Hi, I'm new here! I have about 40 pounds to lose. I'm not very self-motivated, and have been considering joining Weight Watchers. I was wondering if anybody here can tell me a little about what the meetings are like. I'm also wondering if they have rewards, like pins or ribbons for a certain amount of weight lost. I can be rather competetive, and would probably be motivated by something like that.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi there. and welcome to the forum.

Yes, WW does give out AWARDS as incentive to keep you going. After the first 5 pounds, you get a red book mark, then a gold star for every 5 lbs after that. at 25, 50, etc. we give you a refrigerator magnet w/ the number of lbs lost; your greatest motivation, of course, is yourself, and your most intense competition should also be you.

I say that specifically because we tend to compare ourselves to others in terms of the speed with which we lose -- and there are no valid comparisons. First of all, everyone loses at a different rate, even if they eat the same things. Additionally, your age, size, (height) how much you need to lose, time of the month, and a whole host of other factors play a role in the weight loss rate.

Let me say, good luck. Let me also say, congrats for acknowledging the situation and wanting to do something for yourself.

In terms of the meeting structure... we have a sort of meeting PLAN -- which involves the celebrations element allowing you to share your losses, or behavior changes; discussion if anyone has any issues or questions they need answered/ resolved; and the weekly topic which ranges from behavior modification to skills in restaurants, etc.

Join a meeting! Do something wonderful for yourself!

Thank you so much for the information. I understand about different people losing at different rates. When I say I'm competetive, I guess I mean with myself...I like to prove I can do it!

I've lost different amounts of weight at different times in my life, and always regained it. I'm considering WW now because I think interaction with other people in the same boat, and also the continuing maintenance support might be just what I need.

Thanks again, I really appreciate it!


bikinigal(At least I'm hopeful, LOL!)

well, I'm hoping, this time, you'll have the resolve to lose it for the last time. that's what's more important than anything. Losing it is one thing -- but the competition (w/ yourself) is fiercest when you decide, "Great. Now, I've lost it. I'm going to KEEP it off this time." It took me three attempts, 10 years apart, to lose my weight and now, my 50 pounds is off for almost 3 years. You'll do it. :-)

Thanks, RouenMom!

I'm so glad to hear that you've kept your weight off on the third attempt! That's wonderful, and really gives me hope. I have a friend who keeps telling me that the fact that I regained the weight is just proof that diets don't work, and I should accept myself the way I am and stay this way. I can't do it, though. It's more than just appearance. I don't like the way I feel at this weight. It's uncomfortable. I just know that the reason I regained the weight is that something was missing, and you're right - the determination to keep it off has to be as strong as the determination to lose.

I've decided to join WW tomorrow. Thank you!

~ bikinigal ~

Hi,

I'd like to correct your friend's misinformation. The fact that you (or anyone else) regains the weight after completing a diet is not proof that it's not possible to lose weight and keep it off.

It is proof of two things. One, dieting doesn't work, but changing your lifestyle does. Two, most people don't learn all that they need to know the first time they attempt to lose and keep off weight.

It's hard to change your lifestyle permanently. It's hard to maintain a weight loss. It's hard because we're not really taught how to do it. We have to learn it and most of the information out there is nonsense. So, we have to find a place that really teaches us how to make those changes. Then we have to practice them, just like we practice any new skill that we learn.

It's great that you chose WW because they teach you how to make permenant changes and how to do it by improving your health at the same time.

Good luck!

Lin

Glad to hear that you just decided to join ww. I just rejoined myself for the 3rd time. The first time I joined was before the point system that they have now. I only went to a few meetings, I can't even remember if I lost any weight. The second time that I joined was at work Feb. 2000. I managed to lose 19 lbs in 10 weeks using the 123 point system. I lost almost 30 lbs altogether in 2000, but then life happened and I regained it. Now a friend and I have rejoined together and I'm confident that this time, I'll get it right.

I love the meeting, I love hearing how much others have lost. Last week a lady had lost a total of 40 lbs already. It is so encouraging to hear that. It makes me think, wow, 40 lbs. and I'd be 10 lbs. from goal. Then I think, "I can do this"! I'm sure you will find the same motivation.

BTW, the system is so easy to follow. Its almost like a game. Good luck and let everyone know how you're doing. Find a tread to post to and make some friends here. This site has been a great source of inspiration to me, even when I wasn't on the wagon!!

Ruth