Hi Everyone!

I'm not currently following any diet plan but desperately need to. I'm 5' tall and 191 lbs. I let myself get way out of control and want to get it back.

I've been thinking about trying WW, but I'm not sure if it's right for me. I've been on many diets (Jenny Craig, Slim Fast, Herbalife, Atkins, etc). While they worked for the time being, none of them have lasted very long.

Can you tell me how your experience with WW has been, how your weight loss has gone and whether you like it or dread it and do it because you have to? I know nobody has the right or wrong answer, but I'd love to hear your experiences. It might be what I need to make the decision to join.

Thanks so much for your help!

Judy

The way I feel about WW is that it's not a diet so, in my opinion, it works long-term. I've been doing it since February of 2006 and I've lost close to 60 pounds. I've definitely had days/weeks/moments where I didn't want to continue but it such an easy plan to pick back up. You can still eat anything you want to so you don't feel like you are "cheating." I've tried diets also, and I just feel that WW is easier, more manageable, and satisfying.

Hope this helps, good luck with your decision!

Judy, coming to 3FC and asking questions is a wonderful first step...good for you!

Let me start by saying I've never dieted. I just accepted that I was supposed to be fat. Both sides of my family were fat, so it was in my genes (and jeans) right? Why fight it? I was wrong on so many levels!

August 8th of 2006 my doctor told me I had to do something. I was entirely too heavy, and was at risk for diabetes, high cholesterol, and many other weight related issues. I already developed high blood pressure. I asked her what to do, and could she prescribe something to help. She said absolutely not to a prescription, and suggested WW. I went home from my appointment and researched WW on line, and began the at home program that day. Two weeks later I thought I might need some additional info so I attended a meeting. I've never looked back. In the past month I've missed two meetings due to being out of town, but those were the first meetings I've missed since August.

Most of the plans you mentioned in your post are DIETS. They are not plans that are sustainable for the rest of your life, and I think that's why many people don't reach their goals following them. Weight watchers is not a diet, and doesn't follow the same mentality as a diet. WW is a lifestyle change. Switching over to eating and exercising in a more healthful way. Learning that there are no foods which are forbidden, but to consume them in moderation. We all know that at some point you will eat a piece of birthday cake. Does that mean you fell off your diet? No, it means that you need to work it into your plan and allowed points for the day.

My experience has been unbelievable. Next week will mark 10 months for me on the WW plan. To date I've lost 82 pounds, and am within sight of my WW goal. When I began I was hoping to lose 20 pounds, now I won't settle for anything less than reaching my goal. I don't want to sound high and mighty or anything, but once you're in the mindset, WW is EASY. A no brainer. Count points, add in a bit of exercise, and you will lose weight. Not once have I considered going back to my old way of life or gotten tired of being on plan. We still go out to eat at least once or twice a week, sometimes several times a week. Learn how to make good choices and eating out will be no big obstacle, and realistically you'll enjoy even more than you currently do! In the past when we would be finishing a meal in a restaurant I used to be miserable, stuffed, yuck! Now when I leave a restaurant I feel great, like I could shop for hours rather than wishing I could take a nap.

OK, I've been rambling! Give WW a try. I don't think you'll be sorry!

My Gosh, Kelly you took that right out of my head. You are right, there is no other programme that I would be on.
Good luck to you Judy , you have come to the right place,
Mary

I personally think that WW is the "real deal"...it teaches you the proper way to eat. There are no gimics like the other diets that you have listed (I have also tried Atkins, Slim Fast, etc) and I just feel that those weight loss methods are unrealistic. You are avoiding the real issue with those diets. We all got overweight by eating too much, and WW teaches us how to eat real food in correct portions.

With me, I have been on WW several times in the past 6 years (minus some time for two pregnancies!) and although it is the "real deal" like I mentioned, it also comes down to our own willingness to succeed. The plan needs to be worked, and one thing that I have realized this go around is that there is no stop watch in my hand telling me when my weightloss efforts need to be done. I'll get there when I get there. I have my struggles and victories; my motivation levels run high and sometimes run low...but as long as I don't give up the fight, I'll get there eventually.

I don't dread or dislike being on WW...I like the structure yet flexibility that it gives me. There is not one single food that I have had to give up; I have just learned the proper way to eat them.

I also really enjoy the meetings. I went several months without going to meetings and just did it on my own; at first I did very well. I lost about 25lbs from Sept-Dec, and then I got off track during the holidays. I never gave up, though, but I felt I needed help getting fully back on track, so I started going back to meetings a few months ago. I've lost another 8lbs since I started going back to the meetings.

Good luck with your decision!

I've tried diets before..and as others have said WW is not a diet..it is indeed a lifestyle change. WW helps to teach you portion control and to be more aware what you put in your mouth. I have never felt deprived on WW as I have on those diet plans. Because with WW you CAN have the things you like (in moderation). I have stuck to this plan longer than any of those diets I have tried. I've been on WW since March 06 and have lost more than 50 lbs..much more than I had ever lost on my own..
If you do not like the idea of going to meetings you could try WW online..I have never been to a meeting (but that is more because I am overseas than anything). I do not dread WW at all..Sometimes admittedly I get bored writing all my pts down and such but then I remind myself that this is helping me and my health! After a bit it just becomes second nature..I can pretty much look at something and figure in my head now how many pts. it would be!

Good luck!

Thanks everyone for your info and words of encouragement. You've helped me a lot.

I need a lifestyle change not a quick fix so it sounds like WW is the way to go. This way, I can help my husband lose the lbs he's gained since retiring from the Army and make sure my daughter knows a healthy way of life and will never have this situation to deal with.

Good luck to all of you. Hopefully I have the success you've had with this.

Judy