Question:
I am just past 1 yr. post-op. Is WEIGHT WATCHERS PROGRAM RECCOMENDED?

Hi To All! :O) I just had my 1 yr. anniversary on Feb. 14th. I go for my 1yr. checkup next Tues. Feb. 24th. I am doing everything correctly, but feel that I need a little more weekly guidance like Weight Watchers gives. I did it pre-op and it worked, but I gained weight back. Now since the surgery--- do you think it's okay for me to re-join? I had success before. I am hearing about how Weight Watchers is better with the higher protein food choice selections. I really welcome any tips and or advice from anyone who goes to Weight Watchers as a Post-op and if it works, and or if you can offer me advice. I do exercise regularly--- I walk 30-45 min. a day-- 4-5 days a week. But, the weight isn't coming off like I want it to. Maybe going back to weight watchers each week would help me? What do you think? Thanks so much. Good Luck to all. Bonnie :O)    — Bonnie R. (posted on February 20, 2004)

February 19, 2004
I have a friend in another group who is about 3 years out. She was gaining and was up 15 lbs. She joined WW and took it all back off. GOOD LUCK!
   — ZZ S.

February 20, 2004
Hey Bonnie; congrats on your success thus far. Just my opinion here but I think ANYTHING that helps us stay on track is great. If WW works for you, go for it, give it a try and if it doesn't help, you can always drop it and try something else.
   —  SCbabe B.

February 20, 2004
I actually posted this question a few weeks ago and alot of people told me to go for it and It seems quite a few people have went to WW after a year out. I was going to go with my girlfriend and she backed out, so I decided to keep trying on my own, but if I keep struggling to not munch on junk and remind myself that I already ate my meals, then im going myself. Good luck and Happy Anniversay :o)
   — Sandy M.

February 20, 2004
Hi, Bonnie - I am 11 months out today, and joined WW 6 weeks ago. I joined to encourage my overweight husband to join (he did a week after my first meeting), and to have a structured food monitoring plan. I wanted to make better food choices before my window of opportunity is up, and knew the WW points program is a wonderful tool. I simply make choices with higher protein content to accomodate my particular needs. I've lost 8 pounds since joining, and really enjoy the program. My personal recommendation is to make sure to stay for the support meetings after weighing in...so many people just weigh in and leave, and they aren't as successful as those that stay. I look at it as a personal investment and want to get my money's worth. Also, their healthy weight range categories are more generous than my surgeon's..my surgeon says my goal weight is 146, and WW says 160-167, so I'm going for 165 - I'm 5'10" and can't see where I have 60 pounds to lose. I'll be lucky to lose the 40! Good luck with whatever you choose! Open RNY 03/20/03 326/206/165
   — vittycat

February 20, 2004
I joined WW the Monday after Christmas because I wanted more structure of the weigh ins. I feel that the program is sound. And I agree with a prior poster to stay for the meetings. I have gotten so much out of them. I have lost 10# since I joined. I am 10 months PO and want to loose another 28# and I will be at my personal goal of 130#. One thing as you loose more weight you are carrying less bulk around so it is harder to loose those last pounds. Because you burn off less calories than you did when you were a larger person. So, give yourself time and you will eventually loose all the weight that you want. Keep up the good work.
   — ChristineB

February 20, 2004
I hear WW is excellent, but I can't afford the meetings. The # two weight loss, second only to WW is T.O.P.S. Take Off Pounds Sensibly. You can find it by doing a search for "tops club inc.,". I joined 5 weeks ago, and after a year and a half plateau, playing with the same 10 lbs over and over and only 35 from goal........ I have lost 16 lbs!!!! Just a tip for those on a lower budget. They are nation wide you can find a local chapter by entering your zip code at their web site. Twenty dollars a year.......and a buck a week dues. I love it! Phiddy 5'3/270/160/goal of 135 Surgery 8/13/01
   — Phiddy B.

February 20, 2004
This is for Phiddy: <br> About TOPS, is it just that you have accountability now by going to the weigh ins and meetings, or did they provide some kind of nutrition plan? I thought that TOPS did not endorse any one plan, it was up to the member to work one out on their own. Was just curious on how exactly it has helped you take off 16 pounds. Which I think is great BTW! <br> Thanks.
   — Ali M

February 20, 2004
Hi-- :O) Thanks to all of you who just posted to my question about WW. I really appreciate the advice, support, and your input. Thanks for the congrats to me and the best wishes!!! The same Good Luck and Congrats to all who are reading!!! I think I may go for WW next month when things are a little better for us financially. The meetings can be a little expensive, but if you pre-pay I hear that it's good. Thanks again to all who responded to my post! Bonnie :O)
   — Bonnie R.

February 20, 2004
Ali, You got it right. I have been following the diet my nutritionist, through my bariatric surgeon recommends. They do not endorse a certain plan. But every meeting we discuss weight and nutrition. Like trans fatty acids, splenda vs nutri sweet, caffeine, water intake, serving sizes, etc. I have gained so much more in "tools" and believe me, I am an expert dieter! But to answer your question, Yes... the accountability and comradery is most encouraging, and I do believe that is a huge help. One that I needed so much. Phiddy
   — Phiddy B.

February 20, 2004
Ali, You got it right. I have been following the diet my nutritionist, through my bariatric surgeon recommends. They do not endorse a certain plan. But every meeting we discuss weight and nutrition. Like trans fatty acids, splenda vs nutri sweet, caffeine, water intake, serving sizes, etc. I have gained so much more in "tools" and believe me, I am an expert dieter! But to answer your question, Yes... the accountability and comradery is most encouraging, and I do believe that is a huge help. One that I needed so much. Phiddy
   — Phiddy B.

February 20, 2004
Just a thought... and I'm not even sure if this is true or not but I've HEARD that if you TELL them at WW that you've had WLS, they won't allow you to join... no one had mentioned that part yet and I didn't want you to get surprised if this WERE true!! God bless & I wish you the best!! Amy
   — Amy G.

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