Posts: 7,019
9/30/12 9:14 A

Welcome to the SP team.
SP has made a gigantic difference in my life and has the potential to save and change all lives.

current weight: 148.8

219 196.75 174.5 152.25

130

Posts: 6,628
9/29/12 6:03 P

my sister walks 15,000 steps a day at 63 years old and has lost 105 pounds. she went from a size 24 to a size 10. all her health issues dropped off as the 105 pounds dropped off.

i gave up grain and sugary products and have lost 44 pounds at age 60. i went from a size 18 to a size 10 shorts and medium tops from a 1 or 2x.

we are both still loosing weight until we reach our goal

SparkPoints: (91,112)
Fitness Minutes: (1,638)
Posts: 13,264
9/29/12 5:16 P

current weight: 192.4

213 200.75 188.5 176.25

164

SparkPoints: (13,958)
Fitness Minutes: (5,860)
Posts: 999
9/29/12 3:58 P

Hi, GRAM, and welcome to the team. Many of us are Spark returnees and I have done WW too with the same results - I gain back the weight. What Sharon said is spot on - Spark teaches you how to develop a new relationship with food - not just find substitutes for the junk you are used to eating that fits within a point or calorie count. There are wonderful tools on this site as well as the team support - and it's FREE

Here is my best advice - not complicated and it works: 1) Use your Nutrition Tracker faithfully, every single day, and print out the daily report on that page so you can make sure you are getting the proper balance of fats, carbs, and protein. This will keep you honest and accountable for your choices. Checking your report each day is critical - you want to make sure you are getting the right % of nutrients and not just eating empty calories. Remember, it is possible to stay within your calorie range eating "junk" but that isn't going to promote weight loss and it certainly won't maintain it in the long run ; 2) Find a few exercises/activities you actually ENJOY doing and then do them 3-4X a week. If you like what you are doing the chances are much better that you will stick with it ; 3) Stay active with your Team(s) because this is the place you will get encouragement, motivation, and support - including hugs on those days when things are especially tough! and; 4) Try to have fun with this journey to slimness and better health! It's a given that if you enjoy something you will stick with it!

One last thought: it isn't important how fast or slowly you lose your weight. This is one area where 'slow and steady wins the race' is more then just some old cliche . Spark teaches you a new lifestyle and you need time to re-educate yourself and develop a new relationship with food .

You might want to set up your Spark Page too so that your friends can send comments, encouragement, and Spark Goodies to you! Getting a Goodie from a Spark Friend can really make your day!

Carol AZ

current weight: 142.5

154 146.75 139.5 132.25

125

SparkPoints: (152,281)
Fitness Minutes: (67,071)
Posts: 12,860
9/29/12 10:46 A

SparkPoints: (72,105)
Fitness Minutes: (18,763)
Posts: 15,696
9/29/12 10:25 A

Hi and welcome to both of you. Weight Watchers is a great program, but only if you follow t for the rest of your life. To lose weight and keep it off we have to make permanent changes to our lifestyle (the way we eat, the amount of exercise we get, the amount of sleep, etc). If we don't make those changes permanent we will regain the weight and many times even more than we lost. Make one small change at a time and keep at it until it becomes a habit, then move on to the next change. Trying to change everything at the same time is overwhelming, that's why SP recommends "baby steps".

current weight: 243.8

245 221.25 197.5 173.75

150

Posts: 1,588
9/29/12 9:04 A

SparkPoints: (931)
Fitness Minutes: (652)
Posts: 45
9/29/12 8:16 A

I hear you and feel the same way. I lost 30 pounds with WeightWatchers but when they closed my meeting, I ended up gaining it all back. If only I would have kept it up on my own. Well here we are and being no cost is a big factor for me anyway. I'm really disgusted that all the new clothes I bought no longer fit and how I let myself go. I guess the phrase If not now, when suits us - we are not getting any younger. Good luck on your weight loss journey.

SparkPoints: (43)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 5
9/29/12 6:03 A

Hi Spark People... This is my second attempt with Spark People, but this time I am committed to visiting the site daily and making friends who will help me reach my goal. I joined Weight Watchers in February of 2012 and lost 40 pounds but have started to gain some back (about 4 pounds). It works and it's a great program but the cost is becoming prohibitive. Many stresses in my life so I'm looking for some pointers and "chatters". Thanks...