Weight Watchers. I've lost 48 lbs.- Updated

[winklebottom]

Curious. Are there any lifetime members out there who attend meetings and do so for free??? My husband and I have done quite well. He has lost close to 50 lbs. I really think going to the meetings make you accountable instead of doing it alone. I would love to hear from anyone who has been able to stay at goal for a while, or any one else who it has worked for them.

[Ron]

I haven't been a part but am looking to lose up to 40 lbs as I have back and ankle trouble as well as HBP & am sure losing the weight will help.

[1Corinth2v4]

Curious. Are there any lifetime members out there who attend meetings and do so for free??? My husband and I have done quite well. He has lost close to 50 lbs. I really think going to the meetings make you accountable instead of doing it alone. I would love to hear from anyone who has been able to stay at goal for a while, or any one else who it has worked for them.


Winkle,


I ordered Nutri-System last week, and started it 05/14/2008. I weighed myself on Sunday morning, within 3 days I lost 6 pounds. Yesterday I placed and order for their flex 20 plan. They're sending me 20 days worth of food, 5 meals a day. :bliss

[Margies3]

Winkle,

I know a lady who used to belong to the UPC church on Lynn St. in Pontiac, Michigan, but now lives in Tennessee. Way back in the early 70's she lost about 40 lbs. on WW and has kept it off all these years.

I give her tons of credit for that because, unfortunately, she is the exception to the rule :(

[HeavenlyOne]

There is no such thing as dieting. If you long for change, a lifestyle change has to be made. This is why diets don't seem to work. People go 'on a diet', lose weight, then go back to their former habits, gain the weight back (and sometimes that weight brings friends), then claim the diet didn't work.

Diets always work. Lifestyle changes will keep them working.

[winklebottom]

There is no such thing as dieting. If you long for change, a lifestyle change has to be made. This is why diets don't seem to work. People go 'on a diet', lose weight, then go back to their former habits, gain the weight back (and sometimes that weight brings friends), then claim the diet didn't work.

Diets always work. Lifestyle changes will keep them working.

Wow....thanks Debbie Downer!!! :winkgrin
I fully agree with the fact that this is a lifestyle now that the weight is gone, as the poster before you stated. But... We should encourage each other's accomplishments...large and small, as losing weight is easier for some than others.
Which is why Weight Watchers is FREE once you meet your goal weight....and MAINTAIN it.
I also have seen many do very well with Nutri-system, but we didn't want to have to buy their foods (we are too cheap!) and now cook each and every night.
Very little fast food....which has been a change...but one that has worked wonderfully for us!
Still looking for anyone who is a lifetime member to see how that works.

[HeavenlyOne]

Wow....thanks Debbie Downer!!! :winkgrin
I fully agree with the fact that this is a lifestyle now that the weight is gone, as the poster before you stated. But... We should encourage each other's accomplishments...large and small, as losing weight is easier for some than others.
Which is why Weight Watchers is FREE once you meet your goal weight....and MAINTAIN it.
I also have seen many do very well with Nutri-system, but we didn't want to have to buy their foods (we are too cheap!) and now cook each and every night.
Very little fast food....which has been a change...but one that has worked wonderfully for us!
Still looking for anyone who is a lifetime member to see how that works.

I totally believe that encouragement from others, especially those who are also on the lifelong 'struggle', is necessary for success. I have told people that I'm their biggest cheerleader!

I tried WW but I'm undisciplined when it comes to watching everything I eat and counting things. After having RNY surgery, I now have to worry about losing too much....what a change, huh?

[Rico]

Weight Watchers isn't a diet. It's a program for changing your eating habits.

[HeavenlyOne]

It is a diet. How you eat is your diet. If you are diabetic and watch your carbs, that's your diet. If you have blood pressure issues and watch your salt intake, that's your diet.

The word "diet" has become somewhat of a four letter word, but the true definition relates to your eating habits, regardless of what they might be.

[sunnyday]

Weight Watchers is great. I have done it in the past and am now doing it again. I tried L A Weight loss in between and was not to impressed with their program.

[ChristopherHall]

I've lost 57 lbs. on the South Beach Diet.

[Rico]

I've lost 57 lbs. on the South Beach Diet.


Isn't that one of those "starve the body of carbs" type of diet?

[ChristopherHall]

Isn't that one of those "starve the body of carbs" type of diet?

The diet is in three phases.

The First Phase is essentially the first two weeks. The first two weeks you take in virtually no carbs. I lost 18 lbs. during this period.

The Second Phase begins with the third week and lasts until you reach your desired weight. On the second phase you're allowed to eat whole grains and whole wheat breads, whole wheat pastas, etc. You're carb intake is limited but it's not too bad.

The Third Phase begins the moment you reach your desired weight and is maintained for the rest of your life. In this phase you are encouraged to continue eating the good carbs and things you've grown accustomed to eating in the previous phases. However, you're allowed limited portions of whatever you like. You will commit to watching your weight daily or weekly. You're weight is expected to fluctuate somewhat, however, if your weight climbs 5 lbs. you are advised to begin Phase One or Two again to shed those pounds and your back to phase 3. So it's a lifestyle of ongoing weight maintenance.

My doctor highly recommended the diet along with significantly increasing my intake of antioxidants and omega3s.

[Rico]

The diet is in three phases.

The First Phase is essentially the first two weeks. The first two weeks you take in virtually no carbs. I lost 18 lbs. during this period.

The Second Phase begins with the third week and lasts until you reach your desired weight. On the second phase you're allowed to eat whole grains and whole wheat breads, whole wheat pastas, etc. You're carb intake is limited but it's not too bad.

The Third Phase begins the moment you reach your desired weight and is maintained for the rest of your life. In this phase you are encouraged to continue eating the good carbs and things you've grown accustomed to eating in the previous phases. However, you're allowed limited portions of whatever you like. You will commit to watching your weight daily or weekly. You're weight is expected to fluctuate somewhat, however, if your weight climbs 5 lbs. you are advised to begin Phase One or Two again to shed those pounds and your back to phase 3. So it's a lifestyle of ongoing weight maintenance.

My doctor highly recommended the diet along with significantly increasing my intake of antioxidants and omega3s.

Hmmmm. This sounds different than the other no carb diets I have heard about. That Atkins one is one I have heard to stay away from. Maybe I will check this South Beach one out. I would like to lose at least 100 big ones before I keel over with a heart attack.

[winklebottom]

So now we are all down to our bikini weight!!....kidding!!!

[winklebottom]

update with Thanksgiving right around the corner...Now have lost 48 lbs with 2 more to goal weight. Now the hard part starts!!!

[Blubayou]

I have tried every diet in the book- and had some success - My latest loss was 2 years ago and I have kept it off since. I am now trying to lose that last 10 lbs. I tried nutrisystem, but I did not like the food. Jenny Craig food is much better. I found the cost of both of these programs prohibitive . I also think accountability is important. Right now I am using Spark People and counting calories and walking 45 minutes 5 days a week.

[HeavenlyOne]

Great job, guys!! Keep up the hard work!

[StMark]

not saying that no one loses weight on these diets
but i still think most of them are a waste of your money

[Weary Pilgrim]

not saying that no one loses weight on these diets
but i still think most of them are a waste of your money


Why do you think that

[Blubayou]

I really like a low carb diet, but I like fruit and I do not do well when I cannot have something. It works on my psyche and I start craving it. I may do a low carb diet soon.

[StMark]

Why do you think that



I'm referring to specific diets.


#1) the ones where you buy those awful vacuum packed meals!
the people lose and then go right back to their old ways of eating
once they are off the packaged meals. A WASTE!!


#2) The no carb diets don't work. you lose more muscle on these diets
instead of Fat,and regain it ( and more!) once you come off of them.

[Arphaxad]

Get on your bicycle and ride,ride,ride. I was 3x, now down to xl. I was 42 waist, now down to 36.

ARPH:doggyrun

p.s.- cut out cake, pie and candy bars.

[Shawn]

Read 'Good Calorie Bad Calorie' by Gary Taubes.
Not a diet book, but it will totally change your views on diets.

Btw, Low carb diets are the most muscle sparing diets on the planet. You need to throw in some kind of weight/resistant training....even more than aerobic activity.

Any diet that takes off too much weight too fast will leave someone 'skinny fat'. The resistance training will tell your body to retain as much muscle as possible. Even bodybuilders utilze low carb diets at the end of their cylces before a contest.

[winklebottom]

::I agree that the diet's that you have to restrict what kind of foods you eat don't have the best track records.
Believe me I have tried them all.
That is why weight watchers has worked so well for me. I still can eat whatever foods I want.....BUT portion control and eating the RIGHT food is the key!!
You learn real quick that a piece of chocolate cake doesn't go as far as a hearty vegetable soup or lean piece of meat.
I also have learned that you MUST excersize to be able to maintain any progress you have made.
90% of the people who lose weight gain it all back, and I will NOT let myself fall in that catagory!
In total over 3 years I have lost 70 lbs and know now it is a lifestyle change.
No more going out to Bob's Big Boy after church for pie!!!:situps:

[ronharvey]

Try the Biblical method: eat what God approved and don't eat what he didn't approve.

I went from 268 to 195 in less about 6 months.
Then 195 to 167 in about 4 months.

I am not saying it is a saved or lost issue, I just decided God was smarter than everyone and knew WHY he forbade certain foods.

Just my thoughts.

Ron

[nahkoe]

Try the Biblical method: eat what God approved and don't eat what he didn't approve.

I went from 268 to 195 in less about 6 months.
Then 195 to 167 in about 4 months.

I am not saying it is a saved or lost issue, I just decided God was smarter than everyone and knew WHY he forbade certain foods.

Just my thoughts.

Ron

Give me some details here?

[rgcraig]

Congratulations!

I updated your title - that's something to be proud of!

[Michael Phelps]

Winkle,

I know a lady who used to belong to the UPC church on Lynn St. in Pontiac, Michigan, but now lives in Tennessee. Way back in the early 70's she lost about 40 lbs. on WW and has kept it off all these years.

I give her tons of credit for that because, unfortunately, she is the exception to the rule :(

Who's that, Margie?

[winklebottom]

Congratulations!

I updated your title - that's something to be proud of!

Thank you so much!! I didn't even think of that!!
Was to busy eating:icecream

KIDDING!!!!

[Michael Phelps]

Thank you so much!! I didn't even think of that!!
Was to busy eating:icecream

KIDDING!!!!

Congrats, WB!

[jezebelslayer]

Curious. Are there any lifetime members out there who attend meetings and do so for free??? My husband and I have done quite well. He has lost close to 50 lbs. I really think going to the meetings make you accountable instead of doing it alone. I would love to hear from anyone who has been able to stay at goal for a while, or any one else who it has worked for them.

CONGRATS on the weight loss. I know it's been hard work. Been there done that and done that and done that! I've never done WW but wanted to send you a shout out for job well done!:clap

[winklebottom]

Try the Biblical method: eat what God approved and don't eat what he didn't approve.

I went from 268 to 195 in less about 6 months.
Then 195 to 167 in about 4 months.

I am not saying it is a saved or lost issue, I just decided God was smarter than everyone and knew WHY he forbade certain foods.

Just my thoughts.

Ron

I totally agree with you there! Not only for weight issues, but for general heath, and mind issues also!!

[Margies3]

Who's that, Margie?

Freda Woods. Do you know her, Mike?

[Michael Phelps]

Freda Woods. Do you know her, Mike?

Yes, I know Freda.

She and Vern are good people.

[winklebottom]

CONGRATS on the weight loss. I know it's been hard work. Been there done that and done that and done that! I've never done WW but wanted to send you a shout out for job well done!:clap

I hear you there RE: been there done that!!!!
Now the hard work starts!!
thanks so much for letting me brag a bit!!

[rgcraig]

If I added up all the weight I've lost on WW - - it'd be a lot. However, it's the same 20 lbs......over and over! LOL!

[Margies3]

Yes, I know Freda.

She and Vern are good people.

They sure are! When I moved to Pontiac way back in about 1976, they let me live in their basement bedroom for about a month while I was getting things together to get my own place. We had so much fun!!

[winklebottom]

If I added up all the weight I've lost on WW - - it'd be a lot. However, it's the same 20 lbs......over and over! LOL!

Hee Hee!!!
I hear that at every meeting...and sometimes the same pound I lost the week before mysteriously re-appears!!!
But, after a while those one pound losses and 1/2 lb losses add up!!
For any one starting.....don't get discouraged! Just start!
The first 2 days are the hardest with any diet....but the important thing is to START!!
oh.......
and throw away the mini donuts!!!

[ronharvey]

Give me some details here?

Leviticus 11:47 "To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten."

The 11th Chapter of Leviticus lists the beasts (food) that can and cannot be eaten.

When you research these animals you find they are really unclean.

Example: pigs don't sweat. Their toxins build up in their flesh and you eat it.

I grew up on a lard diet: the fat of the land so to speak.

In 1979 I decided to stop eating it. My blood pressure went down to "slightly elevated."

In 1981 I decided to end it all and broke myself from catfish, oysters, clams, shrimp, etc.

I averaged my weight at 195 - 200 healthy pounds. never sick and I could move mountains.

I took a very stressful but fun job at Kinko's Copy centers in 1997.

I reached 268 pounds.
My ankles and knees were killing me, I could not seem to loose weight.

In 2003 I left Kinko's and lost almost 50 pounds in 2006 I decided to heed even the principal of the Biblical food laws and pushed away when satisfied, eat fruit and vegetables in their raw state whenever possible.

I like to juice, eat soups.

I eat almost no breads, and esp white breads.

I eat when I want, what I want, and IF I want.

There is not 3 meals a day but almost 4 - 6 small meals.

I eat potato skins not the fluffy fattening starch inside.

I pull the skin from chicken.

Once you learn to love the food laws, wrong eating is repulsive.

I cannot remember 1 maybe two bouts with indigestion since 1981

I don't eat TUMs. Rolaids, Pepto Pink stuff or any of that stuff.

Ron

[nahkoe]

This is what I thought you meant. :) I follow these guidelines also...and trust me, it's not working for weight loss. lol

I'm glad it's worked for you though...

Leviticus 11:47 "To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten."

The 11th Chapter of Leviticus lists the beasts (food) that can and cannot be eaten.

When you research these animals you find they are really unclean.

Example: pigs don't sweat. Their toxins build up in their flesh and you eat it.

I grew up on a lard diet: the fat of the land so to speak.

In 1979 I decided to stop eating it. My blood pressure went down to "slightly elevated."

In 1981 I decided to end it all and broke myself from catfish, oysters, clams, shrimp, etc.

I averaged my weight at 195 - 200 healthy pounds. never sick and I could move mountains.

I took a very stressful but fun job at Kinko's Copy centers in 1997.

I reached 268 pounds.
My ankles and knees were killing me, I could not seem to loose weight.

In 2003 I left Kinko's and lost almost 50 pounds in 2006 I decided to heed even the principal of the Biblical food laws and pushed away when satisfied, eat fruit and vegetables in their raw state whenever possible.

I like to juice, eat soups.

I eat almost no breads, and esp white breads.

I eat when I want, what I want, and IF I want.

There is not 3 meals a day but almost 4 - 6 small meals.

I eat potato skins not the fluffy fattening starch inside.

I pull the skin from chicken.

Once you learn to love the food laws, wrong eating is repulsive.

I cannot remember 1 maybe two bouts with indigestion since 1981

I don't eat TUMs. Rolaids, Pepto Pink stuff or any of that stuff.

Ron

[Sis Elaine]

Good evening! I have just one simply suggestion if I may add.

Be sure and eat a good healthy breakfast in the morning!
Many people skip the most important meal of the day.
This causes your metabolism to remain sluggish the rest of the day.
You have to jump start your engines first thing in the morning.

I make a healthy smoothie with fresh fruit and yogurt and
fruit juice. It's really delicious!

It is important to eat within one hour of awakening.
If you eat early, you wont be as hungry late.

Happy Dieting!

[TalkLady]

If I added up all the weight I've lost on WW - - it'd be a lot. However, it's the same 20 lbs......over and over! LOL!

This is "me".......I lost 20 lbs and gained 15 back...I love Weight Watcher's meetings. Much depends on the leader's ability to motivate and the attendee's commitment to make a lifestyle change. It's not a "diet"...It's about learning about how to pace eating throughout the day - especially eating breakfast and monitoring portion sizes, making smart choices in regard to calories, fats, and fiber. (I never kept a "diary" for a whole day...lol) Since a person has so many points per day and that usually ranges in the 20s, then there is no need to get into counting the "big numbers" as thousands of calories. I kept up with points without writing them down. Don't have anyone tell you that writing down what you eat and keeping up with numbers are essentials. If you can count to 20 and read labels, you can do it.

Drink 2 liters of water per day and exercise at least 3 or 4 times per week - 30 minutes per day and follow the points routine...Attend weekly meetings.

I believe almost everyone will lose weight if the above is followed.

[ForeverBlessed]

If I added up all the weight I've lost on WW - - it'd be a lot. However, it's the same 20 lbs......over and over! LOL!

lol I totally understand Renda.. I have lost 30lbs... but it was the same 30 of the 40 that I gain and lose over and over... lol Oh well... at least I am losing again. I'm just glad to be back down to the smaller stuff in my closet.

[Kae]

This is "me".......I lost 20 lbs and gained 15 back...I love Weight Watcher's meetings. Much depends on the leader's ability to motivate and the attendee's commitment to make a lifestyle change. It's not a "diet"...It's about learning about how to pace eating throughout the day - especially eating breakfast and monitoring portion sizes, making smart choices in regard to calories, fats, and fiber. (I never kept a "diary" for a whole day...lol) Since a person has so many points per day and that usually ranges in the 20s, then there is no need to get into counting the "big numbers" as thousands of calories. I kept up with points without writing them down. Don't have anyone tell you that writing down what you eat and keeping up with numbers are essentials. If you can count to 20 and read labels, you can do it.

Drink 2 liters of water per day and exercise at least 3 or 4 times per week - 30 minutes per day and follow the points routine...Attend weekly meetings.

I believe almost everyone will lose weight if the above is followed.

Everyone should be drinking half their body weight of water in oz.
The exercise depends on how active a person is. If a person is a couch potato it will take 30-45 minutes to get their bodies going before any fat burning will go on. This is part of the reason some will get discouraged with exercise and feel it doesn't work. A mildly active person it will take 15 minutes and an athlete will just have to think about exercise and their bodies begin to burn fat.

[winklebottom]

Good advise!! Breakfast is so important! I have to say though I am bad about the water! With my job, I can't be running to the bathroom very often.....but what was said is totally true!!

[rgcraig]

lol I totally understand Renda.. I have lost 30lbs... but it was the same 30 of the 40 that I gain and lose over and over... lol Oh well... at least I am losing again. I'm just glad to be back down to the smaller stuff in my closet.

Hi! Great to see you - love your picture and the one of your girls too!

[StMark]

Harvey you have some good suggestions. Some that i try to abide by.



What the real problem is, you people are just plain ole undisciplined.
Your up and down, up and down, eating heavy meals at night, eating
sweets and drinking sodas then you want to go on these diet gimmicks
like it's going to solve all your problems for the rest of your life.

Stop sitting around and blaming everyone else!!!!

[Weary Pilgrim]

Harvey you have some good suggestions. Some that i try to abide by.



What the real problem is, you people are just plain ole undisciplined.
Your up and down, up and down, eating heavy meals at night, eating
sweets and drinking sodas then you want to go on these diet gimmicks
like it's going to solve all your problems for the rest of your life.

Stop sitting around and blaming everyone else!!!!


Mark, I don't think it's quite that simple. In fact, I think your
comments were somewhat belittling to the others. Everyones body chemistry is different due to many factors, Age, gender, metabolic rate, etc.

[StMark]

Mark, I don't think it's quite that simple. In fact, I think your
comments were somewhat belittling to the others. Everyones body chemistry is different due to many factors, Age, gender, metabolic rate, etc.



Sorry I disagree. Most people overeat because of stress, bad habits,
lack of nutrition which creates cravings for sugar. women overeat
when their nerves get whacky or due to PMS. :tease
you know it's true

You just can't eat a box of fried chicken and pound cake at 12 midnight
and expect miracles. yo yo dieting, gimmicks, quick fixes are not getting
the job done people

[nahkoe]

Sorry I disagree. Most people overeat because of stress, bad habits,
lack of nutrition which creates cravings for sugar. women overeat
when their nerves get whacky or due to PMS. :tease
you know it's true

You just can't eat a box of fried chicken and pound cake at 12 midnight
and expect miracles. yo yo dieting, gimmicks, quick fixes are not getting
the job done people

And not everyone who has trouble with weight does those things Mark...

So yeah, for those who do..duh. For those who don't...then what?

[Blubayou]

Mark are you trying to pick a fight?

[winklebottom]

As I have struggled with weight thru many a fad diet...and now after 3 years am 70 lbs lighter total(not just the 48 lost this year) I agree with you StMark to a degreee....then do not.
Genetics do play a huge part in weight gain, as well at stress and emotional eating as you mentioned.
We all know those people who can eat what ever they want and never gain a pound....I was never one of them, and this is where the point you made of discipline comes in. I am a very disciplined person when it comes to what I eat...always have been...but my genetic background causes me to proscess different foods differenty.
The main thing I had to get my mind right on was keeping active, and realizizing with me that it was going to be a longer road for me than for others.....
but one definately worth taking!!

[winklebottom]

:cluboh....and let's leave PMS out of it!!!!:heeheehee

[HeavenlyOne]

I'm referring to specific diets.


#1) the ones where you buy those awful vacuum packed meals!
the people lose and then go right back to their old ways of eating
once they are off the packaged meals. A WASTE!!


#2) The no carb diets don't work. you lose more muscle on these diets
instead of Fat,and regain it ( and more!) once you come off of them.

You are correct on both points.

A change of lifestyle is better than eating certain packaged foods for a certain period of time. Rarely does anyone keep the weight off they lost on those plans.

[My Own Eyes]

Some of you will remember that that I lost a ton of weight back in 2006. I did it by exercising 2 hours a day, and only eating 1200 calories.

The problem was that it wasn't sustainable for me. When I decreased my exercise to an hour a day, and increased my calories to 1700 (Which should have STILL had me losing weight), I started to gain weight like crazy at a rate of 5 pounds a week.

When I realized that I was going to have to choose between having a life, and going back to the 2 hours and starvation diet, I said forget it. And gained all my weight back.

Last spring, when I went to the Dr. for the first check up in like 10 years, I found out that I had a medical condition that was contributing to my weight problem. And so she put me on this medication that is supposed to help. Since June, I have lost about 30 pounds. Ironically, between taking care of my Mom and all the details of the divorce, my exercise is practically non-existant, and my eating hasn't been all that great.

Imagine what I could accomplish now, if I actually tried!

The worst part in all this is that I am totally between sizes. I have the clothes that I bought for summer when nothing else fit anymore, right before I started taking the medicine, they are all way too big now. And I have the winter clothes that I bought 2 years ago right after I had lost all my weight. Which are all between 2 or 3 sizes too small.

If I could just lose 20 pounds in the next month, I would be able to wear those clothes this winter. Think that will happen?? lol

[Shawn]

Most people would lose the weight they're after if they just stopped eating sugar and consuming things like white flour(processed carbs).


I've never heard of a no carb diet. I've heard of low carb diets. Most people actually consume more good carbs and veggies on a low carb diet than they ever did on a traditional american diet.

[winklebottom]

I have gone from a women's 18 to a regular 8/10. All my old clothes are dispersed among other ladies in the church.....All different sizes...and I have some of theirs that they got to big for! It has been kind of fun!!! (for me anyway!!)

[HeavenlyOne]

I can't wait to get into a size 8!! Never thought it would happen, but never thought getting into a 10 at my height and with my skeletal structure would be possible either, but have done it!

Now I'm looking into donating a bunch of skin (all they'll need is a set of eyes all have a whole person!) next year to make my transation complete!

And to those who fight to lose weight, keep fighting! We will fight together.