somebody please tell me what they really think of weightwatchers...is it for everyone??

No plan is right for everyone. It just depends on how it fits into your lifestyle. WW offers freedom and might be a good place to start. Some people venture into healthier eating in general like SBD to not only lose weight to be healthy. Everything has it's pros and cons, you just have to see what works for you.

I think it's a great program, but it's also quite expensive. When I had a great job, it was well worth the price. For me, the weekly weigh-in and group support is very helpful, but with hubby and I both on disability, we couldn't afford for one of us, let alone both of us to join. For me, doing it on my own, doesn't work very well (I'm too tempted to say "I'll just start seriously again tomorrow").

So for me, TOPS is an excellent alternative, as it allows members to follow any food plan they wish (and for many folks that's still WW), and the cost is a fraction of that of WW. TOPS does have an exchange plan (very similar to WW's plans before 1996). I like exchange plans because they limit calories and yet do provide some structure/balance for nutrition.

TOPS groups do tend to be rather intimate and social, so if you're very shy or hate the "dorky" little games that most chapters play, it may not be right for you. Also, if you need a lot of support with your food plan, TOPS may not be right for you.