I normally get comments and emails regarding my Tummy Tuck and I’m always more then willing to share my experience. However recently the questions are getting quite disturbing…
“i see you weighed in. i just have to ask.. was all the tummy tuck pain worth it when you arent being good to your weight??”
“are you taking advantage of the fact that you have a flat stomach and mocking your body??”
“I notice you have gained a couple pounds.. I wonder why anyone would go thru all the pain to gain. is a TT worth it in the end”
“does having a TT ‘allow’ you to ‘let yourself’ not watch the weight as closely?????”
What? Are you guys serious?
I’m going to gain a little and lose a little, gain a little and lose a little, THAT’S CALLED MAINTENANCE!!!
Please don’t think you hit some magic number on the scale and then miraculously stay there forever. You age, you build muscle, you lose muscle, you retain water, you splurge on the holidays. It happens, it’s called LIFE!
Maintenance is a funny funny thing. My favorite Weight Watchers leader once said maintenance is like a wave. Your weight should go up and down, it’s normal. Now my weight is a little higher then I’d like it to be but that is JUST A NUMBER ON THE SCALE. I feel great, I look great, my clothes fit perfectly. I am strong, I am fit and I am motivated. I am a Weight Watcher Maintainer, hear me roar!
OK, that may have gotten out of hand.
Anyway, speaking of Weight Watchers (did you like that transition? ;~P), WAY back before Christmas Cranky dissed Weight Watchers (she didn’t really, it was just the title of her post) and their new ad campaign. Apparently some people are up in arms because Weight Watchers is declaring they aren’t a diet they are a lifestyle and this is causing some discussion about my particular program of choice.
Weight Watchers really did change my life and it is a lifestyle for me now. I’ve read opinions on both sides of the Weight Watchers fence and I can understand why some people don’t buy it. One size does not fit all when it comes to dieting, oops I mean lifestyles. All I can do is share the 2 big reasons I think Weight Watchers worked for me. (Because I did need something, I wanted to lose weight and get healthier!)
- FLORE
Weight Watchers has 2 plans, Flex and Core. Flex has you counting points for any foods you eat. The number of points you get depends on your height, weight etc. Core on the other hand gives you a list of foods you eat from until you are satisfied. (Note: the programs are more complicated then that, this is just an overview)
Now I’m a flex girl all the way. The point system really helped me control portions. Probably Definitely my biggest problem. When you like to eat you tend not to realize you just inhaled 4 servings of pasta. Flex forced me to learn what a serving was and it gave me the tools to track food in an easy way.
When you do Flex you realize quick enough that you can eat more healthy foods then junk, because healthy foods have lower point values. Well, where can I get a list of good, healthy low point food? Why? The Core food list of course!
So instead of picking Flex or Core I created FLORE! Count points while sticking to the Core food list as best you can. This worked great for me! It really helped me learn how to eat healthier.
- The Weekly Meetings
I am super competitive. Did I ever tell you that? I don’t mean I’m “bum rush the umpire” type of competitive but I like to win, I like to succeed and I like to impress. Meetings helped me because every week I wanted, I needed to raise my hand and say. “I did it! I lost 1.2 pounds this week!” Everyone clapped and it psyched me up for the next week. (I know you are going to ask about the weeks I didn’t lose, well then I’d work even harder to share my success the next week, it’s just how I tick.)
Beyond competitive reasons, the meetings kept me focused. Once a week I reminded myself what I was doing. I sat in a room with people who share my struggle, who understand what is feels like to be me. It’s my ½ hour AA meeting and I love celebrating others successes.
Now, these same reasons may be the reasons that it doesn’t work for you.
Who wants to count points? Or sit in a room with other people trying to lose weight?
Like I said one size doesn’t fit all. But when push comes to shove, Weight Watchers is a lifestyle, because if you learn it. I mean really learn it, you live it. If you are anything like me, you need it.
I should say I don’t believe Weight Watchers is the only program that works. I truly believe most reputable ones do IF (notice that’s a BIG IF) you follow them and are able to follow them for a lifetime. I guess that’s why Weight Watchers went with their new ad campaign. It makes sense to me.
Speaking of me (oh I used that transition already – Didn’t I?), I have been in the zone for the past 2 days, food journaling, working out, getting things done! With all the site updates I’ve been making it’s been hard for me to post my daily menu. I did update my Goals, my Weight Progress, and my Workout Progress. I also recorded a new video post, Cutting Sweet Potato Fries and posted one of my favorite butternut squash recipes, Butternut Carrot Chicken Soup/Stew. But fear NOT, daily menus will return tomorrow!
74 Responses to A Weight (Watcher) Maintainer Rant
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About Roni
Roni started this blog in '05 to journal her weight loss. 70lbs later, she's committed to living a conscious, healthy life and hopes to inspire others along the way. Read more on the about page.
OH SNAP!! I guess you told THEM! LOL! Good for you….pure jealousy on their part. Forget about ‘em and keep on keeping on! MEOWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!
I agree with alle-you shouldnt even look at those comments. Remember-these are people who spend their time reading YOUR blog. You are an inspiration to all who have struggled with disordered eating. Remaining healthy is important, remaining happy is the most important however. Life is short-and the balance to life is maintaining happiness and health together-as you do. You are fabolous and people are jealous. Your blog is wonderful-and I love reading it!!!
Thank you for providing such wonderful blogging!!!
You’re an inspiration – thanks for sharing your story. Ignore the clueless folks, and enjoy your awesomeness.
In the words of Jimmy Walker…you look DY-NO-MITE!!!!!! THat whole being good vs being bad is the kind of black and white thinking that got us hooked on the food to begin with. You have found a great balance and share your life with so many. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You inspire so many!
Unbelievable, I cannot believe they could email you such nonsense!!!
I agree with your veiw of WW, it has to be a lifestyle if you want to maintain the loss, as soon as I go back to my old lifestyle along comes the old weight back :)
Doesn’t shock me that they’re are haters out there. Way to go on being positive and such an inspiration to so many. You definitely have inspired me!
Well, I see there are 56 comments already – and I haven’t read them yet. But I would imagine people are pissed off at the comments you posted about the decision to have surgery. I know they pissed ME off. Let me know where they live. I will beat them up. LOL
Carolyn A.
Wow, just wow! I can not believe anyone would say such things to you but you know what, some people are just plain old mean and/or jealous. Ignore them, Roni! You did what you did for YOU and don’t let them bring you down. You are so right – life happens! I’m almost at my goal and I hope I can maintain as well as you have when I get there. Just think about how many people you inspire and forget about these negative people.
Thank you so much for taking the time to welcome me to the community!!! I love reading your posts!! You look WONDERFUL!!! ;)
It’s been a while since I’ve posted a comment here, but I may as well jump on the bandwagon today. You’s hot mama with this one.
TT: Pffft. What-ev-errr! Sorry – I thought you were still UNDER your lifetime goal with a HEALTHY BMI. Hello??? For-get it!
Flore: Corrine and the other ladies at Phit-n-Phat actually use this term a lot. Corrine lost weight with WW and now eats clean. A lot of her clients are on WW or WW leaders – myself included (member here with 5.8 to go to goal – woohoo). The big thing is flore. The thing is, a lot of overweight people don’t KNOW when they’re full/satisfied until the hit the ‘stuffed’ stage. They say portions have a tendancy to get bigger over time if you stop counting points and measuring. Yeah, that’s one of the things that got me to pushing 190lbs in the first place. If WW doesn’t recognize that flore is a valid option they are missing out because a lot of people want it. We aren’t missing out – it just takes more effort to calculate the points.
WW: Definately lifestyle. Someone commented the other day they couldn’t believe how I’d stuck to the diet as long as I have, but before I could respond she said “But it doesn’t seem like a diet for you. More like a lifestyle change.” Bingo.
Take care,
Hey Roni…checked out the Rant. After we spoke I thought about the fact that you are going to the gym and using the weights. Muscle does weigh more than fat. You could have a 135 woman, who is 5’5″, but because she is lifting and has tight muscle, she could be in a size 4 to 6. I have to say I actually got a little PO’ed when I saw the comments you were talking about. In addition to the solid muscle gain, everyone has a weight zone. Not to mention you can loose 5 lbs in a week!
I think the green with envy comment used by another reader says it all. Sometimes those of us that are so unhappy with ourselves and are unable to accept the fact that there are people who have actually acheived what we dream about find it easier to attack others or put digs in because of our own misery. Remember “Misery” loves company.
You look great, your mood is great and your energy is infectious.
Oh, and my mind is set, I am going to give WW a shot. Looking to do the 10:30 meeting, I am going to hit the Y first so I feel motivated when I get there.
It’s funny, I read your New Years entry and had to laugh. When we watched the video of Christmas day and my mother sent me some photos, it bothered me so much that I know my mind was set the moment my stomach turned. I have reached my highest weight EVER! When Tess was little, I rollerbladded with her, road bikes, and played ball with her. If I don’t fix the damage I < <<------ yes I, no one else did this, have allowed to occur to MY body, what memories will Trinity have of me!
Your great and it is a pleasure to know you!
I maintained an 83 lb. WW weight loss for over two years and then injured my tailbone and back and ended up on steroids and limited exercise for 8 months…gaining back over 40 lbs…not by choice.
People had some pretty cruel things to say on my blog and in emails and it just floored me. The negative stuff just kept coming.
I love when people say, “life happens” because it’s so true. I too NEVER thought I would gain any of my weight back…NEVER. My health suffered and the steroid injections and pain meds were the only thing that allowed me to work an 8 hr. day…so I was stuck.
People sometimes don’t understand that people who have had success with weight loss, people that have weight loss journey blogs, etc. are human. You are doing awesome and you will continue to do awesome. I am now off the meds and the weight is coming back off…I didn’t unlearn everything just because I put weight back on. People either get it, or they don’t…sounds like some of your readers “don’t” and never will. Keep up the amazing maintenance work you have been doing, it’s really inspiring.
Whatever happened to if you don’t have anything nice to say then dont say anything at all? . I think you are doing a great job maintaining and cannot even imagine how hard it is. Keep up the good work!!
Hi Roni,
I am surprised by people everyday! I just wanted to say how much you have really helped me in my weight loss journey. I started 2 years ago and have lost about 120 pounds. I have between 10-30 pounds to go depending on what I choose as my goal. It is much harder now to lose and be creative with daily meals.
I, like everyone, lose motivation from time to time and I have to say it is YOU and your webpages that usually get me thru the tough times. I am a foodie, I take pictures of meals I have made and I just like good food. When I found your website it was honestly as if someone read my mind and knew what I needed. sorry so long, but you are a real inspiration and someone I really admire! Keep up the good work, and forget about the JERKS!
Your Friend, Angie
People post on the message boards asking about Flore, which is kinda funny for a few reasons. Core people are very evangelical about their choice of plan (myself included). So that would be like walking into a temple and asking everyone when they think Jesus is coming back. :-)
The whole point of Core is to learn to listen to your body. Obviously, portions are important, but if learn when you’re really hungry, you’ll stop eating. I think Core’s just about the easiest thing ever. :-)
Love ya Roni…stop by everyday to see what you are up to. Everyone has something to say, but good for you for not taking it to heart. WW works for some and not for others…oh well :) I am doing very well on WW because I now have the tools and knowledge to make the right choices…and still live my life…I don’t know how that won’t work for some but hey sometimes people just don’t like it when life gets to easy. Anyway, keep on posting and I will keep on reading…have a great day!!
Roni,
Thanks for mentioning Flore, it really makes sense, and I am going to try that. The idiotic remarks from those pertaining to your TT are out of pure JEALOUSY :) you look Maahvalous :) Thanks for your inspiration!
I am also on WW and I thought it was strange people getting so upset about not calling it a diet. That is the ENTIRE idea of WW really – learning to eat and exercise in a way to optimize and maintain your health. My experience on the WW boards has been that they lose their minds when people call it a diet, since it is about changing your life.
Congratulations on your continued success! I hope to be maintaining one day in the not too distant future, too. Also, is this an okay time for me to say I made delicata squash fries tonight and they ROCKED!!!! Man, they were good!
Roni – I’m trying not to sit here and fume about the bonehead comments, but if you can let it go, so can I! ;)
Everyone with half a brain knows that no one maintains at the exact same weight all the time… even “skinny” folks that didn’t lose a ton of weight and become a inspiration to an entire Internet full of people!
Keep up the good work and thank you for continuing to share yuor journey with us.
-Chris
I have been meaning to post on this but things have been so crazy lately. Let me start by being honest and saying what I mean: “Screw them!”;
Some people are just never happy with themselves and they need to take it out on someone else. Anyone who reads your blog (and who has successfully done any sort of weight loss themselves) realizes that there is fluctuation in weight. Those comments about your TT are just garbage, and I hope you realize it. (I know you do!)
You look great, you are a true inspiration, and I love your sites, you have helped me learn to cook so much healthier. You go girl! ;)
WOW! you sure do take criticism like a real woman!! it just reiterates for me how awesome you are! thanks for all you do…you inspire me!
I said this in a post but I need to say it again….
“I have to thank you ALL for you wonderful comments the other day. Every one I got put an enormous smile on my face and it makes this all worth it. It really does. The site has become so much more then just my accountability and it truly is amazing.”
I really don’t know what to say. I am speechless for this kind of support. SPEECHLESS!
Roni, that post just made me cry. I’m always failing weight watchers because I’ll gain or feel bloated and think I failed and then crash on some horrible junk food and then say to myself “this has to be normal” I’m just so glad that I can see that the scale may hold a number, but you’re right if your clothes fit and you feel healthier … THAT is what counts. You are an inspiration.
Katie
i think you are doing great on WW. i love there program, at my heaviest i weight 270 now am still a chunky girl at 208, but look and feel lots better. i know i have a long way to go, but WW can work for people they just have to give it a couple weeks to feel like you are not starving to death.