That those of us who purchased the at home kit don't have access to the eTools? Why should we be forced to do the online membership if we're already members? Just because we don't go to meetings doesn't mean we should be treated differently than any other WW member!
I'd like to use the eTools but there's no way I'm paying twice ($65) as much for info I should have access to as a member($30)! The monthly price after you sign up is more too!
I personally did not buy the at home kit but you are right that doesn't seem fair. It seems like double dipping. Like they are punishing you for choosing not to go to the meetings. I think WW is a great program but .....
It's one of the reasons I switched to TOPS (a nonprofit organization). WW is a good program, but it is costly, even more so when you go to a center that pushes the extra products (the scales, the books, the pedometer, the snacks...) and want to go with a family member.
My husband and I joined TOPS, and with the discounted annual membership for a spouse, we calculated that we will spend less in a year, than we did for our first month at Weight Watchers (even without the etools). The TOPS website and message boards aren't as slick as etool, but they're free.
As it turns out, many of the TOPS members in our chapter are former WW members and are still following the WW point system (there is an "official" exchange based diet, but members are free to use any sensible diet they choose).
My mom just cancelled her WW monthly membership because the cost was a hardship for her. When we visited, we told her about TOPS, and she and my sister are planning on joining one of the TOPS chapters in their area.
It isn't for everyone, just like WW, but you can visit any chapter for free and see if it's something you'd be interested in.
I wondered about the etools if you bought the at home kit. I don't think that's fair either.
I've thought about going to TOPS. One of the women in my water aerobics class mentioned it. I don't know that I will. I'm not much of a meeting person. Plus, I like that with this forum, I can check in whenever I have the moment or need for support.
I use some of the free tools on www.calorie-count.com. There's a recipe analyzer, you can save your recipes and they give nutrition info. There is a food log, but I find paper and pen handier to use. Also an online weight chart, plus some other tools for BMI, calories needed, etc. I never got into the forums much there. (Just didn't click with it.)
I always wondered about that too!!!!! I quit going to the WW meetings because of the cost. I use all my "old" stuff plus I buy anything new or old that I use on ebay. Then I use all the internet info that I can find. Thanks to all of you, I find more everyday!
I just created an account at www.calorie-count.com.! All I really wanted was the recipe analyzer out of the eTools so this is awesome! Thank You!
I know there is a TOPS meeting around here somewhere but I'm not really the meeting type - hence the at home kit. There's a WW meeting 2.5 miles away from my house!
I agree with Sammi711. I'm not the meeting type. There is a TOPS meeting in the same building where I work. That's why I use 3FC. It's like a meeting any time I need it in the comfort of my own home.
You don't get eTools for free if you go to the meetings. Before the "Monthly Pass" came out, you had to pay $12 a week for meetings, or you could pay upfront for however many meetings and get a discount, but you never got eTools free. I used to pay extra for it. It is only recently that WW started offering a "Monthly Pass". It is 39.95 a month, and you get a meeting to attend every week and eTools. Now that I'm a lifetime member, I just pay $29.95 for 3 months of eTools.
TOPS also has an online membership. It is $25.50 (including the annual membership fee, and a dollar processing fee). I don't believe there is any monthly dues at all. I don't know if there would be any advantages over 3FC, though. Except maybe going to the recognition days and retreats, but if you're not into meetings of any kind, there's really no point in that either I suppose.
I always think I can do it on my own, but when I do, I always end up losing motivation. Just having to weigh in every week, with someone else watching over the scale, gives me that extra push to avoid "just this once" thinking. I tried to get hubby involved in a weekly weigh-in, but he couldn't care less. No pressure from him for either of us to lose weight (unless we're both paying for it).
Even at only $3 each per month, he's much more willing to participate and provide support and encouragement. He hasn't said it, but I can tell he's really looking forward to getting his charm for losing his first ten pounds. He's already decided that he will pin them to a fishing hat.
It's weird that getting a little doodad for each ten pound loss would be so motivating, but it reminds me of scout badges, which I loved (and my mother hated, she's not much of a joiner, and helping me get my badges seemed to irritate her).
Doesn't it seem unfair...
