I had my meeting and weigh in today. I've logged my day on E-tools. Everything is going to be okay I believe.

My original points were at 23 (too low for me I believe) and now at the 29 minimum. But instead of worrying about it, I'll have a bit of extra fruits, use my weeklies and AP's.

This past week I've been eating 2 fruits a day to get ready, today I've had 3.

I think that is doing fine, nothing excessive.

I went up from 23 to 29. My DH went up from 32 to 39. The minimum is 29 so people who were at 18 or 19 would go up a lot.

My understanding is that they determined that 29 was the minimum that someone could eat and still get adequate nutrition. I ate 30 points the last couple of days and was close to 1200 calories both days (one a little over and the other a little over). So it is hard to imagine how they could cut intake much below that and still get enough nutrition.

I am so confused
 

I am a long ways from my goal, 60 pounds to be exact and my new points are only 29 which is the minimum allowed, how can this be. I am an online member and it is impossible to get answers on this. How can I check if this is right?
:?:

Annoyed
 

:(Is anyone as annoyed as I am that we're not being given the tool necessary to even follow the WW plus points plan? I do WW at Work and whenever our leader would talk about the new program, she said more than once, "They'll give you a calculator to figure your points." A lot of us were really confused today when she said that we were mistaken and that we had to buy the calculators. I really like the WW program, and I can certainly afford the 6 bucks, but it's the point that we're already paying for meetings to be a part of the program, but we don't even get the crucial tool for that program without paying them more money. It is the principal of the matter that bothers me most.

The calculators had to be purchased on the old plan also. It's the same as it's been

It was an option to buy the calculator. You were given the slide. I understand that a slide isn't feasible with the new plan, but I don't think that the only options should be to buy a calculator or be left out. I'll end up buying the thing, but again, it's the point that it's a forced purchase for a program for which we're already paying for the privilege of membership.

i see the frustration, i really do, my husband even made a remark tonight about it, but here is the thing....i KNOW ww works, so a kit, monthly fee, journal, whatever.......is worth it to me.

i am guessing they couldnt do a "slider" because it probably just wouldnt work. and they cant give away calculators to everyone, they would lose their butts on that deal. but with that said, i do understand the frustration of spending yet more money......it'll be worth it though ;) goodluck on the new plan everyone :hug: i think it is going to be the kick in the butt i need!

[QUOTE=pipernoswiper;3587173]i see the frustration, i really do, my husband even made a remark tonight about it, but here is the thing....i KNOW ww works, so a kit, monthly fee, journal, whatever.......is worth it to me.

You're absolutely right and I look at it as an investment in myself because Weight Watchers truly works, I've lost 80lbs in 10 months and I can honestly say this program has saved my life.

I have 3 kids, am going to school and my husband is the only one bringing in any income at the moment. Every week I make sure I have the $13 to attend my weekly meeting because there is so much love and support. I know it's a pain in the butt to have to pay for everything again but it will really be worth it in the longrun :smug:

Your points are calculated for you when you weigh in (if you go to meetings). It's on the label they stick in your Weight Record.

I fiddled around with the calculation on their site entering different weights and you don't drop points every ten pounds like you used to. So a lot more people are at the minimum than used to be.

As for not having the slider, they simply cannot design a slider to be used with four different variables that is user-friendly. They're selling the calculators for $5.95 through December so it isn't going to break the bank if you decide to buy one.

My question is for Kimberly and pagenta, how did you lose so much weight on WW in a short amount of time? I have tried WW in the past without those types of results. What is your secret, lol?

[QUOTE=stocco88;3587206]My question is for Kimberly and pagenta, how did you lose so much weight on WW in a short amount of time? I have tried WW in the past without those types of results. What is your secret, lol?[/

I think I had to hit rock bottom really hard this time to make me truly realize I needed to finally make a positive change in my life. Every year I would make the same old New Years Resolution to lose weight and fail miserably within 2 weeks but this time I knew I had to really DO IT. I was 29 and swore I would NOT enter my 30's being morbidly obese, plus my blood pressure was high for the first time in my life and that scared the **** out of me. I'm not going to lie, the first 3 months were the toughest because I had been a binge eater my entire life so I had to learn how to respect food as silly as that sounds. After I dropped the initial 30lbs I gained enough confidence to join a gym and tried Zumba, I was the biggest girl in there but boy could I move! I started out doing one class per week for a while and now I do 3 along with a 90 Minute Spin Class I started this evening (It's awesome!). Exercise has been the key to helping me lose at a rate of 1 to 2 lbs a week but my weightloss has slowed since I'm getting closer to goal. It's frustrating sometimes but I NEVER give up! I have 3 kids ages 5,7, and 11, and am a Paramedic Student, if I can do this anyone can =D It's all about having a positive attitude :smug:

I do understand that it is annoying for the calculator to be so important but be an extra cost.

There are other options. I think that most people now (at least from what I see at my meeting) do the monthly pass and so get access to the website and there is a calculator there.

For people without monthly pass, it is feasible to count points without a calculator and just using the values in the Pocket Guide. Another option might be to eat Power Foods instead of tracking daily points. I know none of that is ideal but it is an option.

I'm going to buy whatever I can today to make this plan doable for me. I can't wait! My meeting is at 9:30 and I so look forward to getting the materials. Having lunch out and I'm hoping that the place I am picking up food from for my sister and I to share is in the materials.
I'm really going to do the best I can to stick with this. I'm really pleasantly looking forward to fruits.
What about dehydrated fruits with no sugar added?

I'm not a regular poster here, I'm a lurker at best, but I needed a place to voice my opinion on this change.

I do not disagree that this plan might, in fact, be better for weight loss than the old plan. The weight loss under this new plan might be faster and it might be healthier. But what it is not, is easier.

I, like many people trying to lose weight, have been on diet after diet after diet. Weight Watchers is the one that I was able to stick to and finally lose 30 pounds (still have a long way to go!). NOT because it's the best, most scientifically-sound diet out there... but because it was the easiest. Because I could fit it into my lifestyle. Because, since it was so easy, I had NO excuse NOT to follow it!! It gave me a framework for counting calories, basically, which is what I needed.

Well, with the forced change to the new program, that's all out the window, and I'm really upset. GONE is the ability to look at the calorie information alone and estimate the points. So when I go to a restaurant and ALL they give me is the calorie information (as MANY restaurants do), what am I going to do? On the old Points program, I'd estimate 1 pt per 50 calories, maybe pad it a little bit for fat, and be done with it. Now, I have NO CLUE what to count for the points. I don't find this encouraging at all! I find it frustrating.

And it is so gut-wrenchingly frustrating to feel like I have finally found a program that works for me, to have it, literally, TAKEN AWAY.

What I don't understand is why they didn't make this an optional change, as they have in the past when they've introduced new programs. Or at least given online members like me the *option* to continue to use the old tools. How dumb is it, that if I want to keep counting the "old" way, because its easier and better suited to my lifestyle and approach, that I have to do it myself... and therefore, might as well cancel my subscription and stop paying them?! If they had just left us access to these tools, they would keep getting my money... seems like a no-brainer to me.

The old plan *worked*, it may not have been based on the "latest scientific research" or whatever, but it worked and it was easy. And even on weeks when I didn't lose 1-2 pounds, I stuck with it because it was simple and I knew I could do it.

To be honest, I really wonder if they did this *because* the old method was too easy, maybe people were dropping their memberships and just doing it on their own. They had to make it extra-complicated so we'd be dependent upon their tools.

Anyway, I am frustrated. To say the least. I do not know where I am going from here. Until yesterday, there was no question in my mind that I would be doing WW for pretty much the rest of my life, it had become second nature to me and my weight was going down, maybe not quickly, but constantly and that is what is important. Now... I don't know. Maybe I'll cancel my subscription and keep doing regular Points on my own... though I really wish we still had access to the tools and ALL THE INFO I HAD STORED AND SAVED ON THEIR SITE!! ARGHHH.

I think forcing everyone into this new system is a very bad move on their part. I'm sure there are others like me who used WW as a simpler framework for calorie-counting, who will bail now that calories are out the window completely (by the way, I saw the tip to divide by 40... that is definitely helpful! But still not nearly as good as 50 calories per 1 pt... which makes much more sense and is easier to do in my head...)

*sigh* Anyway, thanks for letting me express that here. I'll go back to lurking now. ;)

I lost an average of 2 lb per week until about 2 months ago when I stalled out. But I'm nursing so I get extra points for that. I have done extended nursing with all of my children and I lost weight when they were between 6-12 months with all of them (this is my third). So that was part of it. My daughter is 14 months now.

I exercise daily - I walk briskly for an hour - and I've tracked my points faithfully, using only about half of the extra points every week. I weigh myself every day, and I start my week (for weight loss sake) on Thursday. I've tried starting on Monday, but I have a hard time saving my extra points all week where I'm really good at saving them after I've indulged some on the weekend.

In my case, I face the challenge of doing maintenance on fewer points than when I was losing. That should be interesting.

I am sorry. It sounds like many are frustrated like you and if enough folks write to corporate perhaps they will listen.

I haven't done WW in years because the last two times I have done it, I followed the plan exactly and did NOT lose. The points were TOO flexible for me and I wasn't choosing the healthiest options and was told that didn't matter.....for my body, it DOES matter.

The old, old, old plan of exchanges with only 2 bread options per day is what helped me lose the best. I need to stay away from the white flour and sugar as it stalls my weight big time.

One is certainly allowed to follow the plan as they like. If the old system works for you, just keep doing it! I see no reason to have to change just because the system changed.

Dawn

Ok, question.....so the old calculator will NOT figure out the new points system, is that correct?

I have the old calculator.

I am unable to go to meetings at this time due to DH's work schedule, so I have to go at this from home.

When asking about the new program, I have been told I may like it better as the focus is lean protein and filling fiber.....is this an accurate description?

Dawn

Thanks for the response. The official Weight Watchers forums are much less supportive of people who are frustrated with the change. As in, if you dare complain, you get flamed endlessly.

I did send a note to corporate, and will probably cancel my subscription soon. I think that's what will really make them take notice... not our words, but our wallets.

I had to laugh at a recent post on the official forums which was "I put 999 bananas in the new PointsPlus tracker and it's still 0 points!! YAY!!"

... really? Does anyone actually believe that you can eat as many bananas as you want and lose weight?

At the end of the day, calories in, calories out, is what matters. If you eat 4000 calories worth of bananas a day, you will gain weight. If you keep eating the same number of calories you did on the old plan, and add 1000 calories of bananas, you will gain weight. Your body does not say "well WW says its 0 points, so..."

I will probably just keep doing it the "old" way, by myself, its just frustrating to lose access to those tools I have come to depend upon.

That is an accurate description. If you are interested in focusing more on protein, and don't mind having to calculate everything (with the new tools, the old ones will not work) as you come across it, you will probably like the new program.

If you're more interested in continuing to lose weight using a simple, and easy-to-understand/calculate/esimate approach... you will probably be disappointed with the new plan. In my opinion.

When I first logged in and I confirmed the personal information on me, it gave me 61 daily points! As a short, non-nursing woman, I knew this could not be right. When I went back in and did not confirm the information, instead clicked on edit, THEN saved, it gave me 29 points.

I don't know how tall you are but I would assume that the fact that you are male would give you a few more points than the minimum, so I suggest you try what I tried and see if that gives you a different number.

ETA: I am assuming you are a male with your username being mrcubbage, but I suppose mr could be something other than Mr. So if you are a woman, the 29 points could be correct. They do not seem to be basing the points on weight quite as much as they used to. I have 47 pounds to go and I have 29, so 60 may not be that much different in their calculations.

For anyone interested in sticking with the old points system, I was able to find a few apps for my Android phone which will work. They're not as good as the online WW tools were, but... they'll do I think. There are probably similar apps for iphones and blackberries... maybe even some online tools I haven't found yet. Now I feel like I can officially cancel my WW Online subscription, and keep doing it on my own. If they'd just let us continue to access their old tools, they'd still be getting my money... oh well.

kk344 - I remember how upset I was when exchanges went out the window years ago. I had lost all my weight on exchanges and never found points worked as well. It was really hard for me to change from a program that worked for me so I do understand not being happy at changing from a program that has worked well for you.

Personally I have always felt points were flawed because they made it all to easy to fill up on junk food carbs hurting nutrition and causing a lot of satiety.

If they truly believe that the Points program is not as good nutritionally and weight wise as the new program I think they have a, well, moral obligation not to offer it.

I do agree that calculating is more difficult. For restaurants, most restaurants that offer calories nowadays has full nutritional info on their website. I've taken to looking it up before I go.

If I couldn't do that you can do a quick and dirty estimate of 40 calories per point adding more points if it has high fat or carbs. This isn't exact but can give you an idea until you are in a situation where you can look it up later. For me, I've come to realize that eating out is a big problem for me so I'm trying to eat out less and prioritize going to restaurant that are in the Dining Out book (which I keep in my purse).

I don't mind a bit of a challenge....it keeps things interesting.

I just need to know how to get a hold of a new calculator and scale without joining (doing it at home).

I even went to the WW online and I don't see it offered yet.....when will it come up as being able to order?

Anyone know?

Thanks,

Dawn

FWIW, according to my math genius hubby, dividing by 36 gives more accurate results. lol

40 calories?

I thought most 1 point items ranged from 50-75 calories depending on the fiber involved.

Maybe that was my problem! :dizzy:

I know that many things just didn't compute to me.....0 point canned soup was 0 points if you ate 1 serving, but was 2 points if you at the entire can........I ended up just counting it as 1 point per half can because otherwise I could eat the "almost a point but count as 0 points) all day long!

The exchange program with only 2 bread exchanges did work for me. I was hungry though and needed to add more veggies and fruit, which I didn't at the time.

I was also hungry all the time. Back in my 20s I didn't mind being hungry, but now (44) I seem to not tolerate it as much and will binge if I am too hungry.

Dawn





QUOTE=Koshka;3587958]kk344 - I remember how upset I was when exchanges went out the window years ago. I had lost all my weight on exchanges and never found points worked as well. It was really hard for me to change from a program that worked for me so I do understand not being happy at changing from a program that has worked well for you.

Personally I have always felt points were flawed because they made it all to easy to fill up on junk food carbs hurting nutrition and causing a lot of satiety.

If they truly believe that the Points program is not as good nutritionally and weight wise as the new program I think they have a, well, moral obligation not to offer it.

I do agree that calculating is more difficult. For restaurants, most restaurants that offer calories nowadays has full nutritional info on their website. I've taken to looking it up before I go.

If I couldn't do that you can do a quick and dirty estimate of 40 calories per point adding more points if it has high fat or carbs. This isn't exact but can give you an idea until you are in a situation where you can look it up later. For me, I've come to realize that eating out is a big problem for me so I'm trying to eat out less and prioritize going to restaurant that are in the Dining Out book (which I keep in my purse).[/QUOTE]

The new tools are showing there for me... it won't let me link to them though because I haven't posted enough... lol

Will this work? store.weightwatchers.com/productdetail.aspx?productid=5030022&categoryid=El ectronics Just copy and paste, that takes me to the new points calculator.

dawn, i am doing ww online this time, and i was able to hit the "shop" tab, and i ordered a new kit, 2 calculators, fruities, and some bars. i did all that yesterday.

40 calories (or 36) is to figure out the new points. The old points were roughly based on 50 calories per point (with more for fat and less for fiber).

The actual calculation for the new points is something like: (Fat)(9/35) + (Carbs)(19/175) + (Protein)(16/175) – (Fiber)(2/25), according to one post I saw. In other words, you can't figure it out accurately based just on Calories/Fat/Fiber any more.

okay, so maybe i missed something.........what is the difference between ww at home, and ww online, thought they were the same, but now......i am thinking they are different.

anyone know?

I thought they were the same too.

kk344 - I do realize that the 40 (or 36) is for the new program. I was just responding to you indicating that under the old program you could do an estimate based upon 50 and adding a bit for fat. You can do that for the new program as well but use a different base number and consider carbs as well.

You can just go to a meeting location and buy the calculator and scale. You don't have to join to buy the things they sell.

I went to my meeting today during lunch. Man that place was packed!! I am looking forward to the new program. I am nervous, as I think I should be, but I am going to give it a shot and see how it goes.

I was not a member of weight watchers when the Core program came out, but I know that the program was a flop. Does anyone remember if the hype on that program was more or less than the new PointPlus?

Unfortunately, I on the other hand, are on the flip-side of most of you where the old plan didn't allow me to lose more than 4 lbs. before i would plateau. At the time WW told me that i was eating too many carbs (maybe). The old plan to me was harder because like others have said, it was much easier for me to eat 1 and 2 pt snacks all day. This is like my 11th time joining and i think the fruit idea is great.

I have to say, at the end of day 3 i feel great and am down 3 lbs. (which i know is mostly water). But it's made me MUCH more full and my attitude is much better. I hope you all find this transition go smoother as the weeks go on.

I was not happy having to learn a new plan but honestly it's not that different.

Oh. I thought I had to be a member. Maybe I will pop over there.

Are the new scales out too?

Dawn

OH! I thought you meant the old program.

Dawn

If you read the new materials, you would know it is not just calories in versus calories out that makes you lose weight. It takes more calories for your body to process protein, then fat, and finally carbs are the lowest. If it was just calories in versus calories out, we should all be thin by now. I know when I chose most of my foods from Filling Foods, now Power Foods, I lost more that week.

A point can be anywhere from 50 to 100 calories so using 50 was probably too little.

We got more points because a point is now fewer calories.

Why not give it a trial before condeming it.

More people like the plan and WW is used to diehards wanting to stay on the old program and it isn't going to happen. They have gotten new members and returning members and January around the corner so they won't miss you. They have been in business nearly 50 years, have had this occur with every change, and continue and the program works better and better.

If you go to a computerized center, you will be required to weigh in and your purchase will be recorded on your computer file. Members are only allowed to purchase one calculator. If you are an online member, take some proof and you can purchase this week.

Wow. I went to my meeting this morning. It was crowded and people were so very enthusiastic. I bought the beg pack of stuff for $45.00, might as well start out "right". But, there is so much to read and so much has changed. Where to begin even?
I know one thing, there is NO WAY enough room on the daily tracker to write all the food in for me. Going to be a problem unless I put more things on one line.
I may erase today's food and officially begin it tomorrow as I am so confused to be truthful. I think it could work well for me, though. We shall see.
Of course, of all days, I have a pot luck lunch/holiday party, but you have to start someplace.

Dawn, I think you should go to at least one meeting and bite the bullet as they say. I know some people want to do it at home as they either can't afford the weekly meetings or just don't want to do that kind of thing, but you have to be there to buy the calculator and the materials are so important. I think your total cost won't be too high unless you are crazy like I am and buy the entire $45.00 thing. But, I got the calculation, a handy zip thing that holds everything, a cook book, a 3 month journal, both the big food companion and the dining out companion and a whole bunch of other stuff.
I was so confident about this new program that I actually recycled all my old stuff. Now, that is commitment!!!!