I'm overweight and I need help

[lweiss]

I have successfully lost weight in the past (35 pounds in 7 months). I kept it off for a few years, even during a pregnancy. Now I find myself the heaviest I have ever been and not able to duplicate the success I once enjoyed. I know that many of you attend Weight Watchers meetings. I am toying with the idea of joining a meeting. Is it a plan that is easy to stick with? I know many people that have gained the weight back after reaching their goal. How do they help you keep this from happening? I am depressed and embarrassed that I have let myself go like this. Can anyone offer some words of wisdom or support? Thanks.

[Laura]

You will find lots of support on the "the me I want to be" (TMIWTB)thread that starts up every week. A lot of people do weight watchers, but many don't. In either case, it is a very supportive group.

[yomomma]

In Weight Watchers, once you reach your goal weight, you are put on maintenance for six weeks. During this time you are taught how many points to add to your points range to keep you from losing more weight - and also from putting the weight back on. The points plan has been the most popular (& easiest) of all the Weight Watcher's plans. I encourage you to check it out.

[greysangel]

Hi Lynda:

You did it once and you know that means you can do it again :D I personally think WW is a great program. Every program has things you can take and apply and things that you can't...the successful people are the ones that take the good and work it into their own individual lifestyle. Personally I think the plan is easy to stick with because you are given a points range and are able to plan in any food (in moderate portions) depending on what you feel like, schedule etc. Some people do like to have menu guidelines which I hear they are doing menu suggestions this year as well. It's different from exchanges in that they dont tell you how many breads, proteins, dairy to have, however they do give suggested guidelines for that in the very first book you have.

I think this program is truly an adaptable lifestyle change. The reason why people gain weight back is because they slide back to old behaviors or think that somehow now they lost the weight, they wont find it again. In order to truly keep it off, you have to work at maintaining...from what I hear almost as hard as losing it!

Feel free to join the me I want to be thread...lots of weight loss support there.

JeAnne

[lweiss]

Thanks for the replies. I have been reading the introductions thread started last week. I know that this BB is a very caring, supportive place. I told my husband that I am interested in WW and he will be supportive. He hopes that he will benefit from whatever I decide to do. He would like to lose some weight, too. I wish there were more people on this BB that have had a successful experience with WW. Some have tried it and didn't like it and some gained the weight back. When I lose weight this time, I NEVER want to put it on again!
Amazingly enough, I think part of my problem has been the discovery of this BB. Specifically, the food board. I spend a lot of time on it and print out many recipes. It seems that I have become obsessed with food since I found this BB. I have gained an additional 10 pounds this past year. I have bought many, many new cookbooks, subscribed to two new food magazines and purchased new kitchen "toys". I think I need to stay off of the food board and only visit the Healthy Living board!

[muriel3002]

Lynda -

I noticed that you and I are about the same age - the slowing-of-the-metabolism age. I have noticed that over the last few years I too have gained and gained and gained.

In the past if I did this much exercise and ate this much food I would be guaranteed major weight loss! Welcome to your menopausal years. You might find any of the books by Christiane Northrup very insightful.

I think an individual has to look at their personality and how they best work. I just couldn't be bothered with counting points and stuff like that (been there, did it) so I am trying to change other things - like learning correct portion sizes, learning about foods and their true content, and my own mindset about when I am full. I'm also trying to shop better and not have empty foods in my house - like not so much of the processed, refined, empty calorie foods.

Hang in there! And here!

[lweiss]

Muriel, your reply is helpful. Thank you. I think you are right about the age thing. I'm not sure that I am the counting points kind of person, either. Trying it on my own is not working like it did before, though. I think I will give WW a call this week and get some info. I have to do something, NOW.

[boisewinesnob]

Originally posted by lweiss
I know many people that have gained the weight back after reaching their goal.

Hi Lynda, I am one of the above mentioned :o . I lost about 30 lbs (which brought me to goal) in 1999 and only kept it off for about a year before it started creeping back on. No fault of WW; I just got tired of writing everything down, counting, etc. But over the past couple months I realized I have gained 20 pounds back and enough is enough already!! I can either eat whatever I want, in whatever amount I want, and continue to gain, or I can do something about it. Like JeAnne pointed out, you (and I) have done it successfully once already so we know we can do it again. I'm trying to concentrate on how great I felt when I was at goal, all the compliments I got, being able to fit into nice jeans, not looking so frumpy, or whatever good things I enjoyed by being at a healthier weight.
I totally know what you mean about becoming food-obsessed since finding the BB. Yikes!

Suzy

[HejazSunKat]

Originally posted by boisewinesnob
I totally know what you mean about becoming food-obsessed since finding the BB. Yikes!


It IS easy to go crazy because every day there are new receipes being posted on the Great Food board to get excited about. Just because you're trying to lose weight it doesn't mean you have to cut out delicious food entirely or give up your love of cooking. You can still have anything you want as long as you recognize that you can't make a daily habit of eating rich foods. I don't cook as often as some of the other people on the boards for one reason because, with only my husband I in the house, I don't have a family around to help me eat what I produce. Everybody needs some quality of life though and it is not realistic to think you're going to live like a spartan for the rest of your life eating nothing but carrot sticks and salad.

Lynda, you have plenty of company with your battle and you've come to the right place to talk about it. We all love good food here and we're all struggling with finding the right balance between being able to enjoy it and getting and staying healthy and fit. Good for you for resolving to join WW. It is a healthy, sane, realistic weight loss and lifestyle change program. Might I suggest in addition to the Me I Want to Be thread you check out the Healthy Living Support Group (HLSG) thread that also runs every week. Good luck!

[pbutterfly]

Originally posted by lweiss
I wish there were more people on this BB that have had a successful experience with WW. Some have tried it and didn't like it and some gained the weight back. When I lose weight this time, I NEVER want to put it on again![/B]

*raises hand*

I have been having a successful experience with WW. I have lost 65 pounds so far, and have a ways yet to go. There have been times when I haven't followed the program or have chosen to just maintain for long stretches of time, but when I follow the program (even the maintaining part), IT WORKS.

I love the points program - that it has as little or as much structure as YOU choose to give it. I think that their new booklet this year with menus in it is a big help for those who want more guidance... and that the people who really loved the exchange program can find guidance to mold the points program into more of an exchange one in the Week One book (PM me if you want further help with that angle on things).

I've seen you at the MIWTB board, which is a great place to have as home base here at CL (as opposed to the nummy recipe boards!).

Welcome!
lynne

[lweiss]

Thank you for the replies. I knew that I would find good information here as well as much-needed support. For some reason I am embarrassed to tell anyone that I am going to join WW. I wonder why that is?
I just got off the phone with the local WW office. I will be going to my first meeting on Wednesday morning. Now that I have told you all, I will have to go since you will hold me accountable, I hope.

[Ms. Chevious]

At least you're motivated and that's what is important.

Now, I hate to recommend a book like this because I am SO not a person who reads any of these kinds of books but I have to say, it was a miracle for me and others posted the same results. Get from the library a book called "The Fat Flush Plan" - AMAZING. I dropped all the weight I wanted and then some and have kept it off EFFORTLESSLY for ages now. Just pay attention to the diet - I didn't get all into the myriad of supplements she recommends but I did stick to the plan food wise with amazing results. You start with just basicly protein, veggies and fruit and then gradually start adding back in your dairy, carbs, etc. - its not a "NO..." anything diet - you can have it all eventually, just not at the very beginning.

Good luck whatever you choose!

[Mlasley]

My whole family is a weight watchers sucess story. I had lost 50 pounds, kept it off for 2 years -- then got pregnant and gained 50 pounds, but went back to WW and am back to prepregnancy weight. My brother has lost almost 100 pounds and my mom has lost over 175 pounds and is now a WW leader. In fact, she is in the February issue of Good Housekeeping magazine holding up her "before" pants. All without drugs, surgery, etc. It is a great program.

[MKSquared]

Lynda - I'm PM'ing you. :)

[Leisa M]

Check out the Resting Metabolic Rate thread on this board. There is a coupon in the J/F magazine. I had the test run and was impressed.

[ChristieinMB]

I believe WW is a great group. It is just not for me. We all need to find what works for us individually. I follow the Body for Life program, it works very well for me.
I also love reading all the food stuff on this board. I read alot, but don't make all the stuff I enjoy reading about. I simply can't have that many calories every day. Even though the food is light, it is too much for me or I sometimes eat too big a portion (even though I reduce the recipe). I know myself so I don't indulge very often.
Being at a healthy weight is more important to me. Of course, I am 54 and do not have the metabolism that some of the younger ones on this board have. What I am saying, learn who you are, what works for you, decide your priorities. Make it happen!
Gotta go do my treadmill!! :D :( :D :( :D
Christie

[TLee4]

Originally posted by ChristieinMB
I follow the Body for Life program, it works very well for me.

Christie

Me too!! :D

[lweiss]

Thanks for the replies. I have started the WW program and I hope it will help me to get my portion sizes under control and help me to think about everything before it goes into my mouth. So far so good. I only wish that they would have told us in the first meeting how to count activity points. I exercise almost everday for at least 1/2 hour and I don't know how to count it. I could probably be eating a little bit more. This is not covered until week 4 :eek: I believe.

[Leisa M]

The RMR software helps you to count the calories for your exercise. Check out healthetech.com

If you can, use the coupon inthe cl J/F magazine and take the test. Or you can just buy the software and see if that helps you track exercise and food portions. The software is called Balance Log Weight Loss Kit

Good luck

[swquilts]

Lynda - The reason that WW doesn't bring up activity points until later is because most folks have a tough time adjusting to their new lifestyle and WW doesn't want them to have to worry about exercising right away.

I admit, I don't exercise much. I walk at a very brisk clip on my treadmill, a 2% incline, but only do 1 mile in 20 minutes. I average 4 to 5 times a week. I do it at 5:30 in the AM and I'm not truly inclined to do more :p . The way I figure I'll soon be doing enough yard work to get a lot of activity points!

PS: I knew a gal who lost 25 lbs and never did exercise. Go figure...

[boisewinesnob]

When I lost the first 20 pounds on WW a few years ago it was with no exercise. I lost 10 more and only did walking (although I walk pretty fast...about 4mph) for exercise.

I don't think a lot of people realize just how much eating too much affects weight. At the same time I was losing weight on WW by changing my eating habits, I had a few friends who would go to the gym for like an hour a day and then afterwards go to the chinese place across the street for a big plate of something greasy :confused: and then couldn't understand why they didn't lose. I mean, their going to the gym was better than nothing; ideally a person should do both. :)

[DocAgocs]

Weight Watchers is great for people who need to learn about portion control and/or need the support of others in their weight loss endeavors. One thing I do not like about Weight Watchers is that many people cheat the system and eat really junky food but stay within their points. Many of the recipes that circulate in WW are wortholess nutritionally, yet "low points" so people are eating calories but not getting nutrition.

Most people who are having trouble losing weight are having this problem becuase of refined simple carbohydrates (refined white flour and sugar) in their diet. Also whole grains, while good in very moderate uses, are high glycemic foods like refined grains and sugar. The result of high glycemic foods is that you get an insulin spike, and with use over long periods of time (i.e. typical American diet), chronically high insulin levels.

The effects of this are constant hunger and craving and when you do eat, you convert it very readily to triglycerides and stored fat. Most people with high cholesterol and triglycerides just need to cut back on refined white trash in their diet, not take the most recent cholesterol lowering medication!

The way to get out of this cycle is to realize that pasta, bread, etc made from refined flour is NOT good for you. It is completely devoid of anything good, in fact, and rearrange your food pyramid so vegetables are at the bottom. The recommended allowances of refined grains in this country are what is making people have trouble losing weight, diabetes epidemic, etc.

If you are eating the proper amount of fruits and veggies every day you will have the feeling of "Gee, I really don't have room for anything else." If you don't have that thought every now and then, you aren't eating enough of the good stuff.

[catnap70]

I have also been very happy with WW. I do find though that if I fill up on junky food I get too hungry. To stay full all day it is important to follow the plan, including the right combination of milks, fruits and veggies and to drink all of that water. On the weeks I don't use the right combinations I don't lose. I also use my PDA to track food points and activity points, otherwise, I wouldn't be able to write everything down and stay disciplined. Keep with it Linda--I'm 18 lbs lighter and 2 sizes smaller in 6 months thanks to WW.

[KBlackett]

Lynda,
Good for you for taking control of your body and weight but I want to stress one majorly important aspect of not only weight loss but also maintenance...Exercise. You are already doing the 30 minutes which is great so keep it up. Weight bearing exercise and weight lifting (don't think heavy weights) will be a major key to your success. Most people will focus on diet which is very important but rather than spend all that money on WW or books, get a gym membership or buy some home equipment and find exercises that you enjoy so you will keep doing them.
Hope this helps!

[wbsmiles]

I am considering joining Weight Watchers as well. I 'm trying to compare the cost/benefits of the onlinbe version, vs. the attend meetings version. I travel a lot for work and would hate to get stuck with paying the missed meeting fee (that's still part of it, right?). For those folks that have done the online WW, what is your opinion? Helpful? Not enough?

Thanks in advance,

Wendy

[DocAgocs]

KBlackett reminded me of another good point: before you start out on any weight loss endeavor, get your priorities straight. Do you want to look/feel better, or actually weigh less? Many of my patients get frustrated with "weight loss" because to do it right it is done slowly. They miss the bigger picture. Guage your progress by how your clothes fit, not what the scale says.

Along with getting your starting weight, take the following measurements: waist, each thich, neck and each arm. Also record how many inches from a particular joint you measured your arm and thigh so you get consistent repeat measurements each time (i.e four inches up from the elbow, 12 inches from the knee, etc).

What people seem to have trouble grasping is that muscle weighs more than fat, but takes up less space. Conceivably you could be doing a lot of exercise and building muscle and actually gaining weight, but slimming down immensely. Or, losing weight very slowly, but changing your body dramatically. Without these measurements, though, you really have no idea.

Muscle is more dense than fat, so if you look at a pound of fat and a pound of muscle, I *think* the muscle takes up 1/5 of the space of the same weight as the fat. When dealing with females it is tough to explain that lifting weights won't bul you up if you continue to lose or transform fat. In fact it's incredibly slimming. Just watch ESPN's BodyShaping show in the morning to see what I mean!

Stack the deck in your favor by having those measurements. Your weight can vary wildly from day to day, particularly if you're female, but your thighs and arms don't. Also you may lose 10 pounds but take 4 inches off your waist, three off each thigh and two off each arm. Don't trust that scale!

[RebeccaT]

Originally posted by wbsmiles
I am considering joining Weight Watchers as well. I 'm trying to compare the cost/benefits of the onlinbe version, vs. the attend meetings version. I travel a lot for work and would hate to get stuck with paying the missed meeting fee (that's still part of it, right?). For those folks that have done the online WW, what is your opinion? Helpful? Not enough?

Thanks in advance,

Wendy

Wendy, I lost 19 pounds last year using WW Online, and I pretty much used the threads on these boards as my "meeting." Like you, I had a schedule that I worried would keep me from making my meetings regularly, plus I really liked all the information on the WW site (IMO it's easier to journal online because they make it so easy to figure up the points of recipes, and their data base has the point values of thousands of foods). It worked for me, but it also would have been really easy to "fudge" since there was no real accountability. You have to do what works for you.

[susan_foster]

I lost 60 pounds using strictly WW online. I spend my life at my computer, so it was a natural thing for me. It definitely has its benefits - $15 a month - and drawbacks - no lifetime benefits - but for me as a non-meeting type person, it worked.

Susan

[sugarlump]

Set your weight loss goals for the long haul...not short term. Make changes you can see yourself living with forever. Stay off the scales...weigh in once a month...no more often. Visit with your primary doctor and get their input. Good luck!

[dinahcangetfit]

Originally posted by DocAgocs

What people seem to have trouble grasping is that muscle weighs more than fat, but takes up less space. Conceivably you could be doing a lot of exercise and building muscle and actually gaining weight, but slimming down immensely. Or, losing weight very slowly, but changing your body dramatically. ... Don't trust that scale!

I lost weight following WW at home and then regained about half of it. I knew I could not return to the WW program, and so began to research the effects of exercise, particularly aerobic, on fitness and weight loss. The first book I read was Covert Bailey's Smart Exercise. In that book he emphasized this point with an excerpt from a reader's letter. In that letter, a woman chided him about wanting to send him a bill for $300 to cover the cost of new clothes she had to buy since following his advice on aerobic exercise. She gained ten pounds but lost three dress sizes!

I am now on the road to fitness, and am taking my time to learn lessons along the way. WW did teach me the importance of lowfat eating, drinking lots of water, and including lots of fruits and veggies in my daily diet. But now I firmly believe it is aerobic exercise that will help me reach my healthy goal and never regain. I am currently an avid walker and I also bicycle and use a mini-trampoline to add variety to my exercise. I get aerobic whenever and wherever I can!

This is my first post here at Cooking Light. I look forward to meeting many of you as we all follow our chosen paths to health.


:)

[boisewinesnob]

Welcome Diane :)

just wanted to put in another plug for Covert Bailey. He is awesome; if you ever get a chance to see him, he is hilarious, too!

[Leisa M]

Welcome Diane! I too need to lose a few pounds (about 15), but since I am a housewife I do not get out unless I have to run an errand. Too bad you are in Oregan, if you were closer, I would say let's exercise together.:(

[dinahcangetfit]

Does anyone know of any forums devoted to the advice of covert Bailey?

[Chiffonade]

Originally posted by lweiss
I find myself the heaviest I have ever been and not able to duplicate the success I once enjoyed. I know that many of you attend Weight Watchers meetings. I am toying with the idea of joining a meeting. Is it a plan that is easy to stick with? I know many people that have gained the weight back after reaching their goal. How do they help you keep this from happening? I am depressed and embarrassed that I have let myself go like this.

"...duplicate the success..." You need to abandon this ideal. Get your mind wrapped around this: You are a different person now than you were then, in all ways. Physiologically, in your life, your work, your family, etc. This is an easy mistake to make - I am a poster child for this mistake. I have come to this realization because what worked when I was 33 simply will not work now - and defintely not as quickly. Embark on this journey as the new person you are.

"...Weight Watchers..." Not enough good things can be said of this program. Yes, it is easy to stick to (foodwise) and the meetings are extremely valuable. I don't happen to like the "Points" shtick they're embracing right now, but the basic rules of the plan don't vary: Balanced diet - all nutrients and food types - in moderation - feed your body what it needs and no more. Your body needs EVERYTHING. Don't get hooked into a fad diet like Atkins. Basic rule of fad diets: Any diet that prescribes you cut out ALL OR MOST of a nutrient is a fad and cannot be adhered to for life. You need fat, or you will dry out and your skin will crack. You need more than token amounts of carbs or your thought processes and nervous system will be shot. You need greens. Skim milk or yogurt products will give you dairy. You need these things - all of them. (Unless you're allergic to one.)

"...I know many people that have gained the weight back after reaching their goal..." That's because a diet is not temporary. The word "diet" should be obliterated from the language because it implies you can go "off" your diet at some point (like a course of medication). You must accept the fact that your eating habits must change as you age and in direct connection with how much you exercise. People who exercise can afford to add a little extra fuel because they're moving around more and using more. Couch potatoes and people chained to computers require less. Drive more? Need more gas. Drive less? Need less.

"...How do they help you keep this from happening?..." By giving you the tools you need to continue this healthier path. Cooking techniques, healthy food choices, fat-cutting short-cuts, consuming healthy quantities of food. You must be prepared to accept responsibility for sticking to the groundwork that gets you to goal in the first place. You can't jump on the scale one day at 125 lbs. and say, "OK, enough with the diet. Now I'm going back to my 'normal' eating, lots of fat, lots of quantity, lots of Burger King" and expect to stay at 125. The new eating pattern has to become your "normal" with higher calorie foods assuming the role of "occasional treat."

"...I am depressed and embarrassed that I have let myself go like this..." The 12-step programs call this: Stinkin' Thinkin' and I must agree. Again, poster child speaking here. I could not look in the mirror without reproaching myself for becoming a cow. Eventually, I realized that this thinking did not support my goal of not looking like a cow anymore. Now I look in the mirror and say, "It might come off slow but it will come off," or "It's happening - in MY time and in accordance with my CURRENT AGE." I have to keep reminding myself I am not who I was 10 years ago. Move on from the prison you've put yourself in for becoming overweight and utilize that energy to get rid of it!!

You have to exercise. It's OK to swear now. It's OK to hang your head...LOL. Make the time - I had to. I go 2x a week at 6:15 a.m. for a cardio pump class; and try to get another 2 days in my living room with my step. Sometimes I only get one additional day but that's OK. I'm moving 3 days more than I used to which was NO DAYS and I'm eating MUCH LESS. Something has to give!!

Beating yourself up only gets you bruised. Make the necessary changes and forge ahead. Shake off the negativity and get positive. WW is a great start. Good luck.

[lweiss]

Thanks, Chiffonade, for the reply. I joined WW on January 15 and reached my 10% goal this past week. I am having very little trouble staying on the program. It is exactly what I needed. Exercise is not a problem for me. I have been a regular exerciser for years. My food choices and amount of food I ate was the problem. I am NOT going to put this weight back on once it comes off. I still have a ways to go before I reach my goal, but I am halfway there! I am already wearing clothes that I haven't worn in years. It feels so good!

[ama47369]

I wanted to say thanks for starting this thread. I have been feeling this way for a while now. I know I need to get serious and make improvements, but I have been feeling that I have so far to go that I feel helpless. I have become a fast food junky-and am having a hard time breaking these habits. DH and I are wanting to start TTC, but I have too much weight to loose first.

Chiffonade, your post really hit home. I have been doing the "Stinkin'Thinkin'" for a while now, and it is time to face up and start thinking positively.

The encouragement on this BB really touches me, and I am amazed at the influence it has on peoples lives. lweiss, Thank you for speaking out, as I have been feeling the way you were.

[DmOrtega]

Originally posted by DocAgocs
...
The way to get out of this cycle is to realize that pasta, bread, etc made from refined flour is NOT good for you. It is completely devoid of anything good, in fact, and rearrange your food pyramid so vegetables are at the bottom. The recommended allowances of refined grains in this country are what is making people have trouble losing weight, diabetes epidemic, etc.

If you are eating the proper amount of fruits and veggies every day you will have the feeling of "Gee, I really don't have room for anything else." If you don't have that thought every now and then, you aren't eating enough of the good stuff.

I agree with this. I find that when I balance my diet by adding more vegetables, salads, fruits, nuts, and grains that I feel so much better. I don't need to feel like my stomach is stretched to the limit to feel full. I also try very hard to reduce the amount of starch but not eliminate it. I am very strict about keeping balance with our meals because there are times that it just isn't possible and I believe that the more often we eat right helps counter those times that we can't or choose not to.

[DmOrtega]

Chiffonade--- I really like your direct thinking. We are living in the moment. What has happened 10 minutes ago or 10 years ago has passed. We must look to the future and live in the moment. What we do now will effect our future has always been true. We all have the ability to choose our paths and if we are to make our paths easier then we must do the work now.

[Short Stuff]

Chiffonade - you are inspiring me! I'm in the middle of leaving my fiance and have been living up North where I've gained 7 lbs this winter (as in less than 3 months)! I know that may not sound like much, but I am a Short Stuff...so it shows. One of my best friends joined WW years ago and has loved it, but I have to say her experience turned me away from them. That's because my friend has a past history of anorexia and, although she's not there now, she's also not far from it. I couldn't believe that they would encourage her with the point system (she went to the local group meetings) when she was so thin. I can only imagine how depressed and discouraged her WW friends must have felt looking at her thin frame.

In any event, maybe it's time to re-evaluate this.....

[The Shadow Ride]

WW will not accept as a new member anyone who is right at or below their (WW's) minimum weight. Was your friend wearing wgts in her pockets? I am not kidding when I ask that. I retired a few years ago from 16+ years as a WW ldr and have seen some very thin people come in who we turned away, and would try to join another meeting wearing heavy clothing, etc.
I am a firm advocate of the program, it teaches portion control, being honest with yourself and how to eat healthfully. If one follows it honestly.

[Short Stuff]

Hi Shadow Ride! I'm not sure how she got in....I want to say she joined via the Internet first, started buying the cookbooks and magazines, then started going to meetings. I am glad to hear that WW does watch out for that. These days she is still thin, but on the healthy side. :)