WW Lifetimer looking for motivation

[TandyR]

I am a WW lifetimer...I have been for nearly two years now (Lost 75 lbs to get there). Until a few months ago I was about 10 lbs below my goal weight, but I had several stressful events one after the other and I put on 10 lbs.....so I am right at goal and I want to get below it again so I am looking for support and other people who might be in the same situation.

thanks,
Tandy

[msteddom]

Hi Tandy!
I still have quite a way to go until I reach my goal weight, but I just wanted to say welcome and offer you my support. I mean you've lost 75 pounds already so 10 should be nothing, right? :D
I kid. I know losing any amount of weight is never easy, but you know how to do it, and you came here so that means you're motivated. Good luck!

Melissa

[Disneyaholic]

Hi Tandy!

I am definitely in a similar situation, and would be glad to offer support.

I just made Lifetime last week, but, like you, I would like to lose a few more pounds as a bit of a safety net. I'm just having a heck of a time getting back into the habit of journaling and counting points all the time! :mad:

Maybe we (and anyone else in the same boat) can come up with a challenge of sorts -- to help keep us on the straight and narrow.

Good luck and I KNOW we can do this!

Dottie

[MelanieC]

Hi Tandy,

I haven't quite got to goal yet, but this is my second time loosing the same weight. You think that last year when I lost 37 pounds and got down to 149 pounds..........that I could have kept it off, but I somehow didn't get back on the wagon after a mini-vac and somewhat maintained till DH went to Kuwait it March. Well that was such a stressful time in my life that at first I lost weight, and then I gained a lot in a few month time period. June came around and I decided.........this is it. Last time, and forever!

You came to the right place, everyone here is so helpful and supportive.

I think I have realized after last year, that I will always have to do this...........just that when I get to goal, I get to add more points in. I have really learned to adjust to this number of calories and fit things in.......so I think it should be easy.

I think the challenge for those at goal to loose another few pounds is a great idea. Keeping motivated is the best way to do it. Are you going back to a meeting? I bet, that if you haven't been watching what you are eating in a while, that you could loose 10 pounds in a few weeks to a month if you stayed within your points.

Good luck, you can do it!
Melanie

[TandyR]

Thanks for the support. I haven't been as good about going to meetings as I should be...myDH is working on a major project at work and he can't get home to watch our girls so I can go to the meeting.
What sort of Challenge would be good for us....any ideas?

-Tandy

[snowwhitefan]

Hi Tandy,

Sounds like you and I are in the exact same boat. I am a lifetime member. I lost 35 lbs about 3 years ago, and kept it all off for about two years. Well, slowly but surely, it crept back up. I am still within my goal range (OK, actually, I am lying. When I went my WW meeting last week, I was 0.4 lbs over and had to pay :( ). I having been trying really hard to get myself in line, but I just can't seem to get myself together. I seem to do just well enough to stay within the goal range, which is about 20 lbs heavier than I was when I become lifetime.

I would love to particpiate in some kind of challenge and get us all motivated to do what we need to do....

[KIS]

snowwhitefan and tandy,

I was a WW lifetime member having lost 25 pounds a couple of years back. I fell off the wagon, too.

It slowly just creeped up on me.

I found it hard to maintain the plan after a year or so. I just wanted to not think about food and to relax my standards for a while. Since then, it became increasingly hard to start up again.

This Monday, my ob/gyn who had seen me prior to that when I was four pounds heavier than the weight loss I ultimately achieved a year ago, put a cute little frown in my chart next to my current weight along with a smile and the goal (he put a smile) for me to return to that lesser weight by next year's appointment. He explained that it will be more difficult for me to take off the pounds as I age (I'm 44 y.o) and not good for my health.

I could use the support. I do not think there is a short-cut to weight loss and maintenance. So, WW it is.

I could use the support and would be happy to extend some to you folks, too.

I have mixed feelings about the meetings. I live near NYC and at one point, when I lost the bulk of the weight, I was commuting into NYC to attend a meeting with a super leader. When the commute was no longer feasible with my schedule and work changes, I attended some meetings near by, but did not find the same rapport with the participants. I gained nearly 10 points while attending the meetings there, trying week after week to be motivated, but it wasn't working.

If I hear that you can eat anything you want, all I can think about is how I want to eat when I want as much as I want. I actually gave up and remember thinking, "I want to eat as much as I want when I want and I don't want to stop eating like this because it's just too hard to eat the other way."

I guess I'm discouraged now.

How about you guys? How is it going?

KIS

[tiggerlover]

Hi Tandy, welcome to WISH. I am a WW follower, but have yet to reach goal (but I will some day). I know that it can get old journaling and keeping track of everything you eat, but I find that is the only way I can stay on program. I don't know if you are journaling or not, if not, it may help you to get back on track if you did so. Just coming to WISH is a big motivator for me and WISH really helps me, especially if I stray. With determination and support from WISH I am sure you can drop those 10 pounds in a relatively short time.

[TandyR]

I am pleased to know there are other people like me out there and we all can give each other support. I haven't been journalling lately...but Monday I put on my WW bracelet and I have been counting my points. (My WW brecelet has 35 Hemetite beads and 2 charms....I set one charm at the maxamum points I want to eat that day and move the other charm when ever I eat anything.) So I have been eating between 20 and 25 points all since Monday. It has been helping me feel more in control.
So why don't we all try to journal between now and next Friday? Just small steps to get back on the wagon...a large step will make me stumble and fall....I know that from experance. :-)

[Disneyaholic]

Originally posted by TandyR
So why don't we all try to journal between now and next Friday? Just small steps to get back on the wagon...a large step will make me stumble and fall....I know that from experance. :-)

Sounds like a plan to me! Count me in!

Dottie

[tiggerlover]

Originally posted by TandyR
I am pleased to know there are other people like me out there and we all can give each other support. I haven't been journalling lately...but Monday I put on my WW bracelet and I have been counting my points. (My WW brecelet has 35 Hemetite beads and 2 charms....I set one charm at the maxamum points I want to eat that day and move the other charm when ever I eat anything.) So I have been eating between 20 and 25 points all since Monday. It has been helping me feel more in control.
So why don't we all try to journal between now and next Friday? Just small steps to get back on the wagon...a large step will make me stumble and fall....I know that from experance. :-)

That is a good idea. I just sat down and did mine for yesterday and today. I knew I was out of points range yesterday and figured the more I put it off...... but it is done now and I am current and up to date. That bracelet sounds like a great thing too, helps when you are on the go I am sure.

[TandyR]

I am doing well keeping track of my points today, but I am feeling very munchie and it is driving me nuts. I am trying to figure out if I am really hungry or just want to munch. :-P

[Disneyaholic]

Have some raw veggies to satisfy that urge to munch! Or a glass of water or chew some gum! You can do this!!

[KIS]

I'm game to try this, too. I will have to hunt down my journal. I think I lost my beads. I plan to find them all and start on Monday. I'm not copping out, by the way, saying that. When I started, I began on Thursdays, but discovered that it's easier for me to count starting Mondays because I tend to want to use banked points on the weekends.

About those beads: I think I have to make my own bracelet because in the middle of the day, I'd get confused about which direction I was going. I'm a 23 point kid. It was just too easy to mix up the beads even on a good day.

Do you folks find the water helps you along? I know sometimes I feeling hungry, but it's dehydration.

KIS

[TandyR]

I had a woman make my bracelet and I had her make it just exactly how I wanted it....because I change the number of points I want to eat often because of excerizing or banking or whatever. I have it so I know the dolphin charm marks the number of points I have eaten and the sting ray charm marks the max number of point I want to eat and so it keeps me from getting confused about what direction I am going in. :-)
I also do better journalling Monday->Monday, but I decided that if I can journal my DD's b-day weekend I can journal most days. :-)
The water helps me a lot makes me feel full. But I get bored with the water so I end up making herbal iced tea which does the same thing with flavor.
As you saw yesturday I was feeling munchie mid-afternoon....but I made it with some carrots and a Fruit2O and got through it and stayed under my point range. I am in the 20-25 point range and I ate 20 points yesturday. Today is my daughter's 7th birthday party so I am going for 30 points....useing some banked points so I can have some Pizza and cake at the party.
I hope all did well with journalling also. Hope to hear from people who are doing the journal challange.

[KIS]

TandyR: You go, girl!

Thanks for explaining about your bracelet. I should try that. I could make one. How many beads did you use?

I'm trying to be more aware of my eating today. I have to locate my journal among the piles tomorrow and begin on Monday.

Happy Birthday to your daughter. You certainly will get exercise running around setting up, hostessing, etc. And the joy will be her smiles.

KIS

[Disneyaholic]

So, how is everyone doing?

I have to admit, I'm having a very difficult time getting back into the journaling thing. I "think" I'm still estimating my points pretty well, but I know that's not what I'm supposed to be doing. :rolleyes:

So, today's another day, and hopefully, I'll do better. DH will be out of town on business this week, and that should help me watch what I eat. But I need someone to make sure I write it all down and figure it all out!

BTW, those of you who are newer to WISH, grab yourself a clippie!!

[RaySharpton]

I just wanted to say you can do it.

God bless, best wishes, and encouragement, RaySharpton:)

[TandyR]

Well Saturday the day of my DD's b-day I went over my points by 5 points, but Sunday I stayed within my points. Now that I am back to a normal weekday it should be much easier for me to stay within my points.
My bracelet has 35 beads because that is what I eat when I am maintaining...so when I want to lose I move the sting ray charm to the point range that I use when I am losing...somewhere between 20-25 points.
I should look into how to do a wish clippie....but I haven't taken the time.
Thanks for all the support. I look forward to hear from the other people journaling.

[KIS]

Dear TandyR,

I was thinking about you with your daughter's birthday and all. I get how you did over the weekend, but I wondered if you enjoyed the birthday parties and helping your daughter celebrate. Too often, I think, these eating change can cloud what else life has in store for us.

I couldn't even maintain my weight at 25 points! I'm 5'1", so my weight loss is 18-23 points and I never established what my maintenance points were. I was discovering that 25 points did not work around 9/11. My points and weight just lost significance. That was the intial problem for me.

I took out my journal today and start out right at breakfast. I guess I find the meager number of points sort of oppressive. I envy you at 35 points to maintain. You must be rather tall.

I spent some time on the weekend thinking about chocolate. How much I love it and how it might not be good for me to eat it. I have fiberous breasts and have cut out all caffine about 10 years ago. But I know chocolate, in addition to sugar and fat, has some caffine in it. So, I'm trying to decide between cold turkey or not. I have to learn how much caffine it contains. (I don't know how to spell caffine.

My daughter has a bead kit. I might ask her to put together a bracelet for me with 23 beads and one with 25 beads. I am not too sure if I'd need one or two movable charms. Where did you find the movable charms? I guess two makes sense so that I can tell where am in my range. How did you decide on the number of beads again?

I'm going to go exercise this morning.

How much weight are you hoping to drop? I'd like to lose about first my 10 %, which is about 13, 12 pounds. I'm not too sure I want to weight myself at all at this point. Have you?

Will you go to meetings or do this solo, save our conversations? Have you tried the WW internet program? I'm considering that.

Disneyaholic,

What's a clippie? I'm embarrassed to ask.

I didn't really examine this board before I jumped into this conversation. I just saw "lifetime" and "WW" and figured I'd have some fellow travelers.

How is everyone doing? Thanks for being there, guys.

KIS

[TandyR]

I am 5 feet 9 inches and I am very active and even when I was 230 some odd pounds I was very active so I have a good motabolism...I never can spell that word. :-) You might try adding more excersize to get more points and boost your motabolism at the sametime.
I had a proffessional bead person make my bracelet and she had the moveable charms but I have seen them around at crafts stores, dollar stores and at the local mall so you might just poke around and you would find them.
10% for me would be 16.5 lbs (I was weighed at my WW meeting on July 28th) and might not be a bad goal for me....I was thinking I had only gained 10 lbs but looking at my books I have gained 15....so I will try for the 10% with you. I am still below my WW but my clothes aren't fitting because I bought them all at my lowest weight and I don't want to buy more clothes. :-) So I guess I have about 15 lbs I would like to loose....not much compared to what I have lost in the past but enough to make me feel frustrated with it. :-P

-Tandy

[KIS]

I did fine, writing points, etc. until my daughter's candy appeared. I ate some. I have yet to figure out the point damage.

I did exercise today. I drank water and ate healthy other than my weak point -- chocolate.

I do feel less bloated. I curbed my portions today. Still, I feel deflated because of my difficulty saying "no" to a piece of chocolate which says, "Please take me and eat".

KIS

[snowwhitefan]

I don't even want to talk about how the weekend went. I am just going to forget it and move on. I did well staying within my points today, and I excercised, so I am pretty happy about that.

[snowwhitefan]

Hmmm, that was weird, I wasn't done writing and my post posted.

ANYWAYS...

KIS, don't feel bad that you can't say no to a piece of chocolate, a piece of chocolate is ok. But just take one piece and walk away (and if you figure out how to do this, let me know ;) ). Haha, I am really helpful at giving advice I can't follow. Maybe you can find a substitute that is low in points. I find a tootsie roll satisfies my chocolate urge. Or maybe a fudgicle (the regular fudgicles are only 2 points each, they do pretty good for me).

I am going to shoot for my 10% too, which would also be 15 (OK, closer to 16 pounds). I know we can do this together!

[TandyR]

Some chocolate isn't bad so I wouldn't beat yourself up over it. I second snowwhitefan sugestion about the fudgicle that is what I have in the Summer when DDs something that I could have, but shouldn't....in the Winter I have low fat hot chocolate.
So it looks like there is a few of us that are looking to lose 10% so maybe we can work together to give each other that support. I don't know if I should create another thread to see if there are others or just keep it to this thread.
I was able to keep within points yesturday, but unlike some of you I haven't been able to really excersize unless keeping up with my girls can count. This Summer has been so bad for me when it comes to excersizing because I feel like I alway am taking care of the girls and driving them to the places they need to go or supervising playdates or whatever. So I run out of time for me to exsersize.
Good luck everyone today.

[KIS]

Dear TandyR and Snowwhitefan,

It looks like we've made our goals of 10%. Tandy R, do you mean you think we should start a 10% WW weight loss goal thread or something? If you do that, just be sure to let those of us here know so we don't misplace each other.

Snowwhitefan, you got it. I have a hard time saying just one piece once today when it comes to chocolate.

TandyR, how old are your kids? May be once school starts, you'll be able to find time to exercise.

I know I always feel better with exercise. If I don't exercise every few days, I get a little cranky. I need it. I don't exercise a lot. One of you made the suggetion to exercise more and longer to take off the weight. I am considering that. I'd need to work it into my schedule and I think once I start, I'd need to keep it up. As it is, I exercise about 30 minutes three times a week. I'd like to make that 4-5 times a week. I go to a gym and swim, use weights, climb, bicycle, or walk on machines. I used to do yoga classes, too. They were 1 1/2 hours. I really liked it. They moved the classes to a time that did not work for me with my work and family schedule.

Snowwhitefan, don't be discouraged about what was. Today is the day that you're living. You can make choices toward your goal if you want to. I know it can be hard -- just think of me with the chocolate.

There was a time when I had dates, believe it or not, as a substitute for chocolate. I found these coconut coated rolled dates (pits out) at a health food store and the color and smoother texture lasted in my mouth, not quite like chocolate, but some of the same qualities. Tootsie rolls are fun and chewy, but I down them so fast and then the taste is gone. I think I'm trying those dates again. Two dates are 1 point and serve also as a fruit, see. It really is healthy.

My problem this last time with maintenance was that I started saying, "I don't want to keep substituting my whole life and I don't just want one piece. I deserve to have this orgy of edible pleasure." Even when the weight made me lose some self-esteem, I still went for the sweets. I can't have both I guess.

When I was going to the meeting which really helped and then had to stop because of scheduling changes, the leader used to say, "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels". Sometimes I feel that, but even on WW, I started feeling deprived. Can any of your relate and how do you think we/I can cope differently a year from now?

KIS

[TandyR]

Sorry I had computer problems yesturday and couldn't get on to ready any messages.
My kids are 7 and 3.5 years old...the 3.5 year old one will be going to pre-school three mornings a week starting in September so I am hoping to be able to go swimming three mornings a week then. :-) I love swimming but I can't do it when I have the girls.
Now do people here want a seprate 10% thread? If you do what should we call it?
I didn't stay within my points yesturday. I was bad because I was stressed about my computer. I need to figure out how to get a handle on this stress eating I do....it is just crazy and a bit stupid. :-P

-Tandy

[KIS]

TandyR,

Wait a minute. Beating up on yourself won't really do much except make you feel bad. It is a life style change you need to make. Stress eating sounds SO familiar. For me, it's like I'm trying to comfort myself. If I am wise, I ask myself to wait about 10 minutes and I review why I want to eat something and sometimes I can see that I'm seeking comfort. Then I can have a little talk about it.

I've been over my points every day. I never noticed how many points I've gone over regularly this past year. I'm thinking of using this week as a barometer. In a couple of days, I can review the week and see some obvious places for improvement. I know my portion size can be improved on sushi. I ordered more than I needed at lunch yesterday. The day before that, it was the extra meatball -- totally unnecessary. Today, however, I succeeded in stopping after a cup of my Indian veggie dish. I'll eat the rest tomorrow for lunch.

I, too, love swimming. It's a great form of exercising and it's such a lovely experience to glide over the water initially and then move through it. You hardly feel it. There's no pounding or anything.

I haven't written my points down for the last two days because I was so off the mark. I think I will get off the computer and go right away to rectify that problem.

KIS

ps. I think we could notify various users about the move to the new thread and then we could rename it "the 10% club" or " the 10 % WW club".

I'll be away this weekend and next week I'll be extremely busy getting out some parenting workshop brochures (a do-it-yourself PR campaign!!!), so, if you want my help on the rerouting, it can't be next week.

[snowwhitefan]

Whew, I've been away from my computer for a few days and haven't been able to post. I don't know about you all, but I am really enjoying this little support group/thread we've got going here.

KIS, I can really relate to the going over points. I am really trying to ID where my problem is and work on my solution. I do pretty well during the day at work and all, I pack up my snack and lunch and count all of the points before I go to work. I even do okay after work for a few hours. But around 8 or 9, I start getting munchies (and some nights I am actually hungry). I think maybe I need to take up cross-stitching again. I really snacked a lot less when I am cross-stitching because I don't want to get any food on the linen. Anyways, I am really trying to work hard and ID the issues that I am having trouble with and try to determine a course of action.

I think a 10 percent thread would be cool, so that we can check in with each other.

OK, I have another question/topic. I have a pretty small apartment with not too much space. I store my analog scale on its side behind the bathroom door. I am wondering if storing it like this is making it less accurate (I hope this doesn't sound like a stupid question). The scale is zeroed each time I use it, but it is still about 4-5 pounds off from what the scale at Curves says, and it never matched the WW scale. I can't even find it to have a consistent difference, sometimes it is like 2 pounds off from the WW scale, and sometimes it is like 5 pounds off. I am having trouble tracking my weight changes, because I never believe my scale from day to day. What do you all think?

[KIS]

Dear Snowwhitefan,

You have already pinpointed a challenge. That nighttime eating. It's hard to curb. For me, it's force of habit combined with boredom/comforting myself at night. Sometimes, I wonder if I just need to go to sleep or something. I'm exploring this one, too. One night last week, I got the munchies and stretched instead. That actually did the trick. So, I thought it was boredom that time that needed to be addressed. Once I stretched, I read alittle bit and decided I was wound down and ready to sleep.

I with you on the discovery of variation on the scales. I gave up on our house scale. It's inaccurate. Last time when I did WW, there was one at the local WW meeting place and I enjoyed not having a scale up snuff to use at home because I was so obsessed and thought it's poorness might prevent me from using it. Guess what? I used it anyway. I was so obssessed. This time, I have yet to attend a local meeting. I'm not too sure I want to, frankly. So, I've not weighed myself in. I haven't even used the broken scale at home. I can tell I've firmed up a little because my shorts are not skin tight anymore. That's enough for me right now.

Guess what? Yesterday, I didn't go over my points!! A small victory for me.

Take care and keep on trucking!!!


KIS

[TandyR]

Sorry about beating myself up about it...I was just feeling very down...my DH had been working about 70 hours per week for the last month and I was just told that it will be like that until Sept 1 when his product ships. :-P So I got really stressed realizing that I am not going to have any time for myself until Sept. :-P But later that day I realized I just need to take it....I sent the girls to play in the room and left the kitchen as a mess and I did some scrapbooking. Not something that helps my physical health but it did a lot for my emotional health.
Snowwhitefan I have trouble with my scale also so I don't know exactly what I weigh either except when I go into WW and then I try to match my weight on my analog scale to my WW so they are same but it doesn't always work. :-P
I will create "10% WW club" as soon as I am done posting this.
Thanks for all the support.

[Pooh93]

I have been wanting to respond to your thread for over a week now, but I've had computer problems and am just now back in business.

I am a lifer gone bad!;) :D In the early 90's I lost 40 lbs and kept if off for 5 years. I exercised faithfully, was very sports active etc. Then came dd #1 and I gained way too much during my pregnancy. I love my ob, but wish he'd have yelled at me more. So, I kept an excess of 20-25 lbs after that pregnancy. The stress of working, a new child, a husband that was never home due to his job left no time for me or exercise. Then I decided to have another baby, but "things were going to be different" this time and I was not going to gain all that wait again. Well, I did well until the last 3 mos of pregnancy and probably gained as much in those 3 mos as I did my whole pregnancy. So now I'm really in a fix with my weight after delivery. Add another 30 lbs that I've kept on. Now, I've got 50+ lbs to lose just to reach the top end of my goal weight range.

My youngest is 5 1/2 and I have not been able to focus on myself or weight due to alot of other stresses in my life. I am 5'9'', so nobody thinks I weigh as much as I do. But it kills me that my kids have never known me thin. All the other mom's in oldest dd's class are thin. I hate going shopping for clothes and attending dd's school functions because I feel like a moose next to all these thin, attractive women. Oldest dd will make First Communion next spring and I hope to be thinner as I don't want to be remembered/seen in pictures someday where I feel like I was an embarrassment. (I probably sound overdramatic, but it's the way I feel.)

I am now trying to find ways to handle the stress in my life better and try not to take my comfort in food. I've started reading novels again which I had basically given up when dd's were born. I try to take walks more often. When dd goes to kindergarten, I plan to take one day off every other month from work for just me to do something I want to do.

These Wish boards have been helping me by seeing other struggle with similar issues. Whatever weight loss plan anyone is on, I have been reading and taking what I can from it. I have been religiously counting my points the last 2 weeks and have actually lost 3 lbs! Maybe I can do it three weeks in a row. I am trying not to get to far ahead of myself and say "I am going to lose xx lbs by xx date." Everytime, I do that I set myself up for failure. I don't even want people to say they notice any weight loss, because I don't want to fail again.

If you are still with me after my gut spilling (actually, this has been therapeutic), my only advice to you is even if you are not as motivated as you used to be, hang with it. Don't let the weight gain get the best of you to where you have to start all over. I swear if I ever get this weight off again, I will not gain it all back. It's been too much of a struggle psychologically.

[TandyR]

I just thought I would post and see how people have been doing. I didn't journal this weekend because my parents took the girls and DH and I had time alone for for weeks. So we went out to dinner and other stuff....I didn't journal any of it but I tried to make wise choices....but that doesn't always work.
I decided to get out a paper journal on top of my bracelet to really try to get me to journal things.

[twhipple]

I just found the W.I.S.H. board today and TandyR told me about this thread. I lost about 35 pounds in the early 90s with WW and the only exercise I did was walking daily about 4 miles. I went back to it in 2000 and was up back to where I started before. Our group was not able to continue (WW @ Work) and I didn't take steps to go elsewhere. I gained it all back again and more. I was up more than 50 pounds from my goal!! A year ago while preparing for our first cruise (DCL of course!), DH and I decided to start exercising. We began with Escape Your Shape which I found easy compared to other exercising I have done. I joined WW @ Work again after dropping about 10 pounds and lost a total of 30 pounds before the cruise. After we got about 1/2 way to the cruise, I figured we we're losing fast enough and we added a daily 1 mile walk. Only about 15 was with WW so I didn't get to my 10% before leaving. While on the cruise, my father died and after I started eating like crazy. I didn't gain any weight but I got used to eating that much and had a hard time stopping. A couple months later I was used to eating that much, but starting gaining again. I gained 10 pounds and rejoined WW @ Work. The first session (10 weeks) was really hard because I have had a lot of stress. My BIL is a parapalegic who developed a bedsore last year and my DH and BIL feel like we have to take care of him. He lives alone about 15 miles from our home. I work 4 days a week, full-time though. I am exhausted every day.

I rejoined WW @ Work for another 10 weeks and I am the group contact so I have been trying harder lately. I started to journal this week (since Thursday) and have been doing well. I also started a vitamin daily which can't hurt. I have realized that we just have to tell my BIL when we can't help him and not change our lives for him. He put himself in this situation and it's not our fault. We expect he will be back to being independent in about a month.

A couple weeks ago I got to my 10%, but went up the next week and stayed the same the following week. I thought the cruise would be motivation like last year but it is harder this time around. I need the support of others like me:)

Right now I have 5 pounds to go to pre-cruise weight (last year) and about 30 to goal. I would like to end up somewhere in between before the cruise. Did I mention we're going on two this year?! I've got to account for that added weight gain too!

[snowwhitefan]

Hi Pooh93 and twhipple! Thanks for joining our thread. I am really enjoying posting here and reading what others have to say, because everytime someone posts something, I can relate and I know exactly what they are feeling. It really helps to know others are struggling with the same issues that I am. Twhipple, congrats on your 10% a few weeks ago. We all have those bad weeks where we go back up a little or don't lose, but it sounds like you are getting things under control and will be losing again before you know it!

TandyR, thanks for checking in about journaling. I really hate to admit it, but I am SO guilty of not keeping my journal. I keep promising I am going to and as I am on my way out the door almost every morning I think "Man, I need to write down my breakfast, that was four points. I will get out my journal when I get to work and write it down." I really do think this almost every single weekday, but I still haven't made the friggin 30 seconds it takes to do this. I don't know what my problem is. I think I am going to go tape my journal to the plate I am going to use in the morning. Maybe that will help. I will try and check back in tomorrow.

How is everyone else doing with the journaling?

[TandyR]

I am glad to "see" everyone. I realized my bracelet wasn't cutting it...it is good for when I am on the run but I have decided to write things down too to really help see what I am eating. Yesturday went well and I was able to stay within points without a problem. How did other people do? snowwhitefan did you tape your journal to your plate? How did that work for you?

[twhipple]

I have successfully journaled for 5 days now. Only one day did I go above my points, but made up for it in subsequent days. We have been pushing ourselves to exercise and that is going well. I just hope I see some results this week on the scale (weigh in on Thursday).

[KIS]

Hi everyone,

I'm just back from Sesame Place in Langhorne PA. It was definitely difficult to count points there. I tried to make wise choices. Yesterday and today, I was pretty good, but I forgot about journaling. Thank you TandyR for reminding us all about that.

TandyR,

did you start a WW10% thread? What is it called?

Do you folks go to meetings? Do you find they help or confuse matters?

KIS

[TandyR]

Yes I created "The WW 10% Club" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=418752 hasn't gotten much traffic. :D

I try to go to meetings because they help give me the support I need, but with my DH's work hours lately I haven't been able to go as often as I would like.

I journaled yesturday on paper and I stayed within my points. How did other people do?

[twhipple]

I go to meetings at work so it's really convenient. I have been journaling for 6 days straight now and only once went above my points for the day.

I know this sounds terrible, but many times I have trouble getting to my minimum points. We eat a lot of zero point foods and I get stuffed so I don't want to eat more. I have been better this week at getting the minimum. My team leader said that sometimes just getting a couple more points can kick you off of the plateau. If my scale at home is any indication, I think she's right. I'll know for sure tomorrow at lunch:D

[TandyR]

twhipple, that is great news about what your scale is saying keep us updated on it.
Also good job on journalling. :-)

[KIS]

Dear TandyR,

Thank you for starting that 10% thread.

You folks must find the meetings helpful. I told you, if you recall, that I had to leave a meeting which had an incredibly helpful leader. At the nearer meeting, which is what worked in my schedule since that change, I have yet to find a leader who inspires or supports me. I don't find hype helpful at all.

twhipple,

I recall having that problem from time to time. It's quite a lesson about nutrition, metabolism and the like -- isn't it? You can eat too little!

To both of you:

More power to you for journaling! You both have inspired me to sit down and, at least in retrospect, see what the damage has been. I wasn't all that careful today. I find it hard to be at work with all the spontaneous lunches with friends. And, sometimes that happens after work, too, when my husband has cooked a meal and excludes vegetables entirely. (It's a nice problem, though, having a husband who is willing to share the burden).

I get the WW magazine. I read about some flex program that WW has developed. Do you folks know about it?

TandyR,

I'll check out that 10% board now.

Best to you all.

[snowwhitefan]

YEAH EVERYBODY! It sounds like we are all getting back to journaling. I journaled yesterday and today, and I am within my points for today as well. All I needed to do was get that journal out in the kitchen so that I see it when I am preparing my breakfast.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK EVERYBODY! I AM SO PROUD OF ALL OF US!!!

KIS, I know exactly what you are talking about. My first WW leader was really awesome, she always got me all fired up at meetings. The current leader at the meeting I go to now is super sweet, but she just doesn't get me motivated. That's part of the reason I am loving this board so much, it is helping me get better motivated.

I continue to look forward to hearing how eveyone is doing, have a great day tommorrow!

[TandyR]

I get the WW magazine. I read about some flex program that WW has developed. Do you folks know about it?

I have heard about it I know the offical roll out is Aug. 24 so I will be at my meeting that week I have reserved that time with my DH and he says he will be home to watch the girl. I also know how points are calculated stay the same as it is now. I also know there isn't a point range for weight it is a set number...like if you are now eating in the 20-25 point range it will just be 22 points....the lowest point number you will be allowed it eat is 20 points aday....they found too many people were going into starvation mode and not losing anyting because they ate 18 points and excersized all the time. Then you also have 35 points of flex that you can spread over the whole week or just eat it all in one day. So 22 +35 you could have 57 points in one day or you can have 22 +5 so you could have 27 points on each day of the week....or something in between. There is a debate on how activity points will be handled so have to wait until roll out to find out info on that. I have gotten all this info from the weightwatchers.com's lifetime and maintainers board....so it might be off a little but normally since the board is full of leaders you get the correct info.

I journaled again yesturday without a problem....I am a bit worried this weekend and the begining of next week since my in-laws are coming up to see the girls. We are first going to meet them in MA (they are from Pittsburgh) stay there for the weekend and go to Old Sturbridge Village and then they will come up to Maine with us. I am so worried about staying within my points during the time they are visiting. :p

[KIS]

Dear TandyR,

You sound so motivated. YOu are journaling. I am journaling after the fact and then feeling bad about the points. Not so swift, huh? I would like to become more aware, again of the points. I forgot if muffins, small ones, are 5 or 8 points, for instance.


I hope you get to go to your meeting. I hope you DH is supportive of you on this.

KIS

[twhipple]

Ok, for the last few weeks I have been down in the dumps about my weight loss. So this week I joined this group and the WISH list, started journaling again, worked out all three days, starting taking a multivitamin and guess what happened...

I LOST 3.2 POUNDS (20 TOTAL WITH WW)!! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Thanks to all of you for giving me the motivation I needed. Keep on journaling, even if you go over (I went over my max points by 10 one day!)

[TandyR]

twhipple, That is awesome news. Good job I am so pleased for you.
:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[KIS]

twhipple,

congratulations and it's great to be a part of motivating a fellow traveler!

kis

[TandyR]

I was away for the weekend...I journaled everything...I went over points but I think once I figure out my activity points I will be ok. I forgot to bring my activity point calculater with me and I haven't had time to sit down and figure it out.
How are other people doing?

[KIS]

I have been lack in journaling, too. I don't know who I'm trying to kid. I may have lost a little bit due to portion control and curbing my tendency to snack ad nauseum.

How did you end up not journaling, TandyR?

I started reconsidering a meeting, but as I told you, I found the local group less effective in terms of support than the meeting in NYC. I can't do the NYC group given scheduling anymore. I was thinking of trying that flex type approach when it comes out. I was also wondering if any of you have tried the web's way of working the points....

KIS

[twhipple]

This week has been crazy so I'm finally getting back to the boards. The weight loss is continuing. I had a hard time journaling last weekend while up at my mom's but got back to it on Sunday. That is the hardest part of all this I think. Oh, except for the exercise! That's the worst!:p

KIS, definitely try to find a meeting. The interaction with other "losers" really helps. At our meeting this week, one woman hit 105# loss! That sure inspired the rest of us!

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Tracy

[TandyR]

This week has been crazy for me here also...family is finally leaving and things are getting back to normal. I didn't journal as well as I should during this week I will start journaling again today.


From KIS
How did you end up not journaling, TandyR?

The first time or this week? The first time was because of a lot of stress (my uncle dieing, my cat dieing and other things) something had to go and it ended up being the journalling. This week it was because I wasn't at home much at all and eating out. I tried to make good choices but by the time I got home I had forgotten what I ate and didn't write anything down. Everyone is gone now so I plan to start journalling again as of today.

[twhipple]

TandyR sorry to hear about all your stressors lately. I know how hard it can be losing someone (animals included) that you love. Hang in there. The good news (if there can be any) in this is that your body reacts differently when you are under that much stress. After my father died, I ate like crazy and didn't gain a pound. But that too does end so be careful. The best thing to do is get back on program and journal.

I had trouble journaling last week at my mom's but that was because we were too busy. Yes, I probably forgot some things I had but all in all I did pretty good. Everyone don't beat yourself up if you haven't been journaling, just start today!:p

[KIS]

Dear TandyR,

I agree with twhipple. When someone dies who you loved, it just is not a normal time. There's no reason to expect yourself to feel or behave normally for a while. THAT'S normal!

I'm not too sure what exactly made it hard for me to journal this week. I have my mind on other things. May be I'm still not as motivated as I need to be. I mean, my doctor told me to drop about 10-15 pounds and that didn't exactly do the trick.

What do you think, folks, makes, or made, it difficult for you to use your journal?

KIS

[snowwhitefan]

I did alright with journaling this week, I journaled most days this week, I think there were 2 days that I didn't. I know for me, when I don't journal, a lot of time, it is because I don't really want to know that I am exceeding my points. Do you all know what I mean? When I am just not being good about staying in my points, it's like I don't want to be accountable for it, and I don't want to keep a record.

[KIS]

snowhitefan,

I know exactly what you mean. I've done that. It's not too easy to get that discipline. For a while, I was writing things down, even when I knew I was over. It was depressing to see.

Sigh.


KIS

[TandyR]

I was wondering if any one here got the new info about the flex points yet? I have my weigh-in tonight and I will be getting the info....I am so excited...I am hoping this new way of looking at things will give me the extra boost to journal again. From what I have read there is a new journal form and stuff like that. The way I love new things I am looking forward to this evening.

What do you think, folks, makes, or made, it difficult for you to use your journal?

I know I have gotten to the point where I think in my head I can just keep track of things in my head I know all the points and stuff like that. But I always lose track. I think I am at the point I know the program too well. (I have been doing WW for 3 years now....journalling everything really well for about 2.25 years) So that is why I am very excited about tonight.


I agree with twhipple. When someone dies who you loved, it just is not a normal time. There's no reason to expect yourself to feel or behave normally for a while. THAT'S normal!


I know but it has been awhile and I haven't gotten back on the horse so to speak and I would like to but I am having a heck of a time doing it. So that is why I am happy to have this new program and the support of all of you.

[KIS]

TandyR:

Please let me know what is your reaction to the flex new program. I am hoping, like you, that it gives me a shot in the arm!

KIS

[snowwhitefan]

I am also eager to hear people's takes on the Flex point system. I have not been able to get to my meeting for a week or two, due to lots of overtime at work, so I haven't gotten all of the info on the new system.

[TandyR]

Well I went to my meeting last night and I lost 1.8 lbs over the last month...not great but better then gaining. :D
I got all the flex points info and I love the journal and I think book 2 is great it is all about portion control and I have read it 4 times so far since I got it. (It is nice and short.) I haven't gotten to read all of book one it is a lot like the winning points book one but some different things. I think this will be a good shot in the arm for me. :-)

[KIS]

TandyR:


How does the flexpoints differ from the regular WWwinning points, I think they called it?

Congratulations on your loss. You are better off than you were a month ago.

I have the busiest period of my life in the next two months, I don't think I can make a meeting until after then. I wonder if the weight watchers has a website and if they do, if the flexpoints are on it.

KIS

[TandyR]

How does the flexpoints differ from the regular WWwinning points, I think they called it?

Well winning points had ranges for people weighing 150 to 174 lbs had a range of 20-25 points each day with Flexpoints you have a target point that you have to hit for the 150 to 174 lbs person the target point is 22 points. With the winning points system you could bank points for later use, but with Flexpoints you are given 35 points at the start of the week and you can use them in any way you want...you can use them all at once or spread them out over the week or not at all. I haven't read the book on the activity points yet because I haven't been excersizing this week...plan to start next week and I can fill you in on that part after I read the book...but it looks basically the same that you can eat the activity points you earn...I don't know if there is a limit on the number you can earn. The new journal is called the QuikTrak System and it looks like a checkbook register which I like a lot because I would always make all these modifications with my Winning Points journals and the QuikTrak System I can use without making any changes it is like the peaked at my journals and made something that works for me.

So that is how flexpoints differs from Winning Points.

[KIS]

Thank you, TandyR,

It sounds interesting. Do you know anything about the Weight Watcher's website and if this flexpoints is mentioned there?

KIS

[TandyR]

It sounds interesting. Do you know anything about the Weight Watcher's website and if this flexpoints is mentioned there?

I checked over there and it has really changed around since the last time I spent any time there and there is some info, but I think you need to pay to get all the real info in order to do the program, which might not be a bad idea if you can't make it to a meeting for a couple months, but I have no idea how much it costs it might be too much to pay for the info.


I am really loving this new way of tracking points...it isn't much different then how I was doing it, it might be the newness of it all, but I really feel on track for the first time in awhile.

I also am excited because school starts Tuesday for my oldest and preschool starts wednesday for my youngest and on wednesday I am buying a membership to the local pool so I can swim again.....I love swimming but it has been years (well about 7 years) since I could do it on a regular basis being a stay at home mom with few people to watch my girls. So I will be doing the excersize I love again rather then stuff because I should be doing it. (I swam competively for 11 years so swimming is my thing. :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc )

[TandyR]

It has been quite here for a couple days and I was wondering how people were doing.

I still am loving the new flexpoints system. My 7 year old DD asked if we could go out to eat while my 3 year DD was having quality time with my parents and I said sure. I went over my target point but it was ok because I had plenty of flex points it is really cool to have that. I know I had it before with banking and borrowing but this is different somehow for me.

I hope others are doing well this week also.

[twhipple]

I got my Flexpoints stuff on Thursday and started it on Friday. So far, so good. I like writing the activity stuff in the log instead of just as points on the bottom because sometimes we do multiple activities in one day. Our group leader said that Weight Watchers looked down on people borrowing points for days later in the week (I've done it too), so this program really takes care of that problem. I figured without borrowing, I'd have to start my week on Monday so I'd have points left over for the weekend, with Flexpoints, I start it on Friday so I have all the points for the weekend and if I have to suffer through the week, so be it (we'll see if that happens).

I'm torn about journaling while on my cruises this fall, but have some time to think about it. On one hand, it'll be good to see what happens with all those extra points (No doubt I'll eat more than I get), but with activities, it may come pretty close. I try to stay really active on vacations.

We have to go to a pool party today, so we'll see what happens to the points. My dish to pass is a lemon cake (made with diet lemon lime soda and fat free cool whip), so I know what kinda points were dealing with.

I have to thank TandyR for pointing me to this thread. This was the motivation I needed. I got my 5 pound clippie!! I am down to pre-cruise last year weight - but I'm not stopping here. I still have about 24 pounds to go to WW goal unless I can convince my doctor it should be higher. I hope everyone has a great weekend. :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[KIS]

Dear All,

I was away at the Hamptons on Long Island. We have some relatives who are gracious enough to extend their hospitality to us else we could never afford to have an extended weekend in the Hamptons.

Last night, when I couldn't sleep, I was able to take out a format I am preparing for a clergy support group and I realized that I too need to assess where I was in the "circle of life" (the format is called that). I saw that I have made some significant strides in the area of finance which was my family's concern in May, but in the course of seeking to improve that, I've really slipped up on the self-care, nutrition, stress, and exercise areas.

I think I need to find a nutritionist as well as start yoga at home. There had been some fabulous classes at my gym about 1 year ago, but the teacher opened her own shop and it is beyond my means if I am going to stay with the gym which offers more equipment such as an indoor pool. Like TandyR, I like to swim, but never so intensely as a competitive swimmer. God TandyR, now the competittion is within yourself, to help yourself! I think that if I do that, schedule in gold the times for my workouts so that they are fixed and immovable, then it should be easier to journal and track points. When my busy season is over, I can attend the meetings.

Meanwhile, I appreciate everyone hanging in there with me. Has anyone ever gone to a nutritionist? I'm not just concerned with weight loss, but also with a healthy lifestyle.

KIS

[TandyR]

Meanwhile, I appreciate everyone hanging in there with me. Has anyone ever gone to a nutritionist? I'm not just concerned with weight loss, but also with a healthy lifestyle.

I haven't but I have a friend who is one so I ask her a lot of questions.
:D


I just bought myself new swim googles and a new swim cap in hopes I will make it to lap swim tomorrow while the youngest is in Preschool....but I might wait just to make sure she adjusts ok and they don't need to call me....I guess I will play it by ear tomorrow and see how it goes.

I did all of last week useing Flexpoints system...and didn't go over at all and wrote everything thing and it was great...didn't weigh in because my meeting is on Monday and well they were closed for Labor Day yesturday so I will weigh in next week and see how I am doing. I hope I am doing well because I feel like I am.



I've really slipped up on the self-care, nutrition, stress, and exercise areas.

Well KIS, you have are working on it and you are making moves to start working on it so that is a good thing and you will be able to do it in the long run.

How are other people doing now?

[TandyR]

I went swimming today for 30 minutes. I got a membership for 3 months and I signed up for an insentive program where I am going to try to swim 25 miles in the next 8 weeks. I signed up for the easiest one because it has been two years since I swam regualarly.

How is everyone doing?

[TandyR]

Well I lost another 1.8 lbs so that is a total of 3.6 lbs since I came to the wish board. Unlike my last 1.8 lbs which took me a month to lose this 1.8 lbs took me 2 weeks. So that is better.

I hope we haven't lost everyone here. How are people doing?

[KIS]

I got my motivation up more. I have yet to journal. But, despite this being the busy season, I'm exercising and watching it. I promised myself that when this unusual schedule calms down, (November), I will start weighing in and journaling. I may well journal before then.

Congratulations on your extra weight loss. It's not the amount, it's a life style change, right?

KIS

[twhipple]

I'm doing well, but just too busy!! I dropped .6 pounds at WI last week. I'm not sure I like the FlexPoints other than the journaling aspect of it. I went back to doing the counting the old way and seem to be doing better. We'll see on Thursday! Good luck to everyone!

[KIS]

twhipple,

What don't you like about the flexpoints system?

KIS

[twhipple]

Bear with me, this takes some explaining...

I like the flexibility of the FlexPoints in that I used to borrow points on the weekend, so I won't have to do that anymore.

I had this argument with a co-worker who does have much weight to lose, she just wants to learn the right way to eat. I have weight to lose. I've lost 28# so far and need to lose 24# more (according to WW-I'll be happy with 14#). WW teaches you to make better choices and watch portions. I am making better choices. I watch portions with the high point foods. I still eat a lot of veggies. The way you journal the FlexPoints, if you keep track of your exercise points (which I FINALLY just started doing!!), you log them in your journal and add the points to what you are allowed for the day. I never ate my exercise points unless I was desperate before, which rarely happened, banking and borrowing worked fine for me. Now I'm "supposed to" eat my exercise points. My leader said "well...I guess you don't need to eat them, but you should keep track of them". Ok, that's one problem.

The biggest problem I have is that WW decided I need more points per day. My range was 20-25. Lets assume no exercise to make this easier. If I ate all 25 points a day, I would consume 175 points in a week. If I ate just my minimum, I would consume 140 points per week. Under FlexPoints, my minimum would now bring me 154 points per week. Using all my flexpoints, I would consume 189 points in a week. I want to lose weight. Yes I know I should lose it slowly, but when you have this much to go, I want to see a little quicker progress and I don't want to go up at all:(

These are my problems, but to compensate, I do a few more calculations. I make sure my balance for the day if it isn't zero is 2 plus exercise points and I feel good about it.

[TandyR]

Sorry this being the first full week of school for my oldest DD things have been a bit crazy and I haven't posted.

Congratulations on your extra weight loss. It's not the amount, it's a life style change, right?

Yeah I know it is a life style change and all that but I wanted my 5lbs clippie. :D :P

The biggest problem I have is that WW decided I need more points per day.

I have heard from several different places that WW added the 2 extra points per day because too many people were getting into starvation mode in which you body holds onto your weight more so it takes more to lose it. There were people eating 18 points a day and excersizing a ton and not eating activity points and wondering why they weren't losing.
What you might do is just cross off 14 of the flexpoints and not eat them, but your idea of having +2 activity points is a good idea also.

[TandyR]

Last night I had my weekily weigh-in and I lost 1.2 lbs. So I am .2lbs short of getting my 5 lbs clippie. I was so hopeing that I would get it last night but my monthly visitor is visiting so I have a bit of bloat. :P So I know I will get it next week.