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After

Before	Name Deanna Age 39 Height 5'4" Was 161 lbs Lost   23 lbs* Weight 138 lbs *Results not typical.
As a single gal living in New York City, Deanna tried more than once to lose the extra weight. In 2003, she finally began following the POINTS® Weight Loss System to lose more than 20 pounds.*

I started the Plan in 2000, but had no big commitment until 2003. I would go to meetings for three weeks then stop going. In June 2003 I said I would really commit so I would feel good and feel healthy.

I always looked at losing weight as an authentic journey, not just a fad diet. I really had to figure out how to change the way I ate. I knew if I didn’t I wouldn’t be successful. Once I committed it was smooth sailing. Of course there were challenges along the way like learning portion control and tracking. But I was realistic in terms of what I was going to do.

Not a gym rat

I knew I wouldn’t go to the gym. I didn’t want to waste money on something I knew I wouldn’t do. I simply knew I wouldn’t go. That was one of the things that attracted me to Weight Watchers. I could lose weight eating real food and without having to go to the gym religiously.

Making substitutions

I found success changing the way I look at food. I cut out unnecessary things and made substitutions that were hardly noticeable. I switched from full fat mayo to light. I switched from sugar to other sweeteners in my tea. And sometimes tea doesn’t even need sweetener! Fruit cups or baked potato chips are better than regular chips, but are still satisfying. Whole wheat breadcrumbs are just as good. Small things like that helped me maintain my weight once I lost it.

Being accountable

Following the Weight Watchers plan I learned a lot about myself. I had to be accountable at meetings. I had to track everything I ate. I found that meetings were the most helpful because they’re interactive. I learned tips and different ways to think about weight loss. It’s such a supportive environment. Losing weight is such a personal thing, you don’t really want to announce you’re doing it. There’s a certain stigma attached to losing weight and you feel shame in that. But at meetings with like-minded people, not only do you feel welcomed, but there’s a sense of understanding from others on the same journey as you. The meetings are therapeutic. I call them my “therapy session.”

Becoming a Receptionist

I became a Weight Watchers receptionist because we’ve all been on that scale and I enjoy talking to people. I can return that understanding and show that I know what you’re going through. Sometimes the scale doesn’t say what you think it will say. Sometimes life happens and you gain. But you know there’s always a meeting and someone who will understand. I love sharing that understanding with members.