WW Meetings Matter....

Meetings Matter

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After

Before Name Elizabeth Age 36 Height 5'0.5" Was 192 lbs Lost 35.4 lbs* Weight 156.6 lbs As of 28/07/2009 *Results Not Typical A funny thing happened when I decide to go back to meetings; the weight started coming off again!

A hiatus from meetings made Elizabeth painfully aware that they are the key to her success.

I work as an administrative assistant for a vascular surgeon. My sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition had contributed to some weight gain through the years. Because I am around doctors all day, I became concerned when I noticed that my feet and ankles were swelling. I had gone from a size 10 shoe to a 12 in no time. I asked one of the doctors in the office to take a quick look and was shocked when the doctor informed me that I had developed edema, a swelling caused by fluid in your body's tissues. The main cause of edema is eating a poor diet high in salt and carbohydrates.

Nutrition knowledge
The diagnosis was the wake-up call that I needed, and I started to change my eating habits, tackling weight loss on my own. I had a small amount of success, but became frustrated and decided I needed some additional support. I joined Weight Watchers meetings and started following the POINTS® Weight-Loss System. I immediately fell in love with the plan and all that I was learning. I quickly realised that I simply had lacked knowledge of proper nutrition. Suddenly I had resources and information about how to feed my body to keep it healthy.

As time went on, I decided that I would stop attending meetings and could continue on my own with the plan. Within a few weeks I realised that without the accountability and support of the meeting I was putting the weight back on. I got scared. I saw myself going right back to where I had started. As difficult as it was, I took myself back to meetings and the support and accountability I enjoyed there.

Return and lose
A funny thing happened when I decide to go back; the weight started coming off again! As I sat there the second time through, I realised something. During every meeting I received not only the tips and education I needed to lose the weight, but got well needed support from people who were going through exactly what I was. This isn’t a simple process and being around others who struggle along with you is inspiring.

I love the new me. I can finally buy clothing that I like in stores and have energy and confidence that I thought was gone for good. In meetings I learned skills that have helped me tackle cultural, emotional and physical challenges. I am active and healthy and there is no looking back for me now!

Elizabeth’s tips
Think about your goals. Attend meetings. Learn how to read nutrition labels. Exercise. Only you have the power to take charge of what goes in your body. Have the will power to say no. Dance while cleaning and when out at parties! It's good to keep yourself moving and music always helps! Remember you are never a failure. If mess up one day, the next day is a new beginning.