Has anyone here done (or is doing) Weight Watchers?

[OH Nuts!]

Those of you who know me, know that I've been pre-diabetic for the last few yrs and abt 2 months ago got a bit of scare when all of a sudden I got a really AWFUL THIRST - at the worst of it I was drinking rougly 6 quarts of water a day. Well I know this kind of a thirst is a red flag for diabetes - but luckily even with this horrid symptom - my blood tests showed I was still prediabetic. But I vowed that THIS TIME I was going to do something about my weight and the way I eat. I don't know why I was lucky enough to get a third wake up call but I did.

I can lose weight easily on my own but my problem is maintaining it. So I know I needed some kind of support group...so I decided on Weight Watchers. Just joined WW this Tues and so far I love it. It's been a challenge trying to stay within their point system of food to eat but I'm starting to get the hang of it. Basically I'm allotted "26 points" which roughly translates into 1300-1550 cals a day. I'm learning some good dieting tricks.

A friend of mine has lost 55 lbs with them and I;ve always loved their products. Anyone have expereience with WW? If so maybe we can share experiences.

[m campbell]

I did Weight Watchers about a year ago. I quit because I have no self control but was thinking of rejoining.

[coffield3]

I've never done the Weight Watchers diet, but apparently if you stick to it, it works. Also you can have lots of treats and never really go hungry. All the best in your weight loss.

[Number 9 Dream]

Yes, I did WW back in 2005 and had a lot of success with it. I lost 30 lbs, but as soon as I hit a plateau I got frustrated and stopped going to meetings. I gained it all back But, yes, if you're consistent with it, I think you'll do very well. It's all about staying within your points and exercising regularly. For a "diet", I really liked it a lot. I was ravenous the first week, but it got better as time went on, and before I knew it, my stomach shrunk and I no longer had an appetite for those greasy foods. In fact, my system couldn't handle the crap anymore.

As I said, it's really great if you stick with it. It's more of a lifestyle change than a diet, I believe. You can do it!

[The Great One]

I hope you achieve all the success your looking for with Weight Watchers!

[OH Nuts!]

Originally Posted by Number 9 Dream

Yes, I did WW back in 2005 and had a lot of success with it. I lost 30 lbs, but as soon as I hit a plateau I got frustrated and stopped going to meetings. I gained it all back But, yes, if you're consistent with it, I think you'll do very well. It's all about staying within your points and exercising regularly. For a "diet", I really liked it a lot. I was ravenous the first week, but it got better as time went on, and before I knew it, my stomach shrunk and I no longer had an appetite for those greasy foods. In fact, my system couldn't handle the crap anymore.

As I said, it's really great if you stick with it. It's more of a lifestyle change than a diet, I believe. You can do it!

When you refer to WW as a lifestyle change (as oposed to a diet) I think you hit the nail on the head.

I think my problem will likely be similar to yours. Not the losing but the maintaining. I've lost 25-30 lbs before but gained it all back.

I know I can lose the weight on my own. But I joined while I was still 10-12% overweight, so I can maybe one day become a lifetime member and have a support system for maintaining a healthy weight. Thankfully, I like lots of healthy foods and raisin bran and fat-free milk satisfies my sweet tooth.
It's going to be learning how to integrate the foods I love but which are easy for me to overeat on like ice cream, pizza and french fries - but I will have to start putting fattening foods back into my eating plan when I get to my right weight - otherwise I'll still continue to lose.

So far I like WW a lot. And I get "the value system" behind their points system: it encourages you to eat fiber (these foods seem to have relatively lower points relative to their calories) , fresh vegetables, and penalizes you for eating high fat foods (for example, a piece of cheesecake I used to eat has 400 cals which has a raw value of 8 points, but they penalize you bec. this is a high fat item - so the formula adds on 2 points making it a 10 pt. item.
Similarly a Big Mac clocks in at 14 points, (but has a raw score of 10) and this would be over 1/2 my allotment.

I wish they gave you an incentive for eating protein, which really is what curbs my hunger pangs. But in time I'll get the hang of the program. (This is my first week.) I hope you consider going back.

[OH Nuts!]

Originally Posted by The Great One

I hope you achieve all the success your looking for with Weight Watchers!

Thanks Mike. I think this is going to work for me ; the more I see of WW the more I like them. And I'm learning some good eating tips.

[ZeldaGilroy]

I think WW is wonderful! You can really learn to change your lifestyle when it comes to food choices, activity, etc. I lost 75 lbs on WW about 6 years ago. Sadly, I quit going to meetings and suffered from some depression issues that led me to gaining back that weight and more. I am now trying it again and I already feel better, simply by eating better.

Good luck to you!!!

[OH Nuts!]

Originally Posted by ZeldaGilroy

I think WW is wonderful! You can really learn to change your lifestyle when it comes to food choices, activity, etc. I lost 75 lbs on WW about 6 years ago. Sadly, I quit going to meetings and suffered from some depression issues that led me to gaining back that weight and more. I am now trying it again and I already feel better, simply by eating better.

Good luck to you!!!

Thanks for the nice wishes Zelda!

Glad you've gone back. Honestly, the more I see of WW the more I like them. I think for me, going to the meetings and staying active in WW, will be a lifetime process - one day at a time. My big problem isn't the losing it's the maintaining. But when I come to that bridge I'll cross it!
And one great plus I just discovered today, my dues will likely be tax-deductible. It s/b easy to get a Dr's note to this effect as I am pre-diabetic with an A1C over 6.0 and am (currently) 10-12% overweight. Also, the fact that I experienced the extreme thirst and urination, which are red flags for diabetes, would also justify medical necessity.

[sh3k]

oh i never used it,as i dont need it .i need it some thing which can gain my weight.....