Xan, Great that you decided to rejoin, you really sounded like you wanted to and that is the best time to get with the program.
Regarding the time between meetings and starting, it is really a matter of the card system, there are so many people who join that centers keep inactive cards for a certain amount of time and then make room for those of us who are going every week. The receptionist was probably trying to save you time from having to fill out another card.
I just wanted to offer you some encouragement and tell you that you CAN do it on your own with the support of this site!! If you haven't already done so, find a group here to join up with. When I was losing, I was part of a group that chatted daily about the trials and tribulations of weight loss. It was wonderfully supportive to have a group of people to talk to on a daily basis who were going through the exact same thing as I. If you haven't done so, take some time to find a group that fits your personality. Keep up the good work, and don't for one second think that the meeting is the key to success. The key to success is you following your program. The meeting, and we at 3FC, are additional tools to help you make it to goal. Good luck!
Xan, I hope this is not too late to give you support. (Last night, I typed up a response that I hoped would make a difference for you. As I typed the last period, AOL kicked me off without warning. I lost it all. It was such a blow that I could not face trying to recreate it. This morning I want to try again for you. I don't have time to read the supportive responses that others have offered. That's why I'm concerned that this might be repetitious or no longer relevant. Nevertheless, I think I'll just try, as best I can, to repeat what I wrote last night. I hope that something might still be meaningful for you and that you can ignore the rest.)
A comment re: the receptionist--You didn't sound like it was terribly, terribly upsetting to you--just maybe annoying, or it made you feel a little funny--I hope that's true. I don't think she probably even realized that she was saying anything that could embarrass you (although she could be more sensitive with maybe 5 more minutes of training- ha, ha) I think she actually thought it was convenient for you that you didn't have to fill out forms--and it's nice that you're still "with us"--you haven't been "deleted"
I hope that you will rejoin and that this time you can decide to keep going to the meetings no matter what. Quite a while ago I was unable to follow the program at all but I kept on going to the meetings anyway. At the time, the only two things I could control were going to the meetings and continuing to excercise. This is why I believe so strongly in the concept "Feedback, not Failure." It turns out that during that long, long period of time I wasn't failing after all; I was getting feedback. Finally, that magic moment arrived and it all fell into place. I began my most successful journey and I can't imagine not accomplishing what I set out to do.
So....a bad day?...a bad week?...a bad_____? go to the meeting anyway...get that feedback. You can do it THIS TIME. Don't ever give up..don't ever quit..Just keep on keeping on. I'm looking forward to reading about your success. Be sure to keep us posted.
(I do feel bad, Xan. Last night I felt that the right words just came--I'm not sure from where--but there they were on the screen. They're just not there this time but I hope that it can help you a little anyway. Sorry this is so long.)
I agree with etalocohc. I think the receptionist was only letting you know that they still had your record and you didn't have to do paperwork and start over.
Zan, I too joined WW for probably the 5th time in February. This time I was really ready to give it my all. So far I have had success, and I know that this time is it for me. Good luck with rejoining! You can do it!
A little bit of a different take on the joining/rejoining issue. We often are afraid to rejoin because we view our past efforts as failures. But they're not. Once I realized they were learning experiences, I decided that it really didn't matter how many times I had to start. Each time is a new chance to learn more skills that will get me to my goals and keep me there. I lost count over the years of how many times I joined and rejoined WW. It wasn't until they came out with the points system, though, that the program clicked with where I am in my life and my basic personality. Anyway, remember, you're not a bad person or a failure if you quit and start over. You're just a student learning and improving your skills. And sometimes students need to take a break and let what they learned sink in. They they go back and learn more.
I remember you, Rupertsmom, and I am so glad you are doing well and still helping others! You are good at that!
I agree with Rupertsmom. I am back OP but I'm not going to the meetings because I gain and lose up to 16 pounds per month, sometimes twice a month. The leaders have been understanding, but the weigh-in ladies think I'm lying???? even if I can prove it with a 4 month daily weight chart. And it is hideous to get angry because other people are losing "even if they cheat a little" and yet I'd gain 9 pounds in 2 days on a perfect journal week. Then I feel guilty for not feeling happy for them. Ultimately, I don't know if I could ever be "lifetime" because of this fluctuation. One of my reasons for going back OP is the hope of controlling this, but the 2 pound leeway is just not enough for me and never has been, even when I was at a BMI of 19 (underweight) I'd gain and lose about 6 pounds a month. I don't think it's fair to have to pay extra for going over if I've already hit lifetime just because my body gains and loses a lot every month.
So maybe WW meetings isn't the plan for me, but I am trying anyway - excuse me, I am doing it, not trying, but I can't tell if it's working or not yet. I'm not going to the meetings because ultimately, the accountability is reflected back at me in the mirror. If I'm not doing this for me, it isn't going to work, and I don't need to pay someone else for the joy/despair rollercoaster ride. I can do that at home!
I think this is the perfect place to stop and thank 3FC so very much for all the support you offer for people like me. I am truly grateful and wish you all the best of health!
