Weigh****chers, O.A., or T.O.P.S. After WLS . . .

Do you have experience with Weigh****chers or O.A. or T.O.P.S. after wls?

Hubby and I have both gained weight and are thinking of joining one of these organizations.  We are hoping to gain benefits from a weekly weigh-in and support for a better eating program. 

Any feedback about these programs and how they have helped you after wls would be appreciated.

Cindy P.

Hi Cindy,

I think all support groups are beneficial. WW makes you accountable because they weigh you each week and offer recipes etc. I've been that route many times and many people here go post WLS.

I have gone back to OA (they don't weigh you there) because I am always a compulsive over eater and I love the 12-step program which offers a spiritual recovery for addicts (me). Doctors could operate on my stomach but not my brain (the source of my REAL problem).

I'd love to be in contact with anyone else that goes to OA. Anyone out there????

I've been a member of WW for years and years.  I went back for the last 30 pounds or so to goal - not to utililze their eating plan but to utilize the support, information and accountability. Two years later,  I still go every week when I am in town (and since I'm a lifetime member, it's free).  I think it is a powerful tool to help me stay close to my goal. If I gained, I have a weekly reminder and the motivation to get that weight off by next week.

I love the members of my WW class, and the leader is wonderful. I had to shop around, because not all leaders and all class environments are created equal, if you know what I mean.

Cindy,

I've continued with TOPS for the weekly weighins. However, I've recently been re thinking OA.( belonged years ago. It's the head thing that is so screwed up. I have a hard time with any formal religions and the higher power concept is hard for me too. I'm so stubborn and continue to think that I should be able to be totally self sufficient. Why I wonder? I've never succeeded in bending the entire world in my direction tho I continue to try. Letting go is very difficult if not impossible for me. Tho I know that I CAN'T control everyone and everything I continue to try. I had all of the 12 step books. Got rid of them when we moved; now thinking about joining again. It is our heads that are so screwed up. I think it would be wonderful to share a program like OA with a spouse.  OA doesn't weigh you but you and Ron could have your own weekly weighin perhaps on the day or evening that you attend a meeting. Is it good and wet in Newport? Sure is here in Chehalis and windy too. Miss you.

Karen:

It HAS been wet here and windy too.  Another big storm headed our way tonight/tomorrow.

Ron doesn't seem too keen on the 12 step thing.  I've heard from others, that OA is a great program.  But, I also think that a weekly weigh in would be helpful.  Does TOPS deal with the realtionship we have with food? 

Our surgeon is of the opinion that the only support groups his patients should attend are those that he puts on.  However, they are 108 miles (round trip) away and it is hard to get over there for them. 

I need to be around others who are fighting the same food demons I am.  (Namely, I can eat to soothe all kinds of feellings -- and to augment celebrations as well.)  

Would you opt for OA over TOPS or do both?  

Cindy P.

Cindy,

TOPS does provide a weekly weighin and it is very inexpensive. Our local group is $4.00 per month and $20.00 a year yearly membership. Members take turns leading meetings. It all depends on  your local group. Some are really good and some are mostly social.  You can attend a meeting as a visitor. I believe there are more men in the evening meetings.  It sure doesn't cost much and your food plan is left up to you.  Or nothing wrong with doing both. I belleve you can find the locations of groups on line. OA doesn't cost anything but it does reequire "head" work which I believe we all need.

My surgeon is in Seattle 250 miles from where I live so I've relied heavily on OFF and my TOPS group.I get as much out of TOPS as I did years at WW at much much less money. Any program will work if you follow it. I think those of us years out are finding that we still have to work at it.

Karen:

I so agree about working at it.  I am an all or nothing personality.  With food.  With everything.  I just need to find a program or programs and dedicate myself and immerse myself totally in it/them. 

Ron is just over 3 years out now (I will be 6 years out in July).  He has found that the honeymoon period -- or the period where you can practically do anything and still lose weight or at leat maintain is over. 

That is a reality that we all will face at some point.

 

Hi Cindy

I joined Weigh****chers a couple of weeks ago... because I was seeing all the success my wife was having.

I am VERY pleasantly surprised at how easy it is, and how knowledgable and professional the leaders are at the meetings. I even got a postcard from the leader telling me what a good job I am doing and to keep going! ... believe me, that sure helps!

It is a very easy program to follow... and one of the most effective for me. I really like how the program makes YOU make the right choices... it is training my brain to think in a healthy way and to make the right choices, which is where my real problem is.

I would highly recommend it, and it also helps that I go with my wife...

Marc:

Thanks for  your reply to my post. 

I have done Weigh****chers in the past.  The first time I did it, I reached my personal goal weight and was very successful.  Subsequent times, not so.  It's kind of like the honeymoon period after wls for me, I guess. 

I'm thinking I might just visit all three programs here and see if one or more stands out to me as the best fit for my needs. 

Doing something -- ANYTHING -- will help.  I've been so totally out of control. 

Like everyone says, the surgeon operated on my stomach -- not my brain. 

Cindy P.

As soon as I could have solid food I tracked my points, lost 138 pound a year ago September, due family issues I have been on maintainence for about 3 months, Now I want to lose Ten more pounds, and Wei****wat***** is my first choice. I eat what I am hungry for (just allot less of it.  but the plan makes me think about what I am putting in my mouth. Not sure the surgery alone would have saved me, I LOVE junk food, and you can eat chips chocolate, cookies instead of meals your taste buds are happy but your body is not  it is sooooo easy to go back to your old ways. .....look at my profile I do and I do not want to go back to that, I weigh daily and monitor just like driving a car, If you don'****ch the speedomter, next thing you know your going 50 MPH in a 35MPH zone