Weight Watchers - Nutley,NJ

The new program is a big difference, and I think the old program was WAY more effective and easier.
Personally, I think WW changes it up drastically for reasons like this, so people are not able to do it on their own without paying.
It makes me mad, because you pretty much get everything memorize and down to a pattern and they go and switch it!
I think you will do great doing the old program on your own. It is though, a formula, so you have to eat your daily points, otherwise you could be basically starving yourself which will not allow you to lose weight.
You do not have to use your extra points if you do not want to.
I always try to save them for the weekend because I never know what will happen.
I am actually going to cancel my account and do it the old way on my own!

Just make sure you keep a journal and track your food. Tracking it is key for me!

Hi! I started WW orginally in 2004 and lost some weight. Gained and decided to do the online program for a few years and just this year decided I really needed the extra movitation and the meetings. The program has changed significantly since 2002. The points are no longer calculated based on calorie but on fiber, fat, carbo, and protein. So be aware if you see things like lean cuisine pointsplus it is probably not the same point value as the 2002 program. You also get 49 extra points that you can spend anytime during the week on however you want to use them and if you do exercise you can earn more points. I would suggest that you look into Weightwatchers online (It's only like 45 for 3 months). It would help you understand the new program. You can buy some program materials. I personally like the new programs emphasis on not just the calories but what makes up the calories. It helps me stay fuller longer.

That said if you want to go it alone on the old program--I think you can (that's how I started). Just be aware that the program is way different now.

Good luck on your weight loss!

I've lost weight on both plans. I think the important thing is to pick one and stick with it. Don't try to incorporate some elements of the new plan (0 point fruit, for instance) with the old plan. Good luck!

Try and do the weight watchers online program. It's great and it reflects the changes to the program. I would follow the program the way it is now. I lost a lot doing it. I definitely recommend it.

I did the OLD OLD program from the 70s. Lost 85 lbbs. That plan is embedded in my brain. Forty two years later, and four kids later, I am only
three pounds from my goal weight!!! I certainly did learn how to change
my eating habits.

The old one works. If you follow the points using the 2002 book, you should lose weight. However, it will be hard for you to find support and tips from other members because most people have moved on to the newer program.

I do like the newer program better. The food points are calculated differently, and most fruits which used to be a point are now free, including bananas! However, some things cost more points than they did before (like alcohol, boo) Your daily points will also be different, and are calculated differently. And you're offered 49 weekly "extra" points, plus activity points, to use as you see fit.

If you can't do the new program for whatever reason, I say do the old program. If you do have the option to use the new program, I say go for it.

Good luck!

Im on the new program and like Linda M said they are similar. I find a lot of info online that you won't be able to. But if you have the books and stick with that system you'll be fine. I just found a few cookbooks really cheap at Barnes and noble because they were on the old point system....but easy enough for me to refigure. Good luck.