In general, it's frowned upon to take pictures at Weight Watchers meetings (understandably so). I got away with a quick snap on Day 2 of this project (
http://365project.org/sharonlc/365/2011-01-02 ), but in general I don't take my camera to meetings. However, I was approaching something of a milestone today, and with permission took this photo this morning.
I became a Weight Watchers Lifetime Member back in 1986. I did a good job of maintaining my goal weight and getting back to it after my first two kids, but the combination of moving to the suburbs and having my third child did me in - I just didn't have it in me to get back to goal weight, and I wound up gaining even more weight for a few years.
Three years ago this month I hit rock bottom. I went to a neighborhood block party, ate horribly, and felt miserable when I got home. Then it dawned on me - although face-to-face meetings were difficult for me at that time, in the 21st Century there must be a way to follow Weight Watchers online. Sure enough, I discovered Weight Watchers Online, and in about seven months dropped 38 pounds.
When a Weight Watchers Lifetime Member has had an in-person weigh-in within the past month and is within two pounds of goal weight, he/she doesn't have to pay for a meeting. When I was approaching my goal weight I went to a meeting and paid my fee, but since then I have weighed in every month for free.
I know I don't have to weigh in at the beginning of the month, but psychologically I need to do it on the first of the month. I know that it's irrational, but since it's working for me I figure it's best to go with the crazy. It keeps me focused and keeps me honest at the end of the month, knowing that the scale at the Weight Watchers center is waiting for me and that it doesn't lie.
Three years ago I was 38 pounds heavier than I am today (OK, 37.8 pounds, to be technical). I weighed in today .2 of a pound above goal weight, and can say that I have been successful at maintaining my weight loss so far. I'd actually like to be 3-4 pounds lighter than I am now to have a little bit of wiggle room on the scale, but by and large I'm pleased with what I've accomplished.
I'm a month away from my 50th birthday and I can truthfully say that I'm in the best shape of my life. I look good, I feel great, and I don't even need to be on Lipitor anymore. Losing the weight and maintaining the loss have taken a lot of work, but the payoff has been well worth the effort!
Thanks Kerri :)
Thanks Michelle :)
Thanks Warren, and best of luck to you with it!