I started Weight Watchers last wednesday

[Tobin S.]

I've struggled with my weight since I was a teenager. I've lost a lot of weight several times only to gain it back. One reason for that is that I may have unrealistic ideas about how much I should weigh, but the main reasons are that I simply like to eat and drink beer. :)

I have not tried Weight Watchers before. I've lost about 50 pounds a couple of times in my life just on my own. I lost about 120 pounds a few years back using a low fat, low carb, no sugar, low calorie, no alcohol, no caffeine, plan of misery. I got down to 180 pounds and I did not feel very good. People were telling me that I was too thin. I would get dizzy when I stood up and it turned out that I had low blood pressure. The people who were a part of my program said I needed to get down to 160 then I rebelled and started drinking beer by the 6 pack again and eating entire large pizzas.

I am naturally kinda big. I have a large frame and my muscles are naturally bulky. So, I'm not going to try to get below 200 pounds again. I weighed in at 303.4 last week. My initial goal is to get down to 230, then I'll see how I feel and go from there. I'll post my progress here and there. Here's a before picture:



I'm the goofy looking guy on the left. The cute woman is Jen, my fiancee. I think you can see what I mean about the way I'm built. Most people probably would not guess that I weigh over 300 pounds.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Good luck my dear Tobin!

The key thing in losing weight is to do what you can live with on a long-term basis.

Diets. Don't. Work.

You have to change how you live, and keep at it. I've lost 50 pounds doing it this way, and it's stayed off. It's my lifestyle, and not a diet.

If you take in fewer calories, and exercise, you will lose weight, and you'll feel better.

Your goals sound very realistic!

:hi:

[Tobin S.]

2. That's what I hear, Peggy

The problem I've had with what I've tried previously is that I haven't been able to maintain what I was doing. It was just unrealistic to think that I could stay on a 1400 calorie a day diet for the rest of my life and never eat any of the foods that I really like. I can have those foods as long as I cut the portions down and don't eat them so frequently.

[nolabear]

3. WW is actually good, Tobin.

If you go to meetings find a group leader you like, that's my best advice. But it's quite sound and allows for a little play, i.e. it's not extreme. You can have a beer now and then, just not as a food group (grin).

Good luck! Hang in there and let it go slow; that's what's supposed to happen. Now that you've got this groovy new lady to be healthy for, you're gonna want to be healthy for a long, long time!

And as a fellow DU Dieter, I'll be inspired by your progress!

[Tobin S.]

6. I think it's a good plan, too

We do have a kind, positive group leader and my first impression of Weight Watchers was good. I went to a local place back when I lost the 120 pounds and they were not very kind if you didn't post a loss for the week. They reminded me of overbearing, nagging parents. And, like I was saying, the plan was unrealistic in the long term. I didn't get that vibe at all from Weight Watchers.

[sarge43]

4. Good luck and good vibes, Tobin.

A friend is in Weight Watchers and she's very pleased with the results -- lost weight and, more importantly, is keeping it off.

I'm considering it myself. Keep us posted.

:hug:

[Tobin S.]

8. Will do, sarge

Thank you. :hug::

[RZM]

5. I began WW three months ago

And I've had a lot of success with it. I've lost 25 lbs. Like you, I don't have a specific goal yet. I'm going to lose about 10 more and take stock of things then.

Here are a few observations about the program, for what it's worth:

The meetings can sometimes seem like a waste of time and/or money. Often they are little more than cheesy motivational speeches, but it's a good idea to go because I do think it keeps you focused and lessens your chances of falling off the wagon. Plus it's kind of fun to have them weigh you and record it in your weight record thingy.

Alcohol doesn't fit very well with the program. Unfortunately, there's no way around this. Alcohol has a lot of points, whether it be liquor, wine, or beer. You just can't drink very much and stay within your point allotment. I definitely drink less now that I'm on the program. While that's probably a good thing, it can be a bit irritating.

I would definitely recommend joining a gym or planning a workout program if you don't already do so. One reason WW has been easier for me is that I've had a fairly steady workout regimen for years now (I just ate really bad, which was why I was a bit overweight). It's going to be rough just changing your eating habits and I think that people who also start working out when they join the program can get doubly stressed -- that's a lot of lifestyle changes in a short period of time. But exercise is one of the cornerstones to losing weight. I'm sure you know that already, but I think some people try to double down on dieting while neglecting exercise and that's not a great strategy for long-term weight loss (especially keeping it off).

Make sure you keep tracking, even if you go on a binge. I've lost control a few times over the last three months, but I made myself record everything anyway. You're going to have bad days, but the key is to accept that it will happen sometimes and get up the next day and get back on track. I think the key is to 'quarantine' the bad behavior and not use it as an excuse to say 'fuck it' and make things even worse.

WW brand desserts are very expensive, but they are surprisingly good. One of my biggest problems was that I was a serious dessert addict. I ate cookie, cakes, and ice cream every day. I now buy WW desserts and while they aren't quite as good as the real thing, they are better than you might think. There are also WW cookbooks and recipes in the weekly fliers you get at each meeting. I encourage trying some of those. Some have been busts, but others have been really good. Sometimes I'll slightly modify a WW recipe with 'real' ingredients (not reduced-fat stuff). That will add a few points, but they will still be better for you than some of the dishes you might be used to.

Eat your fruits and vegetables. They recommend 5 servings a day. Try to make sure you get all five, every day. That can be difficult and you probably won't be able to do it all the time, but the more you do the better results you will see. I probably eat 3 times more fruits and vegetables now than I used to.

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

[Tobin S.]

7. I appreciate the tips

Yeah they say that people on the program are usually much more successful if they attend the meetings every week. I think you are right in that they can keep you focused and on track.

I have started walking and I also get some exercise at work. I have a job that can be physically demanding. But, yeah, I plan on walking every day.

[Tikki]

9. You two are so precious...

talk to your GP and go by what he/she suggests for weight loss goals.

I started with the 'lose 20%' goal and went on from there, reaching each goal
slowly and surly on the way.


The Tikkis..say 'hi' to Jen for us..

[Tobin S.]

10. Thanks Tikki

Jen will be home in a bit. I'll have her look at this thread. :hi:

[redwitch]

28. Tobin S is too sweet to ever be surly.

Sorry, couldn't resist! :hi:

[Goblinmonger]

11. Been at it for 6 weeks

25 pounds down. Do you do the online discussion groups? If so, PM me and I'll give you my online ID if you want.

[GoCubsGo]

12. I know several people who lost weight at WW.

It's a good choice, as you'll learn the best lifestyle changes with it, unlike most of the diets out there. I don't really consider Weight Watchers to be a "diet". They don't "ban" any foods--no "good" and "bad" foods. Just moderation. And, they provide a support system. As one who has fought the same battle since I was six, I know how important having good support is. Glad to hear you are planning to exercise, too. Can't lose AND keep it off without exercises. Hope all works out for you. I'm fighting the same battle, and know how hard it is. I'd join WW if I could afford it.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

13. I lost 50 pounds on the original program from Jean Nidetch.

She sold Weight Watchers decades ago. But my mom had her first two books, the originals, and that was the program we followed.

Back in those days you had lean meat (beef, chicken, no pork), "limited" vegetables (4 OZ. servings of things like peas, etc) and "unlimited" vegetables (you could literally eat all you wanted of French style string beans and a few others). Fruit, skim milk and bread rounded out the foods you could choose from. My mom got ridiculously crazy with spices and such.

It was slow, after the first week's loss of water weight...anywhere between 0 and 2 pounds a week, but I stuck with it, never cheated, and off came the pounds.

Best of luck to you.

[jme0318]

16. I remember my mom being on that program

There are some really good recipes from back then. At least we aren't required to eat liver this time!

[OmahaBlueDog]

14. Good Luck

It has worked well for me twice....but I have not done so well afterward.

Maybe a third time will be a charm Keep me posted. You may inspire me to rejoin.

[Forkboy]

15. You two are such a great looking couple.

Diet aside (I know nothing about them...as Garfield once stated, "A diet is just die with a T on the end"), you two sparkle with happiness, and that is so cool to see. I know for a fact that you deserve it, and I'm betting Jen does too. Seeing you two together makes me happy. :)

[Skittles]

17. this is good

forget that low-carb nonsense - Weight Watchers does it right

[denbot]

18. Hi Tobin.. I joined WW 4 weeks ago..

Alley and one of her work buddies join a couple of weeks before that. I lost only 7.6 pounds this month, but that is because I'm not tracking my points like I should. We all go to the same meetings for weigh in, anyone who did not lose weight pays the other a buck.

[jme0318]

20. My mom used to

Pay me $10 for each pound I lost - unfortunately I got to the point that I would rather have the kind of food I wanted than the $.... That was when I was younger, lived at home, had disposable $. Wonder if I can get het to offer me that deal now!?!?!

[applegrove]

19. Sweet looking couple... and congrats on the diet. You can do it!!!

[meegbear]

21. You can do ti!!

[Liberal_in_LA]

22. good luck. Your fiancee is cute. Is that picture taken in Paris?

[Tobin S.]

24. The picture was taken at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio

We visited there last spring.

[jme0318]

26. I wish.....

[Liberal_in_LA]

23. more, 180 would be too thin for you. No wonder you were dizzy!

[bigwillq]

25. Good Luck.

:hi:

Nice pic.

[jme0318]

27. Weigh In TONIGHT!!!!

We have eaten all of our meals at home - and they have been really good! I have used a lot of Hungry Girl recipes - Toby's favorite was the "Pizza-fied Grilled Cheese Sandwich"... We have also walked some - but it has been soooooo hot here - we have just played bowling on the Wii - and I have also been doing the Wii Fit (probably looking like a fool in front of Toby! Oh well - wouldn't be the first time!)....

We will check in tonight with an update on our weight loss! I'm so excited!!!!

Jen

[jme0318]

29. Weigh in results.... Drum roll please....

Toby: -8.6

Jen: -6.6

Yay!

[jme0318]

30. Weigh in results.... Drum roll please....

Toby: -8.6

Jen: -6.6

Yay!

[denbot]

31. WOW, that's kicking ass! Congrats to the both of you.

Tuesday's is our weigh-in's. Alley lost 4.6, and I lost 2 lb's. Our friend also lost (1 lb) so nobody had to pony-up a buck (we each pay a buck if we gain to those that lose weight).

I've lost 4.4 one week, and Alley's 4.6 last Tuesday was the most that any of the three of us lost in a single week. 8.6 and 6.6 is pretty damn good.
:bounce:

[Forkboy]

32. I found all the lost weight.

I blame the spaghetti and meatballs. ;)

Congrats to the both of you. :)

[lovemydog]

33. Good luck Mr. Tobin S

Be happy and comfortable. Eating fewer calories and exercising a bit will get you into a better groove. You'll have some setbacks too. In the last week I gained 7 pounds! But overall I've still lost 13 since January. And in a few weeks I plan to make that 20.

Ah well. Not meaning to give unsolicited advice. Best of luck to you. Wish me luck too!