I owe my life-change to this great organization. It's the granddaddy of all national weight loss programs, which started out in the living room of Jean Nidetch, in 1961. I've lost weight several times and knew how to do it. But it returns. Always. Friends told me I looked good. No need to lose. And technically I was only a few pounds above "healthy". But I knew better. And even though I told myself that a 50+ year old grandmother is morally allowed to carry a few extra pounds, I knew what my weight used to be and should be.
(This is me (black shirt) in all my former pear-shaped glory.)
The initial appeal of WW for me was the maintenance support. As I said, I KNEW how to lose. But I didn't know how to maintain. WW gives you lifetime maintenance support for no cost, providing you attend and weigh-in at least once a month and don't gain more than 2 pounds above your goal weight. You just have to think of eating as a lifetime addiction of which you are never cured. WW meetings are kind of like AA. You must keep going.
I was a dutiful member and reached my goal on my birthday in 2008. 23 lbs lost in 4 months. Wow, what an exhilarating experience. Shopping took on a whole new light. Had to revamp my whole wardrobe. I owe much thanks to Ross Dress for Less for helping me not to break the bank.
After successfully losing weight, I was recruited to become a WW employee. Sure, why not? It would help me stay at goal because as an employee, if I gain weight, I lose the job. So far so good. That was two years ago, and I love my little job. My co-workers, all former members, have become my friends. And I get to see other people going through the same life-change that I did. I cheer their successes and encourage them through the rough times. I know exactly how they feel. I know the joy when the scale drops a pound or two. I see them start to exercise. I hear about the medications they no longer need. I see the slim life-timers coming in for their monthly weigh-in, and marvel. You'd never guess they were ever fat.
So there it is. I did it with WW. No gimmicks. Just relearning how to eat in the real world.
I wish there was a WW meeting in my neighborhood. (next door) Just 15 pounds! Same as you, I can get it off- but to KEEP it off!
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about joining them for a while! I have the same problem you do in that I know how to loose but not maintain. Plus I love to eat! Maybe I will join in the new year and finally get rid of that baby fat!
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to hear that you are a counselor. One of my sisters has been one for years (after losing 60 lbs.) I joined with the start of the new program and have lost almost 6 lbs in my first 3 weeks. Now I'v just got to get the exercise component in!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are doing a blog, it will be fun to follow!