Hi Cathy! C'mon and join our merry gang on the Daily Support weekly threads. There's a bunch of us there, different ages, different diets hugging and cheering each other on, being there when needed and generally just a merry ol' gang. I've done WW online and at meetings. I found the sight very informative and encouraging. A similar sight that is absolutely free is called Spark People - check that out too for more inspiration and ideas. I did not bother with online buddy stuff because I have a close friend doing her own diet thing and we account to each other and yak about diet, healthier lifestyle going forward (lifestyle - never really diet at all). And I have found this forum the most supportive overall because I feel like part of a family here. The last few years I've been using my weight watchers books and stuff myself at home and have made my own weight loss MS Excel spreadsheets for tracking on a graph (weekly weigh-in), daily point log and a spread sheet of my favourite foods and their respective points. I've got links to different sites on the web I like. But I'm used to the old points system, not the new one. Either way reporting in at WW online weekly helps you to stay the course. Please join our merry gang if you have not already on the Daily Support - we'd love to have you join us! Cheers and welcome! Peggy Here is a link that might be useful: SparkPeople

I've been a member forever, but have not done the program in quite a few years. As far as I know, the eating plan is healthy and provides structure if you need that. Also, some people are helped by knowing they need to weigh in at the meetings so it helps keep one on the straight and narrow. But of course you do not need to fear anyone saying anything if you pick up a few pounds in a week. It happens. I've found the presentations fun, interesting and educational. I remember a man at one meeting saying that since he had lost weight, he was able to give up his diabetes meds. That made an impression on me. It would be fun to do it with friends. If you're not a joiner, maybe it's time to "step outside the box" and try something new with buddies. You could learn a lot. Back when I was a member, WW sold all kinds of measuring spoons, gadgets, magazines and other paraphenalia to help. Unless you see something you feel sure would help you, I'd pass on most of that stuff. That said--I've recently lost about 10 lbs. just by eating mostly what I want but just much less and reducing carbohydrates somewhat (not completely). Also, no cookies, candy or other sugary treats, and of course no sodas at all. I'm also walking every day. Whatever you decide, best wishes for success.

I say, go for it. I know they have a new plan, but I have found in the past, they have an excellent program. In the past I did lose most of the weight, and it wasn't too hard, but alas, it is too expensive for me. When we are on a limited income, we have to budget carefully, and WW's weekly fee seems to go up and up. I truly wish I could afford to join again (boy, do I need it1) I still have all of the leterature from when I did belong, and have decided this week end, bring it out, study it and I'm going to start my own personal WW plan. At least its a guild line to follow. Good luck to you Marita 40, if you wish, please keep us posted.

I was a member online up till about 3 months ago and I loved it. But when I got to my goal weight and then onto "lifetime" member, I didn't feel I needed to keep paying to be an online member. I do, however, go in monthly to weigh in, since it's required to maintain lifetime membership. With all that said, I loved having access to the online tools. Having been a member, you know how they encourage tracking everything you eat? I never could get into writing down everything I ate, but keeping track of it online was easier for me, and the neat thing is that as soon as you record a food online, the points, etc. are automatically figured for you. Another thing I like is that after your weekly weigh-in you can come home and record your weight online and it'll show you a graph of your losses, how much you have left to get to goal and all kinds of other good info. You could always cancel it if you really don't like it too. Good luck!