Health & Fitness
WW (Formerly Weight Watchers) Helps MKE Woman Lose 73 Pounds‡
"I was losing weight fast, and the more I lost, the more motivated I was to lose more!"
Losing weight — and keeping it off — is a lot easier when you have expert guidance from the leader in weight loss and its supportive community. WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers) just rolled out its most customized program ever, and it's poised to continue to help millions of members around the world accomplish their weight-loss and wellness goals in 2020. With myWW™, each new member takes a personal assessment which matches them with a customized program that can make losing weight easier.
While many members follow and succeed on the WW program using the WW app, those who would like a little extra expert guidance and consistent support swear by the weekly WW Workshops to keep them accountable and help them stay on track. WW Coaches host weekly 30-minute Workshops at over 800 studios nationwide.
Patti Wojciechowski is a WW member at the WW Studio Racine. Learn more about her weight-loss journey and get inspired!
Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
How did you get started with WW?
Patti: I have been heavy for most of my life. I tried so many fad diets through the years but, of course, nothing stuck. They just weren't maintainable.
I did WW to lose weight for my wedding back in 2008. It worked, but I didn't stick with it afterward. In 2011, my husband and I had a son, and although I didn't gain much weight during my pregnancy, I sure did afterward.
In 2017, my mom and one of her friends joined WW and were doing amazing. My mom kept asking me to join, and I kept blowing her off. I thought I wasn't ready, but I was more uncomfortable and heavier than I'd ever been in my life. Months went by, and I watched as my mom and her friend lived their best lives, took vacations, still ate holiday foods and even had a drink here and there — all while still on the program, losing weight and keeping the right mindset.
Finally, I decided I was ready. My mom sent me the "refer a friend" link, and in December 2018, I attended my first WW meeting. I've lost 73 pounds and never felt better!
What do you enjoy most about the WW community?
Patti: Establishing a group of people who understand, who listen without judgment and who encourage and support each other has been so helpful to me. Sharing tips and tricks is another huge benefit of belonging to a WW community. The WW Instagram page and WW Connect (WW's members-only digital community) have been fabulous resources as well. Those platforms allow us to expand our community beyond those who attend our Workshops.
What is your favorite thing about the new customized myWW program?
Patti: Members just take the myWW personal assessment, and then WW's smart algorithm matches them with their very own proven weight-loss plan. The plan matches where you are right now. When life changes, your plan can, too. It feels like a way to pivot when you get stuck
How would you describe your local WW Studio to someone who’s never visited?
Patti: It really is a place where you can come and "fill your cup" to recharge for the new week. The members are kind and supportive, the leaders and Coaches are encouraging and insightful, and there are various products you can buy and try, which helps when you are feeling like you need to try something new.
Can you share some of the topics that are discussed in a WW Workshop?
Patti: My favorite thing each week is when we talk about our successes and struggles. I think it helps to keep us all motivated yet humble, and it offers an opportunity for us to support each other. We also discuss relevant things — for example, in the summer we talked about vacations and barbecues and how to navigate them successfully.
What is your tip/technique for trying to eat healthfully around the holidays?
Patti: I would say that even if you have a slip-up — or “go rogue,” as I like to say — you can always come back and start fresh. Whether it be the next meal or the next day, you can still redeem yourself!
What's your advice for people who have a New Year’s resolution to lose weight?
Patti: Whether you have 20 pounds or 200 pounds to lose, I always suggest WW. WW works because it is maintainable in the long term. One bad day, or bad week or even bad month doesn’t mean you'll gain a ton of weight back.
Why is it important to focus on your health and wellness year-round?
Patti: Consistency is everything. You can't only sometimes do what you’re supposed to do and expect good results. It’s also important to remember that progress is the goal, not perfection.
How do you stay motivated?
Patti: In the beginning, I was my own motivation. I was losing weight fast, and the more I lost, the more motivated I was to lose more! I had some major life changes, and then my goal shifted to maintenance for a little while to get through those big changes and the holiday season. I will be switching back into losing mode soon. Seeing others making progress with their weight-loss goals has been good motivation for me as well.
How do you incorporate activity in your WW lifestyle?
Patti: I definitely have more energy and stamina now than I did a year ago — but I haven’t made exercise part of my routine quite yet. I started a new job, though, and am walking a mile a day to and from the parking structure and making sure I take the stairs up and down (sometimes three or more flights). Being more active is one of my major goals for 2020!
What is your advice for someone who wants to become healthier but doesn’t know where to start?
Patti: Focus on food first. It is the simplest way to start, and with WW's different customized programs to choose from, there is an option that appeals to everyone.
How WW Can Help You Find Success
WW is a weight-loss program that takes a people-focused, science-backed approach to promoting weight loss and healthy living. Its new program, myWW, is fully customized to make losing weight easier for you.
When you join myWW, you'll start with a personal assessment that asks a range of questions about your unique food preferences, activity level, lifestyle and approach to weight loss. Based on your responses, WW will scientifically match you with a customized, proven weight-loss plan that can make losing weight easier.
Get Started Losing Weight With WW Today!
Why Visit a WW Studio?
Every person in the WW Studio is on your side! The friendly guides and expert Coaches will quickly become your greatest motivators and sources of support to make 2020 the year you reach your weight-loss goals!
Workshops held at WW Studio locations cover topics that are relevant to weight loss, health and wellness. You can participate as much or as little as you want. There are WW Workshops during the morning, afternoon and evening, seven days a week. This gives you flexibility to attend the Workshop time/day/location that works for during any particular week and ensure your accountability network is always accessible.
Based on years of research, the WW Workshop curriculum is always evolving to bring the best science-backed techniques to help you lose weight and build healthy habits for life.
Find Your Nearest Milwaukee-Area Studio!
‡ People following the WW plan can expect to lose 1-2 lbs/wk.
