Weight-Watchers - Success Online or in Meetings?

Hi N.-

I lost 65 lbs last year just doing WW online, never attended a single meeting. I lost all of that before the holidays but then got lazy and stopped logging in and gained 7 lbs. Since the 1st of the year I've lost the 7 lbs that I gained but haven't been able to get myself going again on the weight loss (I have about 20 lbs or so to go). Since I wasn't making it work I was tired of paying for the plan so I just cancelled it the other day and signed up with Sparkpeople instead. I just started on it, but it appears to be basically the same as WW online and it's free. I still need to get myself motivated again but I thought maybe a slightly different plan might get me going again.

Good luck,
K.

have you looked at sparkpeople.com? It's free. I signed up a few days ago. I'm impressed so far. Menu's, grocery lists, recipes, chats, & more!

My husband and I are getting ready to start, too. We're opting for online because of our hectic schedules.

We know several people who do it in person and prefer that because of the accountability aspect. My brother-in-law did it online and lost 39 lbs (he's a constant traveler which makes it all that much more impressive to me because of the limited healthy options in most airports/hotels).

online ww worked great for me- i lost all of the baby weight and 15 pounds more. you need self discipline and what was most helpful for me was having a supportive husband who also enrolled-that way we we could count point together. I am a stay at home mom so it was easy to count points and stay on track during the day, but having us both feel like we "needed" a point-friendly dinner made it easy. the recipes they offer are great though so if you are going it alone i think you husband will like them and you'll just have to watch you portions and let him have a portion and a half or something- good luck! you can do it!

I swear by WW. I feel it is THE best weight loss program... it allows you to eat what you want (and you can eat what the rest of your family is eating too), it lets you have a craving here and there, it encourages exercise, it teaches proper balance of foods (ex. fiber, fiber, fiber) and most importantly, portion control.

I've done it three times and successful for a long time. First, shortly after college. A rep came to our lunch room and we did meetings/weigh in. I lost around 17lbs. Yes, the meetings and weigh in do help you stay in check but many times I found them too corny/etc. The 2nd time I did it shortly after nursing my twins and lost around 30lbs. I couldn't make it to the meetings. So I ordered the "at home" kit, was mentally ready to do it and joined online for a few months. You just have to be strict...ex. only weigh yourself once a week, follow the diet to the best of your ability, etc. I mainly used the online to input my own recipes so I could figure out points. I did WW for the next time at the beginning of 2009 to drop my last 10-15 baby pounds. I used the same technique except I just skipped the online portion and just used my at home books. Good luck!

I lost 32 lbs while going to meetings (used monthly pass so I had online tools too). Now I'm trying to lose baby weight too and having a hard time with just the online tools. I'm thinking a few meetings would go a long way to get me motivated and see some results then switch back to just online??
Either way this weight has to come off!
K.

Hey there! I thought I would tell you about something that I have been doing for the last 4 weeks...I have started drinking a product called Bios Life Slim before every meal, and I have lost 10 pounds and one dress size in 4 weeks! I have not had to change anything about the way I eat, nor have I gone to the gym! To check it out go to www.makelifebetter.com/ericgreenlee once there, click on products, then click on Bios Life Slim. There is quite a bit of information there for you to read. You can also email him at ____@____.com if you have any questions. Good luck!

I went to the meeting for emotional support, not many meeting but I did go to a few. I enjoyed being around people who were working towards the same goal and hearing their stories.

IF you can make some time out side the home for you. You are worth it.

I use the online tools but weigh in at a meeting (but typically do not stay). It's not that I don't like my leader, but I feel like she says the same thing each week, so honestly I do not get as much out of meetings as I have in the past.

That being said, when you have a GREAT leader, the meetings are very inspirational and you leave feeling more prepared for the next week (even if you just maintain or even gained). When you don't have a good leader, it's easier to go home and drown your miseries (on bad weeks) with chocolate because you aren't that excited about the following week.

That being said, I have also done WW online only and was never as successful as I have been when I had to weigh in in front of someone. Not sure why. I guess I feel like I'm held more accountable when there is an external person (not me) weighing me.

I am down 18 lbs in a little over 4 months and my son is a little over 6 months old. I do take him to the meetings...but often have to walk around with him (or nurse him). Look around, there are often multiple meetings that you could maybe choose from. Maybe go at night when hubby, boyfriend, mom/dad, friend could watch the baby.

Good luck!