My first ever rant.............so long WW meetings

[moredisneyplease]

Since January of this year (2 weeks after my littlest was born) I've been ATTEMPTING to attend the local Monday morning WW meeting, which is the only designated Mommy & Me WW meeting in my area. I try, each and every Monday, just to make it to the meeting w/ a 3.5 year old, a nearly 2 year old, and my now 8 month old and some days we just dont make it out the door. Half the time, however, we manage to make it to the meeting only to have me leave in completel frustration because

1) I'm seeing very little, if any (sometimes its a gain....like today, up 1.2), weight loss and
2) The kids are just too much to manage

On the rare days we do make it through I reward the older kids with fun prizes like stickers and stamps. we havent seen one of these days in an extremely long time.

Today I left after 15 mins because the little one was ready for a nap and didnt want to sleep in his carseat, the older one woke up WAY to early this morning and was super cranky so he kept yelling at the nearly 2 year old and then coming to sit on my lap and suck his thumb, and then the nearly 2 year old decided to flat out step on the back of a 10 month old girl crawling around. I have never seen her do anything like this and I know she did it on purpose. Of course I snatched her up, apologized, scurried out of there as quickly as I could and reprimanded her.

I came home and promptly put all of them down for a nap and started to raid the pantry. I calmed myself down and am now sitting here at the computer crying and feeling so frustrated. I have tried and tried for 8 months to make this meeting work and am now giving up.

Its time for me to step up and make the weight loss happen on my own because I absolutely refuse to show up there again only to the kids ruin my day (frustration to me = eating) and ruin everyone else'e meeting.

Thanks for letting me vent. Instead of eating out of anger/frustration I'm typing this and already I feel much better!

 

[grizbuzz]

So sorry to hear about your weight watcher meetings. I think it's important that you can focus on YOURSELF during these meetings and it looks like it's impossible for you to do that when you have to worry about your kids.

A couple options for you:
-Could you find another meeting, perhaps at night, where you could go to alone and let someone else watch the kids?
-Have you tried Weight Watchers online?

I think Weight Watchers is a great program that really tackles the whole issue of losing weight and keeping it off through developing a healthy lifestyle. It works for me. But I have always gone to meetings alone, so I can focus on me. And now I just use the online program, but did benefit from going to meetings when I first started.

GOOD LUCK! I'm sure you can figure out how to make this work as it IS important to take care of yourself.

 

[Raenstoirm]

You should designate a night when Daddy gets the kids. Those nights you could go to your meeting. Or if his schedule is too random, you could find a girlfriend with kids and trade off. Sort of...Tuesday you go to your meeting and she keeps your kids and Wednesday she goes and you keep hers. That way you have a weight loss partner and an hour a week of YOU time.

Good luck and don't give up on the weight loss!

 

[moredisneyplease]

I'd love to say that I can designate my DH to watch the kids but its not an option because he works during the day and I work 3 evenings a week. Pretty much he gets home at 3:40 and I head out at 3:45 to be at work from 4-9pm (Mon, Tues, Thurs). Wed night we have one of our few family sit down dinners together and there is no Fri evening meeting. I know there are a few weekend meetings and I'm going to try my best to start attending those.

I have indeed tried on line and I'm fine w/ it but I just know I do better going in person. I like seeing the numbers on the scale. I like having someone to be accountable to. I like the motivation and comrodery (Sp?) of the group. Sigh......it is what it is and i'm much more calm now

Please keep any and all suggestions coming! I really appreciate them!

Fortunately posting this rant saved me some points! Thanks all!

 

[RhondaL]

Good job posting instead of eating! I know you really wanted to eat!!! I was lucky enough to do a WW at work when I lost my weight. I have gained about 40 of 75 back and have to start over. I also have three kids--9, 6, and 4 so I TOTALLY feel your pain!!! I don't have any good suggestions for you but I wanted to tell you that you score a victory by not emotional eating. Keep up the good work!

 

[3DisneyKids]

I have 3 kids as well...all a year and a half apart too. My kids are bit older now, but I can so remember being where you are now. And yes, DH and I often juggle the kids...he comes home and I go to work (though I work from home often, but I still have to go to my office here at home and close the door).

You need to do something for YOU. Without the kids. Yes, it is great that there are meetings that you can bring them to, but losing weight is your chance to focus on YOU and getting healthier and happier. This should be your adult time.

Get a sitter and go to a daytime meeting since your evenings are already accounted for. Yes, it is more money out of your pocket, but you are worth it.

Or find a mom to trade with...she watches your kids once a week so you can go to your meeting, you watch her kids once a weeks so she can do her grocery shopping or whatever.

Make it work. You CAN. Good luck and hang in there!

 

[moredisneyplease]

I have 3 kids as well...all a year and a half apart too. My kids are bit older now, but I can so remember being where you are now. And yes, DH and I often juggle the kids...he comes home and I go to work (though I work from home often, but I still have to go to my office here at home and close the door).

You need to do something for YOU. Without the kids. Yes, it is great that there are meetings that you can bring them to, but losing weight is your chance to focus on YOU and getting healthier and happier. This should be your adult time.

Get a sitter and go to a daytime meeting since your evenings are already accounted for. Yes, it is more money out of your pocket, but you are worth it.

Or find a mom to trade with...she watches your kids once a week so you can go to your meeting, you watch her kids once a weeks so she can do her grocery shopping or whatever.

Make it work. You CAN. Good luck and hang in there!

Thanks "neighbor" (I'm SSR and AKL too!). I lik the idea of getting a sitter just so I can go. I really do need to put myself first! I found a new goal for myself.....a trip to Vero Beach! That should put me back on track!

 

[Canyon girl]

I feel your pain! When my kids were younger, I tried the WW thing with them. It just doesn't work. I found kept in touch with some friends from the meeting and held myself accountable with them. I kept the same weigh day as they had and did the program myself. I still had the accountability and support without the headache of taking the kids and only getting the weigh-in with the added benefit of being cheaper! Keep it up! You can do it without the meetings!

 

[Dashzap]

This is a tough stage in your family's life with so many little ones. It will pass. Before you know it, preschool and kindergarten will keep them busy, and you will be able to catch your breath!

For now, can you do any exercising with the little ones along? A jogging stroller for two plus a tricycle? Then you could walk or jog.

Can you exercise while they are sleeping? With an exercise video or wii fit or DDR?


With three little ones of that age, I'm amazed you made it ANY ww meetings!

 

[RhondaL]

My three will do Walk Away the Pounds with me.

 

[moredisneyplease]

Oh exercise is NOT the problem with me!! I go to the gym and take classes, take long walks w/ the "wide load" jogger, use the treadmill........I can get in the exercise time but its the eating that gets me!

I'm an emotional eater and w/ little kids around things can turn ugly real fast for me.....especially w/ all of those kiddo snacks around. I've taken the past few days (since this has happened) to set myself right. I know the WW program in and out so there is no excuse for me to NOT do it. I've been journaling and doing better since Monday and KNOW that i CAN make it through this!

 

[junebugTN]

I don't have any good tips for you, Moredisneyplease, but I just want to say "kudos" for choosing an alternative activity such as posting instead of eating. I am an emotional eater too, and it is such a struggle not to turn to the fridge when frustrated. The fact that you made a positive choice instead of eating shows that you are making progress in your weight loss journey, even if the scale doesn't show it yet. Hang in there!

 

[slk537]

I like the idea of a babysitter and definitely WW online. I don't go to meetings, but I do have a friend who counts points too and we support each other. I LOVE the online program - but I am a control freak and I love having all the info at my fingertips all the time.

 

[nikkers]

I give you a lot of credit trying to attend WW meeting with 3 little kids. I completely understand your frustration! My husband and I have opposite schedules. I have 2 children DS (4) and DD (2). I joined WW last September. The program has worked for me. I lost the weight without any issue after DD was born. But I couldn't get it off after DS was born. I really needed the support of WW. I like using the online tools, but really needed the meetings. I don't think I would have been as successful only following the program online. I have lost 37 lbs since last September. I am at my WW goal, but I still want to lose 10 lbs. I agree with everyone you have to make the time for YOU. I am lucky that my husband is very supportive. I plan out our meals for an entire week. A lot of times it is just myself and the kids for a meal, but even planning those meals helps me to keep on track. I use WW online to find recipes. I also make some of their dessert recipes when those cravings set in. I will make cookies and freeze them. When the craving for something sweet sets in, I have a cookie. I also have WW treats in my cupboards.
I know exercise has been a huge part of my weight loss. I started by walking outside. Then, when the weather turned too cold we joined the YMCA. At first I only used the cardio machines. This last spring I finally got the courage up to try some classes. I really enjoy the classes. It has helped to keep me motivated. The Y provides a daycare service. My kids really enjoy going into the daycare at the Y. They get a chance to play with other kids, and I get some ME time.
It takes time to lose weight. If you are ready to lose it you can do it! Good luck!