Weight Watchers - Stephens City, VA

Highly recommend Weight Watchers. You learn to each the correct portion sizes and balance of food - no fads like some of the others where you have to eat only their foods. You can eat what you want as long as you count it! You also get extra points because of breast feeding. I highly recommend!!

Hey N.,
I know the pain that you are feeling with loosing weight. I have not lost any weight either and I am not breast feeding, but like you I am still hungry all the time. What to do? Remember when I lost all that weight before we got pregnant? That Healthy Inspirations, well I am getting ready to start that again, so if you want me to send you the stuff for that I will, and we can try to do it together. Let me know.
Talk to you soon.
J. S

I honestly REALLY liked LA Weight Loss more than WW personally just because I still had really bad sugar cravings and they have the protein bars (I like the peanut butter ones the best, personally). But heads up- they have a HIGH intake of food requirement... in other words, you may feel like you are eating all the time which I found tiring.

Hi N.,

I have found Weight Watchers to be fantastic. I do the "monthly pass" which costs about $40 / month and includes the online "etools" which has blogs, recipes, etc. It's a great resource! The monthly pass lowers the weekly cost to $10/week and you don't have to worry about paying double one week if you miss a meeting / weigh in because your credit card is automatically charged monthly. Then, once you make "lifetime membership" you are never charged for a meeting again. Even if you stop, gain weight again and decide to come back to loose it - You'll never have to pay again!!

The meetings are very important in my opinion, so hopefully you find one in your area that fits into your busy schedule. You can even bring the baby! :)

Since you are still nursing you will automatically get 12 extra daily points to make sure you are getting enough calories for the milk production. I wish I had started while I was still nursing.

Good luck and I hope you find Weight Watchers to be the right fit for you!

D.

My mom went on WW - it was the first program that worked for her and has continued to work. She lost 80 pounds in the first year (keep in mind, she is obsessive, so she took to the program with a passion) - she has now kept it off / maintenance for almost a year. I am really happy for her - it has changed her life. She could probably be a spokesperson for WW, she loved it so much - but mainly, she would say that you need to want it for yourself, and you need to stick to it.
Good Luck!

N.,

Weight Watchers is probably the onlt thing that DOES work. I have tried almost everything, but none of them are maintainable - so restrictive that it can't be a lifestyle change. I just know for me , that if I don't go to meetings, I don't hold myself accountable! If you have more will power, you may be able to get away with just doing it on-line.

Good Luck!

I love weight watchers! it's an absolutely fool-proof program that concentrates more on lifestyle change rather than "dieting". ie portion control, making smart calorie choices, etc. I did the program before I was pregnant then started again while breastfeeding when my son was about 6 months old. The program gives you plenty of extra points if you're breastfeeding, so trust me, you'll still be able to eat plenty to get the extra calories that you need to produce milk.
I did the online version and didn't go to meetings. I know that meetings are supposed to be successful, but they don't fit my lifestyle. The online version tracks all of hte points for you, all you do is enter what food you had that day. Very Easy, and Very Effective! not expensive, either. You don't have to buy any special foods or vitamins, you just eat what you have in the house. I will recommend WW to anyone!
And someone below mentioned thirst and additional fluid intake. That is a crucial point! Non-caffeinated fluids are very important for health, breastfeeding, and weight loss. Make sure it is water, decaf tea, coffee etc without extra calories.

I can't speak to the WW part, but I want to add a comment and a question. First, congrats on your plan to continue BF for a yr. BF requires extra energy, so it's really your best friend in burning calories and helping to get the weight off or keep more weight from coming on.

My questions is are you really hungry, or are you confusing your thirst with hunger? You need extra fluids when you're nursing. You'll do yourself a favor if you drink lots of water preferably, and if not water, then low calorie or no calorie beverages. If you're drinking juices, regular sodas, or other sugared beverages to get your fluids, and you cut that out, you'll probably cut out hundreds of excess calories per day. Also if you're getting plenty of fluid, your stomach is likely to have less room for foods.

I personally have never needed WW. BF, exercise, and making good food choices were enough for me to get my weight off after both of my pregnancies. But I know WW teaches sound, healthy eating principles that you can use for life and not just when you want to lose weight. Everything in moderation - no forbidden foods. And maintaining healthy habits to keep you at a healthy weight is really what it should be all about so you don't find yourself trying to lose the same 20 lbs over and over.

Good luck! You can do it.

Hi N. - weight watchers works...if you can change your lifestyle and stick to the program. I worked with four people who lost a lot of weight on weight watchers and I myself did it for awhile and lost weight but frankly I got tired of it. I think it is a very good program and if you are able to stick to the points or the core plan you will loose weight.

I love Weight Watchers. I lost 50lbs on it prior to having my last 2 kids. I didn't go back on it after having my daughter 2 years ago and was still carrying around about 20lbs when I got pregnant with my son. I went on the nursing moms program when he was 3 months old and despite following all the rules my milk supply suffered, so I cam off it. He is now 9 months old and still nursing. My supply never came back fully after that but I have been able to continue to BF and supplement some. I will be waiting until he is weaned before going back on it to lose the rest of the weight I have on. Good luck in your endeavor.

Good morning. I did weight watchers a few months afrter I had my daughter. It was a fairly easy program and the people at the weekly meetings really try to keep you motivated. There are two types of programs that you can try, either the core or the flex. I did the flex program where you have to count points. There are no food restrictions, just a certain amount of points you have to obtain. They do take into account that you are breastfeeding when calculating how many points you are allowed. The flex plan is where you can only eat certain foods, don't get me wrong there is a lot of foods on that list, but there is not really any wiggle room.

I had fun doing it, I stopped when my husband got back from deployment and we got pregnant again. However, some of the rules are still instilled in me. Occassionally, I still use the food scale to make sure that my portions are the right size. Doing that program really makes you realize how out of control our portion sizes are. Oh I forgot on the flex plan, if you work out a certain amount, you gain extra points from that too.

I did WW before I had kids and lost 31 lbs. doing the Points program. I've always struggled with a few extra pounds even though I exercise and am a pretty healthy eater. I really liked the structure of the program which I really needed, and the fact that they offer a lot of support and focus on being healthy for a lifetime. I am still trying to lose my last 7lbs. from my second child and it is slow and hard but I'm still using the principles I learned on the plan. Hang in there and good luck- congrats on your new baby!

Hi, N..

Whenever I visit the U.S. (I live abroad right now)... weight management is a struggle for me. Even if I am visiting for a month, I now have the sense to join Weight Watchers... and I actually carry my favorite "lifestyle books" with me to inspire me: French Women Don't Get Fat and French Women for All Seasons. Great books that also support the weight watchers mentality EXCEPT the workout regime.

Culturally, the U.S. is really difficult to stay thin and healthy... I feel like I need all the help I can get while in town. Weight Watchers is a great way to do it and certainly a nice structure with a baby. I made my son's baby food and found the "Core Plan" to be actually really easy since my baby was eating all core foods for the most part.

Best of luck to you. The weight will come off. As a side note, I lost another 5 pounds after I finished breastfeeding. It comes off slowly but it will come off. Now, I am putting it back on:)))) Ugh... pregnancy.

I don't think WW is a diet but more of a way back to healthy. I have used WW after my first 2 pregnancies. I lost 50 than 40 lbs. I nursed both girls over 12 months and never lost or reduced milk. I also agree that water is important. I always drink a 32oz bottle during the night to keep production up. I am currently nursing an almost 6 month old and lost all the baby weight(24lbs) the first 6 weeks so I haven't started WW to lose the am overwieght weight yet. This is due, however, to financial circumstances. I would highly recommend it because you can eat anything in moderation of course which healthiest anyway. If you live in DE the Harrington leader is awesome. If you've never gone it is important to find a group that fits your personality. Some are quiet other outspoken and I have been to one that was so much older (60ish) that I couldn't relate easily.
BTW I have a 4yr, 2 1/2yr and the baby so I had been on WW from 5 months after delivery until the next pregnancy with no nursing problems.
Hope this helps.
L.

I think WW is wonderful, and even has a special program for nursing mothers. I lost almost 50 pounds on the program and am a "lifetime" member, and have been doing the program for almost 8 years. It's very workable into your lifestyle, with two separate programs: Points and Core. You can visit your first meeting for free and check it out. It's more than a diet, it teaches you how to eat healthy and become a great rolemodel for others! You can bring your kids to the meetings too.

Hi N.! Weight watchers is a fabulous program to be on especially after having a baby. They even have a program for breastfeeding moms. After my son was born, he is 4 now, I joined and was amazed at how easy it really is. I lost all of my baby weight in addition to another 25 after that. I have just recently had my second child and have gotten right back on it. She is almost 4 months and I am almost at my goal weight. It made the second pregnancy a lot easier as far as not going overboard and the weight gain was minimal. It really is wonderful!

When you are breastfeeding you should weigh 5 # more than your normal weight. If you keep active when your baby grows into a toddler and you don't eat too much sweets, you will probably lose the other unwanted pounds. Give it time. AF

Weight Watchers is a great program for losing weight. I tried it and lost 30 pounds in a way that felt manageable and sustainable. However, it is a diet program, and it's a bad idea to go on a diet while you are still breastfeeding. While you are still breastfeeding, you should eat about 300 more calories per day than you would to sustain your pre-pregnancy weight. What I would recommend is that you find out how many calories you should have been eating to sustain your weight and activity level (there is a great calculator at http://www.shapefit.com/dailycalorie-calc.html) and add 300 calories to that number while you are breastfeeding. And keep a diary of what you eat! There was a recent finding that keeping a diary is the best tool for losing weight there is. It doesn't have to be complicated either. Just get a notebook and write down everything you eat when you eat it. My husband and I started doing this a few weeks ago to lose the weight we put on when we had our baby and we've already lost several pounds just by paying attention and recognizing what we are eating.

I did weight watchers after having both of my children while still nursing. I was very successful both times. I highly recommend it!

I know a couple ways to pursue losing post-pregnancy weight through natural measures. You can email me at ____@____.com

I used Weight Watchers to lose weight after I had my daughter. It took me about 3 and a half months to lose the 35 pounds I had left. I have now been a lifetime member for 15 years. Weight Watchers has a special plan for nursing moms so that you are getting everything you (and your little one) need. Good luck!

I am a life time member of WW and I LOVE it! It really teaches you the way to eat and encourages a healthly lifestyle. I got back on after I had my daughter and loved the fact that I could eat 10 pts. more a day because I was breastfeeding and hungry all the time, too. Good luck!

I am currently breastfeeding my 6 month old as well and have been successfully doing WW since she was 7 weeks. I've lost 25 pounds, and have about 5 - 7 more until I'm happy with the way my old clothes fit. I've loved being on the program, I go to meetings so I'm held accountable for my weight and having to weigh and measure everything helps me to not overeat. As a nursing mom you get 10 extra points a day and I find it's plenty. The trick is to make healthy, high fiber, high protein choices so that you feel full. The WW site has a message board for new moms as well so you can find a lot of advice and suggestions there. Good luck, I hope this helps!
Jen

I don't have direct personal experience, but I can tell you that my sister, 2 best friends, and my cousin all did weight watchers and loved it - they found it very easy (they all did the points thing so it was easy once they got the hang of it) - I think they all did online meetings as opposed to actually going somewhere - my cousin even within 1 month of giving birth was back on it - she is breastfeeding too, but she says they tailor it to what your needs are (obviously a breastfeeding mom needs more calories per day than someone who is not) - I have even been told it is great for someone who is diabetic cause like I said the program can be tailors to you specifically and what your needs are

I have no experience with WW, but from personal experience and discussion with a few doctors/nurses wanted to mention something:
Chances are, you're not that hungry, you're really thirsty. When I first had my baby, I thought I was hungry all the time, then I realized how much more water I was supposed to be drinking, and the more I drank water, the less hungry I was. People think it's hard to mistake the two, but it's really not.

Go for it! I joined weight watchers when my daughter was about 9 months old and still nursing lots. They have a nursing mother's program that accounts for the additional calories you burn while breastfeeding and it worked great for me. I lost 17 lbs in about 3 months (faster than they suggest but that's how it worked for me) and have kept it off for 5 years now.

Good luck!
T.

My mom has been on weight watchers twice in her life. When I was younger she was in the 300lb range and she went down to a size 7 (which I wore). She ended up in the Weight Watchers Magazine. Now I am 35 I also have a weight problem now. After having 2 kids and working in a bakery I have went from a size 7 to a size 18!! My mom gained alot of weight back in the last 3 years because he dad (my grandfather) died and its just depressed her bad. So she started Weight Watchers again in October of last year on her birthday and she has lost 68 pounds so far. I now started about 6 weeks ago and have lost 11 pounds. My sister in law is 15 years old and was 190 pounds. She was wearing a 12 - 14 and she joined in January and she is down to a size 7/8. It works but you have to have in your mind you are going to do it. What I like about its is they have 2 programs to choose from. A core diet or a points diet. We are all on the points diet. You can each just about anything but you have to stay in your points. They have a book for resteraunts that break down your points in food when eating out. als Applebees has a specific weight watchers menu and alot of groceries are coming out with the same.
My moms friend does not cook and they eat out all the time. She has been on since March and has lost 42 pounds so far just following the points when she goes out to eat. you will be surprised how much you get to eat in a day and how full you will be. It really isnt like a painful, eat only salads diet. Or like some of those diets that you have to buy their frozen foods.
I hope this helped.

Hi N.,
First congrats on your new little one and wishing to stick with breastfeeding for a year. I did the weight watcher program before I was pregnant and I lost 15 pounds rather quickly. After my second child, a stay in the hospital and almost 2 months on steroids, I could not lose the weight and decided to try WW again but did not have time to go to the meetings. I used my previous knowledge and research on-line. My husband made me a googe/excel spreadsheet that tallys and calculates my points based on teh WW formulas. The benefit was it got my husband interested in the program and my neighbor. We are all using the spreadsheet. We have our own little program going on here. The most important thing about WW is not about the food/intake of food but having to share your progress with people. I find that if I own my weight loss then it is easier to keep going. I have lost 40 lbs since February. I feel fantastic.

I guess I am saying....try it. It can't hurt. There is a ton of information on the internet too. Make it work for you.

For the poster who was very anti-WW due to reduction of calories and that resulting in the possible milk depletion. I understand that reducing your caloric intake could deplete your milk supply. WW does have a program for pregnant and nursing women. Also, exercise is a good idea; however, too aggressive or intense workouts can also deplete your milk supply and injur your milk ducts. So if you are going to exercise, which is a must, be sure you are doing low impact exercises such as walking. Also don't wear a sport bra. The constriction can also cause a drop in milk supply and hurt!

I hope this helps. Good luck!!! Remember to find to talk to about what to eat, when to eat, etc. It really does help.

Hi N.,

I think Weight Watchers is great. I've tried it several times over the years and have always lost weight. I don't know why I always quit the program and, of course, I gain it all back. The program is fairly easy and you can basically eat anything but you just have to stay within your point range. The reason that I like WW is because you eat actual food, you don't have to purchase their food. I rejoined again this past March and I have already lost 35 lbs but I have a lot more to lose than you. Good luck in whatever plan you choose to take on and congratulations on your new baby. Enjoy him now, they grow so fast and then they have grandchildren which are even greater. I have six grandsons. They don't live too close to me so I don't get to see them very often.

Take care,

Debbie

Hi there! I did ww while nursing and had success for a while. They have a program that allows extra calories (points) for nursing. There was a point when my milk stopped coming in. I added more calories to my diet and it came right back it...I have to warn you, it was pretty traumatic for me and the baby for the two weeks it took to get back on track, so be careful! With my subsequent children I decided it wasn't worth it and chose to wait until a full year had passed before changing my habits. Six months doesn't really make much of a difference in the whole scheme of things. It's a very personal choice.
Good luck!

Hi N.,

I am a lifetime member of WW and I love it. Have you gone to a meeting recently? I would highly recommend going because they will work with you on what you can do to loose weight and not have to worry about dwindling your milk supply. Also, if you have not gotten it, get the online tools from Weightwatchers.com. I have them and they are a BIG help. I've been maintaining my weight for a little over a year now and the online tools really help me to remember what I've done to keep the weight off.
Also, if you have the Week 1 book, retake the daily points quiz. You will find that it is different from when you first started. I retake it about once a month to be sure nothing has changed.
Another thing I do is eating the right foods that my body needs. Every person is different, so for me to tell you to eat more fiber foods may not be what you need. Talk to a WW leader and attend the meetings. If you need a meeting to go to, let me know and you can attend mine. It's on Monday nights at 6 pm or if you need to go at a different time, check out weightwatchers.com and click on "find a meeting". Don't make your desire to loose weight stress you out, you'll be fine. God Bless.

I've never tried WW, but rather than cutting back on calories and jeapordizing your milk supply, exercise instead! Remember that nursing your baby (and all the difficulties that may come with it, like not being able to lose weight) are just temporary. And it flies by. Before you know it he'll be weaning and you'll have a chance to get your body back the way you'd like it:-))) Good luck to you!

I'm a Lifetime member & former employee of Weight Watchers currently back onn the program after having my daughter, however, I'm not breast feeding. I do have friends that have done both. Are you using your 10 breast feeding points? Its 2 points per breast feeding session. My friends have said that you really need to use them so your milk supply doesn't diminish. They have said you need to use them on healthy choices, no junk. So, lots of protein, fruits/veggies. Have you heard the saying, "Nine months on, nine months off"? If worst comes to worst, then you wait until you wean to lose the weight.

I joined when my daughter was nine months old and I lost thirty pounds in about seven months. I would definately join while you are still nursing as you get extra points for nursing which makes it even easier to get started in the program. It is a very healthy and permanent solution if you stick to it and relearn how to eat. Good luck.

Hi! I'm not on WW, however I actually have four friends on it now. They all love it. They love the freedom it gives them and know-how... best of all it works! Get this, I know someone that lost 80 lbs with it after she had a baby (that was 10 years ago, but it's still the same idea now...) I recommend it from what I hear. Also, to be sneaky, you really could just pay for the first couple months because by then you get an idea of the "point system" on your own (one of my friends took that approach).