then we do the "food finds" bit.
Maybe I just got spoilt with my first leader. But the other leaders who occationally ran those meetings were great, too. I wonder if the local office here made some rules about going "off topic" in meetings.
The leader/meetings around me are horrible, as you described. There's a short, not so inspiring script and then rest is just...well....BS. No learning new tips and tricks and info on the WW system, like every piece of literature states will happen, every booklet praising and promoting the meetings - they are nothing near what they claim, at least not around me.
It is too bad. I assumed I wouldn't enjoy it but went to the meetings with an open mind anyway, hoping to get the full benefit from the program. But it was like a joke, a waste of time. I actually cldnt believe how crappy it was. Everyone chit-chatting with each other while the annoying leader babbled about this or that....about himself, mostly. Nothing of value. Nothing of WW importance.
I admit I an envious of those who say the meeting are wonderful, motivational, have this great feel to them with an awesome leader.... I wish. We're not badmouthing WW. The program itself is great (for me so far), just unforunate that we can't say the same about the meetings near us.
My meetings are like the first ones described. I have a REALLY great leader. In the past, I've also attended meetings like the current ones you are describing. It made me not attend meetings anymore, and I ended up gaining the weight back. It really is essential for me to have a good leader and get some support from my meetings. Are there other WW meeting places around your town? I know you said you tried some already, but maybe at a totally different place?
Sadly, I've tried pretty much all I can around here. Most meetings are at the offical center, but I did try 2 at local community centers/churches. But, they're all the same group of leaders and taking them out of the offical environment doesn't seem to help.
I'm afraid I'm going to turn into one of those "weigh in and leave" folks. I suppose I can get support online (3FC is awesome!), but having a group of people in the room with you who are totally motivated makes it all soooo much easier.
I really hope I don't sound too whiny. I just really want my older leader back. But she's thousands of miles away.
harrypotterybarn - Again, same here. They are all the same group of leaders that go to the different local locations. I'd have to drive pretty far to find a different meeting with a new leader. And I am one of those "weigh in and leave" folks you speak of... lol are we looked down upon? Hehe. Staying for the meeting makes me feel worse, so I don't. Until a new leader or meeting location pops up, I'm gonna continue to get my support on this lovely forum.
And even if I had a decent meeting to go to, I'd still come here because I get so much out of this place, and from the people on it. I don't think you sound whiny either - and if ya do, then I do too, heh.
Have the meetings changed?
