anyone been to weight watchers?

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 15, 2008

I lost 82 lbs with WW, it was the greatest thing I ever did Of course I've gained some of it back during NS and the last couple of years since graduating, so back on the wagon I go.......

It's daunting at times to count points but just as everyone has said, it starts to come very naturally after awhile.

Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN · Dec 16, 2008

I bought the WW kit with the calculator, books, little doodads, etc. I never went to meetings or did the online thing--just bought the kit online for a one-time cost. I lost 123 pounds and have kept it off for around 3 years. I say that because I had a pregnancy in there, so I had to gain weight in that time, but I was back to my prepregnancy weight by 3 days postpartum with a bouncing 9 pound 1 ounce baby in my arms. I love the WW methodology. Now I don't count points, but I do mind the fiber, calorie, and fat content of my foods. My weight now is 115 pounds, which feels great! I am 5 foot 5 inches. The BIGGEST thing in my success was that I had to be scared poopless about what my weight could do to me. I'd been overweight and obese for my whole life, but when I had a specific health scare, that was it. My mind and subsequently my body had changed. Good luck!

LeavingTeaching4RN · Dec 16, 2008

You can do the program at home, without paying anything if you know someone who has the "supplies;" Jess

I'm considering weight watchers as well. If you purchase the packet but don't attend a meeting, how do you know how many points you can eat?

Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN · Dec 16, 2008

I'm considering weight watchers as well. If you purchase the packet but don't attend a meeting, how do you know how many points you can eat?

It's based on your current weight. If you have a WW calculator, it will calculate the points you need for the day for you. A careful search online may prove fruitful as well.

Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2008

it's based on your current weight

i could be wrong, but i think there are more factors now. it includes age, gender, height and level of activity on a normal day (nurses get a lot more points than, say, a bus driver).

*~jess~*

Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN · Dec 16, 2008

i could be wrong, but i think there are more factors now. it includes age, gender, height and level of activity on a normal day (nurses get a lot more points than, say, a bus driver).
*~jess~*

i bought my kit in 2001 and actually used it in 2004-2005, so i know i probably have outdated information. heck, the program i used from 2001 was outdated from the program that was being used when i actually used it in that the amount of points for each weight "level" had increased. it certainly makes more sense to factor in those things you said. they also factor in breastfeeding, if i'm not mistaken. i was nursing my second daughter at the time that i started, but i didn't factor in the extra points for nursing her. she was still well fed and i certainly had enough fat to burn for her. interestingly, the breastfed poop was different from girl babies 1 and 2 when i was obese to the poop of girl baby #3 at my "skinny" weight. when i asked the pediatrician why, he said it was because i decreased the fat content in my diet. weird, huh? i'm on a tangent...don't mind me!

chevyv, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2008

I've been in and out of WW for 10 yrs or so. I haven't been there in about 1 & 1/2 yrs now, but I've lost more on my own then in WW. I tend to do very well the first month or so and then everything revolves around points for me. How many points is that, how many do I have left, and if I eat that now I'll only have this many left....Oh and I love skim milk but my daily 2 milk servings are already 4 points and I only get like 17-18. It became a nightmare where everything revolved around food.

I somehow couldn't step back and see it from the perspective of really focusing on healthy foods and exercise (which I love and the points come up for exercise as well!)

Now, I've lost 16 pounds on my own (I'm sure influenced by WW). I eat smaller portions and have lots of fruits and frozen veggies in the house. I always did love water so thats not an issue. I also walk on my treadmill 30 minutes a few times a week. I totally don't stress over food anymore and it just seems to be falling off. I used to dream about McD's Big Macs (I never do eat them) when I was on WW. Now, I can care less. I don't say no to many foods, however I will take a much smaller dessert or a bite from a buddy, and only the occasional scoop of ice cream. It's not that I tell myself no, but just that after focusing on choosing good food, I lost a big part of craving junk. I was a huge empty calorie consumer! When I have pms, I could easily eat a bag of dove chocolates in a day! Now, no problem.

If you join, try not to become obsessed with the point system like I did. Just learn the healthier foods that are good for your body and you'll stick to your points just fine. Good luck!

If Core is no more, have they come up with something else? Or is it just the points system now. I liked core (not alot of points).

OC85 · Dec 16, 2008

I totally don't stress over food anymore and it just seems to be falling off. I used to dream about McD's Big Macs (I never do eat them) when I was on WW. Now, I can care less. I don't say no to many foods, however I will take a much smaller dessert or a bite from a buddy, and only the occasional scoop of ice cream. It's not that I tell myself no, but just that after focusing on choosing good food, I lost a big part of craving junk.

So true! While I never had a weight problem, I didn't always have the best eating habits. Its amazing how many junk food "cravings" are really just habituation. After a few weeks of eating more whole/healthy foods, I was suprised to realize how many of the junk foods I used to eat that now seem unappealing. I think once you stop pumping it full of empty calories/junk, your body really does start to crave the things that it needs and things that are good for it.

RNAnnjeh, MSN, CNS · Dec 17, 2008

Points still exist, however they've blended the points and core together..now called "momentum". Just started the new program last week so don't know all the details. The new changes look OK..waiting to learn more.

Of course, there were some alterations to how many points certain foods have, but it's really not too hard.

I need the structure in order to be successful, so it's not too bad.