Weight Watchers

Updated on December 21, 2008
A.R. asks from Newark, DE
48 answers

Hi moms,
I am recenty had a baby almost 2 months ago, but I have always battled my weight. I had my first son six years ago and gained almost 46 lbs. from a size 9, and had my second child a year later and never lost the weight from the first one. I need to lost a lot of weight, but I want to be realistic about it. Are there any moms out there who have joined Weight Watchers and if so, can you tell me if it really works. I have gone online to the weight watchers website and have read the stories, but I want to ask all of you if you think it really works and if so have you tried it. I am going back to work on Monday and I need to get in a routine of actually eating breakfast, lunch and dinner and not all the snacking all day. I found a weight watchers office near my job, but I want a boost of confidence from anyone who is familiar with it. I need to lose about 40-50 lbs., please don't judge me on my weight but rather offer advice.

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So What Happened?

Hello moms,
Thank you so much for the wonderful advice. I have decided to sign up for Weight Watchers with 2 co-workers at work January 1st. I would have signed up now, but the holidays are killing me and I need to get these holiday parties out of the way. I want to make sure that my mind is right and I am very focused. I believe this is something that I can do, and I thank you all again for the advice and support. Happy Holidays MOMS!!

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N.C.

answers from Harrisburg on

I LOVE Weight Watchers!! I love 75 pounds & kept it off for more than 3 years (then I got pregnant & stopped following my new life style).

I actually organized a Weight-Watchers-at-Work to start in my work place on Jan 12 - I believe that strongly in the program =O}

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N.J.

answers from Allentown on

Good for you for wanting to lose the weight. I say go for it. Weight Watchers is totally worth it! I lost 50 lbs on it and kept it off until stress and babies came along. I am due in Feb. and am very much looking forward to going back. You have to go into though with an open mind and a positive attitude. It is an adjustment but it is a lifestyle change, not just a diet. Best of luck! -N. J

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M.T.

answers from Philadelphia on

A.,

I personally have not done weight watchers but know someone who has and she has lost 63+ pounds and looks fabulous (Hi Jen). She looks like a totally different person from her former self. She also works out at Ladies Workout Express so that has been a big help as well. You can go to www.ladiesworkoutexpress.com to find a location near you. Good Luck.

M.

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J.R.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi A.,
I joined Weight Watchers several years ago to lose some weight before I got married. I had excellent success and took off 20 lbs in less than 3 months. Unfortunately I gained it all back before getting pregnant last year and gained over 50 lbs during my pregnancy as well. I just started back at Weight Watchers to lose the baby weight and in 3 weeks I have already lost 7.2 lbs. (I still have 30-50 lbs to go). I think Weight Watchers is great and would recommend it to anyone. Because of having an infant (3 months) I tend to meeting-hop based on her schedule, but eveyone has been really nice and you get a different perspective from all the different leaders and members. Good luck!

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L.U.

answers from Philadelphia on

weight watchers is great! It is the only weight loss program that actually teaches you how to eat for the rest of your life. You can tailor the program to meet your needs, accomodate special occasions, ect. I no longer go to the program "officially" but know exactly what my weight will be and why because of what I learned. GOod luck and be patient with yourself...it will be worth it!

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E.S.

answers from Pittsburgh on

A number of years ago I joined Weight Watchers. To make a long story short, it really did work, but I got cocky with my weight loss and eventually gained it all back plus. The only 2 reasons that I haven't officially joined again are cost and the fact that I don't want to drag 3 kids to a meeting. But it does work, and it makes sense. It just hard because you have to pay attention to portion and get up and move. "Less food, more exercise" is what it boils down to, but it's not outrageous. I did the Points, and like I said, I did really well, but didn't stick with it long enough to ingrain those habits in my head. I really recommend it because it teaches you how to eat without feeling cheated (there were days that I could have a Big Mac and a Diet Coke, I just had to be a lot stricter the rest of the day). If you want more detailed info, email me. Good luck!!

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K.J.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi A.,
I know what your going through. I have always battled with weight and I went to WW about 2 yrs before I had my first child and lost over 50Lbs. I was about 7 lbs from goal and I got pregnant. I was doing so well with WW, kept the weight off, etc. I gained 60 lbs with my little girl but after having her and not really eating much from stress of her, I was only about 20 lbs over from my pre-baby weight. I found it very difficult, as a first time mom, to balance life with having a baby, working ,etc. I didnt feel I had the time or energy to work out like I used to (3-4 x a week) and I just grabbed anything to eat. This lifestyle continued on for some time and the weight kept coming on more and more. My main problem is eating at night after she goes to bed. Its a comfort for me and I almost felt like I deserved to eat becuase it was my "reward". Long story short, here I am today, about 90 LBS over my pre-baby weight! I thought I was going to have a hard time losing 20 lbs but now its 90!!!!!!!!!!!!! My sister had her first baby 7 weeks after I did and fell into the same hole. We both started to do WW on our own and it will be 4 weeks tomorrow. She has lost 12 lbs and I have lost 5. I really fell off the wagon T-day week so I should have lost more. But to answer your question, YES, WW DOES WORK! However, you really have to be in the mindset to do it and be dedicated. I cant explain what this is but I have tried several times to lose weight the past 2 years (my daughter is 2) and I was not in the right mind set. My sister has said the same thing. Being that we both did WW before our babies and we were both sucessful, we know how the plan works. If you are new to WW, you need to go to the meetings and join. It is worth it. I wouldn't recommned any other weight loss program becuase WW you eat your own food and make choices which becomes a lifestyle. Its not a diet. So, I hope this helps. If you have any questions, feel free to email me but I would say to go for it!
Best of luck to you!
K.

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T.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

i have done in past and struggle each day with my weight!!lost 35 lbs on weight watchers as did my parents..i say it is the best diet if you are able to committ to it..my friend gave me the link to pint system and foods if youd like me to get for you ____@____.com

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W.B.

answers from Allentown on

I was on it after I had my daughter and yes it does work in fact it seemed to be the only thing that worked for me. Two of my family members were on it one has lost 40lbs and only gained 5 back and they other has lost about 80 or so pounds. Hope this helps, its is truly what they say its not a diet, its a way of life

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L.B.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi!
I have done WW 3 times in the past and easily lost 20lbs each time. I did the online flex point system and love it. I never had tons of extra time for the meetings but the online system is great. Their message boards are a huge help too, so much support from folks in the same boat as we are. There are tons of great ideas on the message boards for snack ideas to recipes, etc., tons of categories to choose from.

The only thing I would say is that you should consider exactly when you begin the program. If you know you eat tons of goodies then this time of year is not the best for you to start, it will be much, much harder to get started and that is typically when the most weight comes off when on plan. You definitely have to be in the mindset that you are ready to do it so maybe consider starting January 2nd, consider it a Christmas gift to yourself!! I'm guessing they will have a promotion going on as well.

I wish you lots of luck!

L.

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S.B.

answers from Philadelphia on

My sis is doing WW right now & has lost over 30lbs. It is a very healthy way to diet & its something you can maintain for life.

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S.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

I lose ove 20 lbs on WW and I loved the meetings. I am a people person so online was not for me but I had friends that lose weight online. You will learn get tips, recipes and make new friends. A good leader is important and you are able to switch nights and locations so you will find a lead that fits you.
I regret I stopped going to the meetings and gained the weight back, so keep going to the meetings even after you lose the weight. I plan to join ww again after the new year for I just gave birth six weeks ago!
S.

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T.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi there! I've been on Weight Watchers in the past and I gotta tell you, I loved the program. I opted to do mine online because I didn't have the time to go to the evening meetings. However, I have heard positive feedback from those who have attended the meetings. They claim that the meetings served as a wonderful support group.

I followed the points system while on WW. There is a Core Plan which allows you to eat unlimited amounts of foods from a specific list. I opted for the points plan because I wanted to know that I would not be limited to certain foods. Why I think the plan worked for me is because I learned SO MUCH about portion control. I learned how to make good choices in order to earn my points for the day and to feel satisfied and fulfilled. With the extra 35 or so (I forget how many you get) points you receive for the week, I was able to either save them for a special night out with my husband (they were in addition to the allotted points of the day) or I was able to budget them, if you will, for an extra cookie here or a slice of pizza there.

When I did the program, I weighed 173 and was looking to get down to 160 for my wedding. I got down to 159. I vigilantly followed the program, recording everything I ate online. It was easy to do. In addition, I added exercise to my regimine. What I did notice which I think was interesting, is that when I was solely exercising and not on the program, I lost weight at a slower rate. Paring the "diet" -- I hate to use that word because on the WW program, I could eat whatever I wanted -- with the exercise made my weight loss a success. I think the exercise helped to increase my metabolism, confidence and desire to want to succeed. It also made my body more toned and I liked how I looked.

I wish you the very best of luck. Funny, I too just had a baby (he is my second and will be a week old tomorrow), and I'm looking forward to rejoining the online program. I've got about 20 pounds to lose in order to feel good about myself. Also, I have a friend's wedding coming up in May and want to fit into a dress!

Email me if you have any questions!

T. :)

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K.B.

answers from York on

I have never tried weight watchers. However i have been in TOPS
Taking OFF Pounds Sensibly for over a year now. So if WW is not working there are other groups out there. 1-800-Yea-TOPS for a group near you.
GOOD LUCK
K. B

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K.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

A.,
Congratulations on wanting to take this step. I am currently and have been a member of WW for sometime now. I first joined in 2003 and was successful in getting rid of 55 lbs. then I had my oldest son and gained a lot of weight more than I should have. After that I only lost some weight before having my second son...so you can see where this is going. I went back in April 2007 to date I have lost almost 50 lbs. It seems like a long time for that much weight but there were a few stumbles and WW recommends 1-2 lbs per week. Anyway, give it a shot it is a great program and I know they are introducing a new element to the program next week. It is a lifestyle change but I recommend it to everyone. It is easy to follow. The meetings are key for me for hte support to get me through the next week. The only advice I have is dont be too critical of yourself during the process. Good luck. K.

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M.N.

answers from Philadelphia on

I did WW and lost 35 pounds and I can tell you it works. It is the healthiest program I have found out there and it is realistic too (like if I wanted a cookie, I could have one and just thought about taking something away later). I have done the program twice but it really gives a very healthy perspecive on food. I don't do well if a food is off limits and with them no food is off limits.

The most difficult period of it though is the 2-4 weeks for me. You usually aren't seeing as much loss initially and it is a lifestyle change, but it is a good one.

Good luck and feel free to email if you have any questions! I would highly recommend it!

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D.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

I am the last one to judge someone who needs to lose weight as i need to do the same. i need to lose 50-60 lbs. i know a few people who did the weight watchers points system and have lost the weight and kept it off. i plan on doing it myself after the holidays. they teach you to eat better and let you be able to eat even when you go out. make sure to incorporate exercise into your weight loss plan. it takes a while for the body to return to normal after you have a baby. it sounds like you are ready and i know you can do it. i am ready myself but plan on joining after the new year myself. good luck. just think of how good you will look and feelwhen you reach your goal. happy holidays and take it easy you have your hands full with three little ones.

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H.M.

answers from Erie on

YES YES Weight Watchers Works! I lost 35 lbs on WW after weaning my son. (he's 5 now) It took time...I think I lost 20 lbs over 6mos (that was over the holiday season, too) Averaged 1-2 lbs a week. It took another 6 mos to lose the last 10-15...I struggled because of moving and major life changes. But it works...if you follow the program, whether you count points or do the CORE plan...it works. And it is healthy...my cholesterol (avgs around 250) dropped to 212 after I lost 20 lbs. I just had a baby girl..she is 7 mos now...I will go back on WW when I wean her...probably spring. I had WW at work when I lost my weight and it is very convenient. Good Luck!!

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D.J.

answers from Reading on

Weight Watchers works!!! I had a lot of success on it, and it's very easy to do, especially when you have a family to cook for, because you can eat anything! It's just watching your portions! I lost 25 pounds on it and it wasn't hard. Good luck!

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L.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

yes, WW works. I've used it with meetings and also the on-line program. I lost 45 pounds and kept it off, and I have two friends who belong to the 100-pound club. They lost over 100 pounds and have kept it off. What I like about WW is that it's about choices. You eat normal food and learn to make choices that become a new lifestyle. When you mess up or fall of the wagon, no one judges because we've all done that. We all know that a backslide makes you feel like you'll never reach your goal, but you are supported through those times and just keep moving forward. I highly recommend WW.

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A.L.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Don't be so hard on yourself you have a new baby. I have done Weight Watchers and yes it absolutely works. It is easy to follow and you can eat whatever you want in moderation of course. They are very supportive. It is not a diet but rather I life style change. Like I said you can eat anything just have to watch how much you eat of it. Best of luck and just remember I am sure you think you look worse than you actually do.

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N.H.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi A.!
Based on how many responses you got to your request, I realize how much of a problem this is. So I would like to put it out there for whoever may benefit, that nursing my babies really helped the pounds fall off me every time!!!! Usually within eight months I was back in my old jeans. Now that I am older and I have to watch what I eat, I joined Curves just to have a daily routine. I think the support of other women at Weight Watchers will be a really good thing for you. Good luck!
N

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J.Y.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Who would judge you by your weight?? Weight Watchers is a great program. I suggest breaking you goal down a little- such as 12 pounds by March. And instead of focusing on the number of pounds, focus on positive behavior changes such as exercising so many days a week, or limiting sweets to a certain degree. These things are more managable and can allow you to enjoy some success.

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J.M.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi A.,

Congrats on your new baby! Weight Watchers is a great program for moms. I joined in November last year and have lost 55 lbs so far! I have about 25 more to get to my goal - but I have already gone from a size 18-20 to a size 12!! I started out doing the flex program and have switched to the core program recently. My biggest piece of advice is to find a meeting and leader that you connect with. I went to 3 different meetings before finding the one that I am at now. WW also offers many at-work meetings, so you can ask your HR person if there is anything being offered by your company - or maybe you can get enough people interested to start one. They only require 16 attendees to do the at-work meeting. WW also has a plan for breastfeeding mothers, so if you are breastfeeding, they are great too! And if you are breastfeeding, WW doesn't charge any meeting fees for your first 3 months post-baby, so you could join now and get 1 month free before you have to pay for anything. When I asked my Dr about losing weight she suggested WW and I am so glad that I joined!

J.

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C.W.

answers from State College on

I know several individuals that lost a lot (one over 100lbs) with WW. One on the girls worked with our HR dept and WW actually came to building where I used to work to conduct At Work meetings. There was also something where if you attended all the meetings (or a %), you could get a refund of the membership fee from our health ins. Might be worth looking into depending on where you work.

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T.D.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I have been a member of WW for 17 years and YES it does work. It makes you aware of how and why and what you eat. I have a sying nothing taste as good as thin feels. I went back to WW this year and i have lost 27 lbs, but you need to be serious or it will not work. I have 30 more lbs to loose because of 5 hernias and a tummy tuck that is coming in March. BUT YES IT DOES WORK. I do not like the on line i like going to the meeting and getting ideas and drink alot of water. It helps. Plus it gives you time for your self.
Good luck
Jade
remember you didn't put it on quickly and you must take it off slowly.

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B.H.

answers from Philadelphia on

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Weight Watchers. I am not a meeting type person though so I signed up on their website to do it on my own. It is really reasonable in price and gives you tons of tools to use at home on your own! I had my girls 11 months apart and gained a lot of weight I was a bit over 200 lbs after having them both. I tried many diets, atkins... etc. They all gave me some results but I had always been small and I wanted that back. I had no time for exercise raising an infant and a toddler. In about 8 months I lost 75 lbs overall and am finally the 125 I wanted to be again... I was so pleased, and I have not gained it back! I hope this helps you! oh.. and I know any diet can be hard sometimes, but if you do the Flex plan I think it is best, and keep in mind the Weight Watchers cookies and cream icecream bars, only 2 points and they taste great, I had one EVERY night :)

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C.B.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi A.,

YES, It works. Go for it. I started in May and lost 15 lbs. by September. Everyone says, WOW, you look great, and I actually had my larger jeans tailored a whole size down, and am wearing all my old clothes from 10 years ago (PRE-babies) and I am thrilled.
These are the successes that you too can feel. My husband joined, went to the meetings, and I utilized his materials to build my own plan. The first week will be difficult. Exercising is key, even if it's a 15 minute vigorous walk. You gain the ability to eat by earning activity points back into your day. Once your body gets used to eating less, and exercising more, you're going to love it, because you'll see the pounds dropping when you step on the scale.
I encourage you totally.

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K.H.

answers from Philadelphia on

I have done weight watchers along with my mom and a few other people I know. It does work, but you have to follow it. I lost 47lbs with it. I did the flex plan where you count your food as points. It worked well for me because I was held accountable. My friend did the other plan and that worked for her. It really depends on what you like to eat. I still went out to dinner once a week with me husband and had a drink or two and desert. YOu have to be organized though and plan your meals ahead of time. It takes a little getting used to in the first few weeks but my the end of the first month it was becoming second nature. You really have to want it and make that commit to yourself. Good Luck!

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C.G.

answers from York on

I have the same problem - I have no time for meals - if my kids are sitting eating, I need to load the dishwasher, pack a lunch, whatever, and my mornings are just jammed packed!

I love weight watchers! They work on a points system. you get a certain number of points that you have to eat per day, (with bonus points each week) and each food is a certain number of points. It was really easy.

Like I said, you have to eat your points each day and the only way to do that is with meals.

A tip to save money - your health insurance may offer a discount, we have Cigna and WW waived the registration fee.

Good luck - You can do this! If you want a "buddy", email me!

C. G

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H.H.

answers from Sharon on

Hi A.,

In Jan. of 2005 I walked through the doors of WW for the first time I was scared to death... I wanted to loose the weight but I was so ashamed of the way I looked. I lost 30 pounds in 6 months and to this day have kept it off... YES it works but you have to remember it is a life style change. You can eat anything that you eat now just not as much. They teach you how to eat.. I started working for WW in Oct. of 05. Every employee you come in contact with in the meeting rooms has lost weight with WW so everyone of us know what you are dealing with. Free registration in most places starts the week after christmas and right now they offer some great deals for payment.. I am not pushing it because I work for them I am pushing it because I know it works!!!!! Last week I helped a lady celebrate loosing 50 pounds.. the look on her face was priceless!!!!!!!! Good luck with your weight loss no matter what you choose and you are welcome to reply back to me with more info if you would like.. Happy Holidays..

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E.H.

answers from Pittsburgh on

A.,

I haven't personally done weight watchers. Though, I have thought about it several times. My older sister has been a member for years and she has lost a lot of weight. You will probably find this out from a lot of people but, you have to go to the meetings. My sister says the meetings are what keeps you going and what keeps you accountable. When my sister stops going for long periods of time she starts to gain the weight back. When she consistently goes she loses weight and seriously feels better.

Hope that helps.

Beth

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C.J.

answers from Pittsburgh on

A.,
Weight Watchers is wonderful. I have never been to the meetings myself but I had sat in on a few with some family members. I am 24 and pregnant with my second child I had lost almost all of my baby weight from my first and found out I was pregnant again. Any how that programs is wonderful because you can do it at your own pace and of course with the group of people your are surroned by. Everyone there has at one point gone through what you are going through. So there is never an outcast feeling. And they always tell you that it is ok to have a bad day every once and a while but to get back on track. Like I said I did it with the books and I lost about 20 lbs. For the frist month and a half I didn't exercise because of my weight I just didn't feel like it, but once I started dropping pounds I started a program called walk away the pounds (low impact but gets your heart rate moving) And i noticed i would drop maybe a .5 lb more than normal. So give it a shot I think you will like it. And the best thing about WW is that you can eat things you love they just teach you how to do it a more healthier way. And my family (son and his father) loved the food as well. If you need to talk or would like to know more please just send me a message and best of luck to you with your future.

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A.M.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi - I started WW 10 weeks ago & I have easily lost 12 lbs. I work 50 hours a week & have 2 kids - I have not yet found a way to work in exercising.

WW has 2 differnt methods for weight loss. I went with the core plan (eat the foods on the list + enjoy some extras every week) instead of the flex plan (eat what ever you want, but watch points & portions.) The core plan was easier for me - no counting all day!

Every other Monday on Pittsburgh Today, they have a WW team leader present information on weight loss/maintanance.

I did WW 15 years ago also - the plan is so much better today!

Good luck! PS - I snack all day too - but the key to snacking is what you are snacking on! Let us know how it goes!

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H.

answers from Pittsburgh on

a few years ago my mom did it and did great. since then her life has experienced some uncontrollable craziness - in family with dealing with other generations and work. her focus went away from healthy eating and on to other things. but it worked for her when she had the time and energy to use the program.

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F.V.

answers from Lancaster on

A.,
I have 3 friends, all of which are sisters. They all joined weight watchers and lost the weight and look fantastic! If you follow the point system and incorporate some type of excersise, even walking you will lose it too. For me it was hard because the portions are very small and I wasn't disciplined but if you are dedicated you can do it! Congrats for taking the first step in asking questions! My best friend lost almost 38 lbs on it and her sisters all are the size they want to be I think a size 8 or 10. Just be realistic on your weight loss and know you don't have to be 'skinny' to be beautiful. Be healthy in mind and body! Good luck!
Christina

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A.I.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi,
You have already received loads of replies, but I still hope you read mine.
I too have struggled with weight since about 4th grade.

The first thing you need to do is talk with your doctor. You say you have always battled your weight, there may be a physical reason for that. With me it was a low thyroid, but there are other reasons as well.

You didn't mention if you were breast feeding. This may influence your final decision on which weight loss program to choose. While breast feeding, what you eat the baby eats.

Keep in mind, any healthy weight loss program will give you what you put into it. However, I personally would steer away from the programs where you purchase your food from them. I just feel they are expensive and don't really teach you healthy eating. They may have changed in recent years, I don't know.

The support of others at WW is what I feel helps those that are successful at it. If you read what others have to say about WW here and other message boards, you see a lot of those that gained weight back when they stopped going to meetings. This bothers me.

I don't have the money to pay weekly dues until I have reached goal and kept it for a year. But then the weekly support never felt like support to me simply because I was battling a low thyroid and not just weight gain. No one else at the meetings had the same problem I did at the time. Having someone else weigh me weekly before my thyroid was under control and seeing the one step forward three steps back I was struggling with didn't help me at all as they didn't understand what I was dealing with. Further, the leader was determined it was something I was or wasn't doing rather than the physical reason behind the lack of weight loss. To be fair, it may have just been the few people at this particular meeting, I may have had better luck changing my meeting time.
Also, I can't personally count points daily for the rest of my life. I just don't have that discipline. WW helps certain types of people, other programs help other types of people. Don't feel you have failed if you try it and it doesn't work for you.

To repeat myself, any healthy weight loss program will work.
There are plenty of ways to take control of what you are eating and to add enough of the right kind of exercise for you, for you to lose weight.

I can tell you the only way that will work regardless of what program you choose:

1. Check with your doctor before starting anything to rule out any possible physical reasons for struggling with your weight.
Find out the amount of calories you need to eat each day to stay healthy but lose weight. Do you need to avoid salt? Etc.
2. Have a good support system in place; friends, family, co-workers, whoever it is in your life that gives you good mental and emotional support.
3. Don't weigh yourself every day. It can get obsessive, I know. LOL. Once a week is enough, try for about the same time on the same day each week. Keep in mind any natural monthly weight issues you may have. I personally hold about 2 to 4 pounds each month for about 3 to 5 days.
4. Keep track of what and how much you are eating. I don't seem to handle carbs very well and will just keep eating that darn pasta if I don't measure out before hand.
5. Know your weaknesses and have a plan of how to deal with them before you face them.
6. Drink lots of water. If you aren't a water person in the first place, get yourself one of those reusable cups or bottles and keep it filled to sip on all day.
7. Add more fresh to what you eat and avoid processed when you can. Share portions while eating out, or divide your plate, eat the right size portion and leave the rest or take it home.
8. Add more fruits and veggies and go light on the things you think you can't live without. If you must have a cookie or there will be blood shed, have the darn cookie, but stick to what the package says a serving is. Don't deny yourself, and you most likely won't binge. You are after healthy, balanced, and varied so you don't fall ill or get bored.
9. Add some exercise you believe you can live with at least 3 times a week. Ask your doctor for advise on this. Find what works for you or you won't do it often enough to help.
10. Remember, you need to make lifestyle changes in order to change your life. Start slow with the changes you can make right now and add as you go when you know you are ready for the next one.
11. Laugh when you need to laugh and cry when you need to cry and don't worry about the small setbacks. You will run across them and you will find the way around them. Don't be afraid to ask for help or support when you feel you need to. Those who love you will gladly give them.

Good luck to you, I know you'll make it. Feel free to contact me: ____@____.com

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D.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi A.! I am in the same predicament, although I'm not sure the last time I was a size 9!! However after two kids, I definitely need to drop some weight. I have joined Weight Watchers and in four weeks have lost 8.8 lbs. A friend of mine joined awhile ago and lost about 20 lbs. (which was her goal) and my sister has lost 23 lbs. with about 10 more to go. I am looking at 40 lbs myself but am taking it really slowly and not getting ahead of myself. I have found the meetings to be helpful and all the women are so nice and great cheerleaders to keep you going. Good luck to you! And you CAN do it!!

D.

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A.R.

answers from Philadelphia on

A., STOP what your doing and run to Weight Watchers! Not only is it easy to do (to understand and follow I mean! LOL) it is awesome. Snacking is required! You get a certain amount of points per day based on your weight and activity level and you eat that amount per day. You can eat anything you want but must follow the point guide line. (a slice of pizza can be 10 pts so you have to be careful or get the thin crust with less cheese and cover it with veggies for 1/2 of that.) Almost all ofyour veggies are free (no points) and most fruits are 1pt. So if you fill up on a huge salad with light/fat free dressing worth 2-3 pts....you can still have a slice and it will fit in. Weight watchers has allowed me to get control of my food "addictions??"/cravings and it has helped me feel better about myself by doing so. I feel more incontrol of my life. HOnestly, I could follow the program alone but I love my weight watcher buddies who have the same struggles and eat bad like I do and I love their advice and recipes. I got an awesome recipe for chili last meeting and it was fantastic! It is only 2pts per cup! Do you know how much chili that is!!!!!????? YOu will not be judged or critisized for your weight nor will you be judged if you don't follow the plan to the T. I struggle with sweets and go over my points and don't lose weight at times and my group leader tells me to keep coming to meetings and I will pick myself up and to never give up. I am so inspired by a woman in my group who lost 100lbs! I need to lose 70 myself...well 65lbs really since I lost 5 (and gained back a few so only 5!)

Sorry for rambling but I had to respond. RUN! You will NOT regret it! Also, if you look for a meeting near you and it has MM beside it, it is a mommy and me meeting where kids being kids isnt a problem!

Take care and never give up. Besides, YOu are wonderful just the way you are!

A.J.

answers from Williamsport on

Girl, I know what you mean! I needed to lose 40 pounds-I busted hump and lost 20-and then found out I'm expecting-so I'm not happy to be going in with extra weight from the beginning. But no fear, I've had to lose weight many times in the past, and whenever you do what it takes, it works.

Weight Watchers could be really good for you if the structure helps keep you motivated. Anything works if you really do it. I'm more of a free flyer, so I do the old faithful metabolism booster when I need to shed lots of weight fast: Eat a big nutritious breakfast with protein in it and whole grains. Eat a 100 calorie nutritious snack every 2 hours. Eat a well balanced large lunch (should be biggest meal of the day if you can swing it) eat another 100 calorie snack or two before a light dinner. No food at night. Meanwhile, while trying to burn weight, I exercise every day-for three days every other day, weights with cardio, and the days in between just abs and cardio. When I'm maintaining and not losing, I only exercise 3 times per week.
When I do this stepped up diet and exercise, I lose about 16 pounds per month. The key is eating well during the day and not at night! No junk food! If you only modify your diet and don't step up the exercise, your weight loss will be SUPER SLOW. And only cutting calories slows your metabolism as does going too many hours between snacks. Don't starve yourself, don't let yourself stagnate, and be sure to eat a little protein every time you eat (cheese or nuts with the whole grain crackers) to keep your mind satisfied and your energy level up. If the Weight Watchers plan is nutritious-go for it! Whatever they say their weight loss rate is on the plan, I'm sure it's true if you don't stray from it. Good luck! You can do it! the misery is only temporary until your back on track! 40-50 pounds is totally doable!

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C.H.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Depending how accountable you think you might be you can pay a fee and do weightwatchers on line. That's how I do it. I have lost 25 pounds so far and I have never had a successful diet. I love their recipes because they are helpful in eating what you want and still lossing weight. I recommend weightwatchers along with some exercise.

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E.H.

answers from Philadelphia on

I did Weight Watchers a few years ago. Over a six month period, I lost 60 pounds. It is a great support system. At first it's a bit nerve-wracking stepping on the scale, but the women are great and very encouraging. I say go for it! Good luck!

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L.K.

answers from Sharon on

Hi A.!

Congrats on your new baby!!!!

Weight Watchers is great. :) I had success with the at work program and found it easy to do. In fact, I still find myself calculating points for my daily intake. If you would like help, with your weight loss, please look me up. I am an Independent Beachbody Coach. My blog is www.exercise2day.blogspot.com and my website is www.beachboadycoach.com/lkp24.

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S.G.

answers from Saginaw on

I love weight watchers and my mom is actually a leader in MI and has been for years so I know alot about it! It is super easy and they really help you alot! There are different plans for different lifestyles and a lot of recipes! I have a ton cookbooks and really good and eay recipes. I went on weight watchers after having my second daughter, I lost 40 pounds in 3 months, I was breast feeding so that helped make it go faster. When I was doing it I was never hungry and I felt better and more energetic! The key is planning and having self control to not eat when your not hungry. I also had to track my points. If I didnt I did bad! I would defintly recommend weight watchers and doing the meetings, there is a lot of support there and they help you with your goals and getting products and recipes. Message me if you have anymore queastions or are looking for recipes! Good luck!!!

S.

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A.R.

answers from Lancaster on

I have some co-workers who have done Weight Watcher with wonderful results! I did a program through our local gym that was really good as well. Just don't get discouraged! Taking the weight off slowly is the best way to do it, it's more likely to stay off. Good luck! I understand your struggles as I'm going through similar ones. YOU CAN DO IT!!!! :)

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A.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi A.,
Weight Watchers definitely works. I think it's the best diet because you get to eat all "normal" foods, just at different quantities that what you normally might. I've done it twice, once online and I lost 50 pounds and the second time going to the meetings and I think I lost 50 then also (I am one of those people that loses weight and then puts it back on). In the beginning it's a little difficult learning the point value but once you do it becomes pretty easy. The only thing that kind of bothered me sometimes is always having to measure/weigh things but if you want to lose weight it is going to require some work.

I say go for it.

Good luck!

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P.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

A.,
Congrats on your new baby! I basically swear by Weight Watchers. I gained a lot of weight after my son was born. I joined and lost 38 pounds, but ending up gaining some of it back last year due a very difficult period in my life with a lot of family deaths, including my mom. I am starting on the program again, because I know it works.

What I like best about Weight Watchers is that it teaches you how to lose weight by eating properly - good wholesome foods, right portions, etc. and it is set up for slow, consistent weight loss (2 to 3 pounds a week). They also teach you how to enjoy yourself at special events, like weddings, family reunions, and holidays, without blowing it.

Signing up for the online program is the best, because you can record your food online, still weigh in at the centers, attend meetings, and save a little on the weekly cost. I learned a lot of tricks and ways to be successful. If you decide to use this program, feel free to e-mail me and I can give you some pointers.

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D.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi A.,

Speaking from personal experience, Weight Watchers is the only realistic way to lose and keep weight off. No, I don't work for the company, but I am an active member who needs to lose more weight than what you mentioned. I have tried other methods before, and lost a lot of weight (maybe even more quickly) but it always came back. With WW, you eat real food and learn how to adjust your preparation, etc...so that you can incorporate it for the rest of your life and keep the weight off. I can only encourage you to try it and then you will see what I'm talking about. And, as long as you follow the guidelines, you will definitely see results. Good luck to you!
D.

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