Hi! My name is Yvonne I'm 23, and a senior in college, and for the first time in my life (unlike all the other failed attempts) ready to make a life change to acheive a healthier ME! It has been a long road and I'm terrified that once again this will turn into a failed attempt, however I'm tired of my thighs rubbing together and shopping in the plus sized section and scared that I to like my grandmother will die of heart diesease or acquire diabetes. My whole life I have been overweight and with important events coming up in the later months such as a childhood friend's wedding and my college graduation I want to be able to walk with pride.
I have been researching through the library and online reviews of all the major diets and weight loss centers and I continually come back to WW. I am currently 256lbs and would like to lose 100lbs in a safe way with no certain date set. I would really like to join WW, but I don't know if online or in-person is the way to go. If I do chose to do in-person what can I expect cost wise, and the feel of meetings? Any advise or insight would be greatly appreciated!!!
I lost weight just counting calories and working out with a buddy- we made a pact that we would only socialize at the gym. I, too had some major factors to motivate me- a friend's wedding and a college reunion.
I started to gain back weight when I fell madly in love with a guy who can eat WAY more than I can (believe me, I tried to keep up!) and got nervous about seeing it all come back. I joined WW but, even after trying all of the leaders and evening meetings at my location, just didn't connect with a leader of a group. I felt stupid saying why I was having trouble on a diet - I know, I know, that's the point!
I gained a little more and decided Sunday afternoon after coffee with a friend turned into drinks and an appetizer that I ate most of that it was time!
I still have my books but I have really liked the online version. It has recipes, menus, a points calculator, your daily food journal and a recipe calculator to help you figure out the points in a favorite recipe. I cruise the success stories for motivation and use 3FC.
I guess, that was an incredible long way to say, "You can do this!" Worry about failure when you fail. We'll be here!
My vote is for the Monthly Pass, that way you get the best of both worlds! The MP is $39.95 a month and is automatically deducted from your checking account or charged to your charge card, whichever you prefer. It is the most cost effective way to attend meetings. Paying weekly is an option, but in my area the meetings run $12 per week, and I've heard of areas that are $13-15 per week. With the pass you'll save at least $8 monthly, and the months that have 5 meetings for you you'll save upwards of $20. When you purchase the pass you also have no excuse to not go, the meeting is already paid for! The other big bonus in my opinion is that with the MP you get full access to the online version at no additional cost. I personally don't use all the areas of the site, but I do track my weigh ins and occassionally use the recipe builder. Good luck with whatever you decide!
Thank you both for your replies! Another quick question...I'm assuming there is a starter kit of some kind with all the materials/booklets....is that an additional fee?
With the meetings you get your starter materials when you join. It's included in the fee. Each week you get additional pamphlets and such when you weigh in. There is other material that you can buy for and additional fee but that is totally up to you.
It's totally up to the person whether they want to do meetings or online. I personally wouldn't be able to do the online version because I need someone to weigh me in. You can also buy a prepayment plan for 5 weeks or 10 weeks or even longer I believe, and you save money that way. See what works best for you.
There is a kit you can buy at the meetings that comes with a food journal, food points index, restaurant food points index and a little black carrying case for all your WW stuff. I bought it but the online listing is much more comprehensive. For example, I could not find the points for a baked potato the other day.
I'm going to go to a meeting tomorrow and see what it's like and then I feel the on-line would work for me better I will do that. My best friend (the bride) and I (maid-of-honor) are going to do it together and we are starting Monday the 23rd...so wish me luck!