Help Please!! Jenny Craig Vs. Weight Watchers Vs. South Beach Diet??

I started South Beach a week ago, I've lost 7.5 lbs. I find the program very do-able and practical. I cannot tell you yet about long-term weight loss. Good luck!

I say Weight Watchers. Its easy to follow, I use the online program and attend meetings once a week. Also if you follow the "good health" eating guidelines that WW reccomends its very balanced.

Just throwing in my 2 cents.
L.

Hi Y.,

I had a baby 3 months ago and am considering Weight Watchers again. I did it a few years ago and lost 59 pounds in only 2 1/2 months! It was very easy to follow.

Good luck!

Dear, dear Y.: Five months is a VERY short time to lose 61 pounds. If following a healthful plan, the most you should be losing is 2 lbs a week -- which would be about a 40-lb loss for you by your deadline. Even that is a lot for such a short amount of time.

Think about this: Your fiance clearly loves you as you are. He's going to marry you whether you're 200 lbs or 150. Please, please consider, instead of focusing on an unrealistic goal weight, focusing on developing more healthy habits that will last you a lifetime. Sure, you can get down to 150, but you should do it slowly, while changing your habits along the way so you don't just gain all the weight back and have to lose it again -- a very unhealthy pattern that usually means you get even bigger (I know, I've been there, and I'm in the process of trying to break those bad habits that keep crawling back into my life). You can also develop heart and kidney problems with too much yo-yo'ing, as well as joint and bone problems.

Please talk to a doctor before you join up with any weight loss program. Of the three you mentioned, I think Weight Watchers is probably the best because you eat real food from the beginning, you learn about portions, and you have the built-in support of other people trying to lose weight too. But you should be under the care of a doctor to make sure you are taking a safe, healthy approach.

Best of luck to you, I know you can get to where you want to be. Just think of your health and do it safely!

My stepmom worked for Jenny Craig briefly and didn't like it. The job was basically all about selling the food and making money for the Jenny Craig firm. A friend of mine was on Jenny Craig and found it to be very expensive. South Beach is wrong because it cuts out an essential food group. Any diet that cuts a whole class of nutrients (e.g. carbs) is wrong because your body needs all of those nutrients. Low-carb diets have resulted in things like memory loss and ketosis. I don't know about Weight Watchers, but that company is also out there to make money. The diet industry exists to make money off of people who want a quick fix. Most diets fail because people go back to their old eating habits when they stop the diet after reaching their goal weight. The Mediterranien Diet, another diet fad, is wonderful if you're a Greek goat herder who's walking 10 miles a day. But it doesn't work with people with a typical American lifestyle.

The best way to lose weight, and keep it off, is a combination of diet and exercise. Slowly replace the high calorie foods in your diet with lower calorie substitutes. For example, have a bowl of fruit out instead of a bowl of candy or chips. Or if you drink a lot of soda, substitute 12 oz. of water for one can of cola. Allow yourself some of your favorite junk foods once in a while to avoid feeling deprived and then wanting to binge. Instead of cutting certain foods totally out of your diet, cut back on the amount that you eat. Cut your meal portion size to about 90% of what you currently eat. The weight will come off slower (1-2 lbs./week is what most doctors recommend), but it will stay off for good.

The other component to keeping the weight off is exercise. You don't have to join a gym; simply walk around your neighborhood or other nice place. Pushing your baby in a stroller while walking will also burn extra calories. Use stairs instead of elevators and park a little further away from the stores at the mall. Use the money that you'd spend on diet foods and books for a nice pair of comfortable walking shoes. I know people who lost over 100 lbs and kept it off with a combination of walking and dietary changes. There are also a lot of exercise videos and DVDs that you can either buy or check out from your local library if you are self-conscious about exercising outdoors (or if the weather is bad). Exercise is great because it helps to speed up your metabolism, which burns calories, even for several hours after you have finished your exercise session.

Not only you, but your family will benefit from you having a healthier diet and exercising. As Dr. Phil says, your kids may not be listening to you, but they are watching you. Eating healthier and exercising are wonderful examples to set for your kids. It will motivate them to have good eating and exercise habits for their whole lives.

I used the Weight Watchers point system on-line and really liked it - would have actually had more success if I stuck to it! One of my hurdles is trying to stick to a 'diet plan' while still cooking food for my DC and DH that THEY like. I found a program www.dietpower.com that I REALLY like. It is not a diet plan, but more of a nutritional software program. You just enter what you are eating and how much you are exercising and it calculates EVERYTHING for you for the day. I believe there is a free trial you can download on-line and even if you go with a diet plan, I would still recommend this software, because it also gives you a breakdown of your vitamin and minerals for the day.

Hi Y.,

Congrats on your baby! I used Jenny Craig in the past and was very successful. I lost 25 pounds in 5 months - very healthy and realistic. The tip with any diet plan you choose, is you have to stick to it! I stayed 100% to the plan for the first 4 weeks and then would only reward myself at certain milestones (first 10 pounds, etc.) The first few days I was really hungry as my body adjusted to consuming fewer calories, but soon found myself not even eating the dessert at the end of the day because I wasn't hungry. I had a baby in May, and went in to renew my membership and they came up with a different plan for me at that time since I was nursing. I am planning on going back in this week to get started again - have about 15 pounds to lose from the baby weight.
Good luck and you can do it!

Hi Y.,
I would recommend Weight Watchers. I am doing the online version where you track your own food and activity.
I really like it a lot and have lost 12 lbs so far. I really like it because I can eat the foods I want to and that I know are healthy. Not pre-prepared or processed foods like some plans have. Good luck, and don't forget to hit the gym/exercise very very regularly! You can't do it without the exercise.
C.

I am going to try Weight watchers. My mom who is 50 now has tried every weight loss plan since I was born and none worked. The WW plan worked for her she has lost some 45 pounds so far and she eats A LOT. My daughter and I lived with her for a month when our house was being painted and I actually lost 5 pounds just eating dinner that she cooked and it was yummy!!! And I ate till I was completely thanksgiving full and could eat not another bite. THat's the kind of diet I am all about. She said there's not a minute in the day that she's hungry and Best of all I think she said it's like $15 a week or something and for a stay at home mom like me that's great since the others are expensive not including the price of food... Anyway whatever you choose good luck. I am in the same boat. My daughter had me up 80 pounds putting me at 255 when she was born. She's almost 2 and I am still stuck at 105 after just breastfeeding and the occasional trip to 24 hour fitness. As soon as our finances shape up after the holidays I'll be signing on for WW.

Y.,

I have been on so many diets over the years including all the diets listed above. Here's what I have experienced with each of them: Jenny Craig, though it works, after a while all the food tastes the same and it all tastes very fake (because it is)!!! You are almost starving most of the time... not good. South Beach Diet is good, but very severe. You can loose weight fast, but it is not realistic as far as living your life on a daily basis. Weigh Watchers seems to be the best, and you keep the weight off the longest. It is all about points, and you eating (basically) what you want keeping portions in mind. Also, there have been many studies which I have followed over the years (do to my fluctuation in weight), and I have found that Weight Watchers keeps the pounds off the longest as well as teaching you about food! Anyhow, good luck, and remember that you only need to loose 4 lbs. a week! Good luck and congratulations on your wedding!
Best regards,
M.

Hi Y.
First...you are doing the best thing...breast feeding. I gained 45 lbs with my singles and 65 with my twins, and EVERY time I not only got back into my pre-maternity clothes, but actually lost enough to be my age 16 weight. It takes about 6 months to lose the 65 lbs. BUT...I wish I had known about Isagenix back then (but it's only 6 yrs old) it is the most amazing nutrional/cleanse program! I have my daughter in law on it, she just gave birth 4 wks ago and is losing 5 lbs a week....and is breast feeding too.
I would also strongly suggest NO diets...only healthy eating! NO sugar and no soda. And I just read the new Suzanne Summers book and again I wish I had this years ago...the doctors she talks to in the book have unlocked all the weight and health issues...they really do have the answers! If you want to talk personally about the Isagenix you can call me at ###-###-####...it has been a God-send for me and my weight issues (because when you stop breast feeding...alot of the weight comes back!) and also my health issues are gone.
K.

I lost 30 pounds in 9 weeks on the 6 week body makeover about 4 years ago. Provida is the company to google. I dont like to think of it as a diet, it is a lifestyle change. You eat 5 small meals all day long and the food is based on your body type. If you are serious about losing weight, this works. I kept the weight off even after I stopped doing the plan. After I got married last year I started eating horribly and I gained back about 25 pounds. So I am back on the diet and I have lost 15. I had tried everything before I saw an infomercial for this plan. It is hard, but it works!

Weight Watchers worked best for me. You eat real food with no restrictions and you learn about proper food choices and portion control. However, Weight Watchers is not fast. You probably would not make your 60 pound goal in 5 months.

Good luck!

Sorry, I haven't tried either but I do have a solution. I am in the wellness industry and I offer natural products that will help you lose weight and feel great.

For More Information visit my site www.4mybodyandsoul.com
and click on the tab that say weight loss challenge.

Their is also a link available to hear testomonies.

Thanks,

L.
www.4mybodyandsoul.com
www.lakeishah.youngevityonline.com

Hi Y....definately Weight Watchers, I did it before and lost 25lbs, my hubby and I are going to our 1st weigh in after starting a week ago and we are having fun doing it together....its very easy and works...happy weight loss!!!

M.

Sounds like everyone here agrees...

I have had success with WW and South Beach. More so with South Beach (there is a new book out with additional foods, recipes, and an interval walking/work out plan), however, I'd go with WW until you're done breastfeeding, since it is the most balanced approach. Also, South Beach can make you very tired those first couple weeks without carbs, and energy is something you might not be able to spare!

Good luck!

Y.,
I did the Weight Watchers Diet and it worked. They don't want you losing more than 3lbs on the average per week. You can actually eat regular food, but cutting your portions is what they really work on. They show you how to eat right and healthy, plus EXERCISE! Walking can be extremely good, and you will get your weight off with just walking fast. You can do exercise CDs if you want too. I lost 30 lbs and it worked very well. A friend lost 100 lbs and she looked great afterwords. My sister likes to do Jenny Craig, but it cost a lot more. She also exercised doing treadmill and walking. I liked the company at the W.W. The people were so supportive and I got some great recipes, and good ideas. When others are trying to lose weight also, they sympathize with you. Very nurturing and sometimes quite funny.

Hope this helped some.

E.:)

Having done them all..the best by far was Weight Watchers...cause it's not a diet, it's a program that teaches you a healthy lifestyle. I have just gone back myself after having my second child and it's going great. This is my third time on WW. I first joined WW to loose weight to become healthy in order to have my first child. Went back after having my second, lost all the weight and then now I'm back again after the second child. It's a no fail and you'll thank yourself..plus they have a special program just for breastfeeding moms. Good luck to you!

I lost all my pregnancy weight and then some doing the lactating weight watchers. Most important is the maintanence once you lose. and be easy on yourself.

The Flat Belly Diet from Prevention Magazine lets you eat your favorite foods (mine, anyway; dark chocolate, avocados, nuts, sunflower seeds, humus....) and teaches you quantities. You must eat 4 times a day, every 4 hours and have a Moofa (monounsaturated fat) with each meal. I only needed to lose a few pounds, but the great thing is I lost inches - from my abdomen, my hips and my waist! My husband lost 20 pounds so far - we started before the holidays - the week before Thanksgiving, which means many transgressions, yet amazing results! If you want support, then Weight Watchers is the way to go.

Dear Jolanda!

I agree NO DIETS! Just eat healthy food. I lost 40 pounds after my second pregnancy with exercise and clean food and now I feel great and I'm still breastfeeding my 20 months little girl. The change is for all YOUR LIFE!
BE HEALTHY- BE HAPPY
You can do it!

I'm on a couple of breastfeeding list serves and I nursed my first until he was 2 and my second to 18 months. Most of the folks I know (myself included) stuck to weight watchers while nursing. They have a program specifically for nursing mothers. I don't know much about Jenny Craig but I'd recommend you ask them if they have a plan for nursing mothers. If they don't, I'd skip it. You need to make sure you are consuming enough calories and fat to continue producing enough (and high enough quality) milk. It is a delicate balance to get enough and still be able to lose weight. Even with weight watchers, you need to make sure you are getting your points from nutrient-dense sources (food not junk) so your body can do what it needs to do. I would avoid the South Beach Diet or any other high protein diet. I've read too many horror stories about moms who ended up with babies with intestinal bleeding. Babies aren't designed to cope with the flood of proteins and ketones that get into your breastmilk as a result from a high protein diet. You put your baby at risk for internal bleeding, anemia and food allergies. High protein diets really aren't healthy to begin with but they can really wreak havoc with a breastfed infant. Lots of folks will tell you that what you eat doesn't effect your breastmilk but that is BS. Your nutrition effects your baby's nutrition.

Congratulations on your baby and your wedding!

T.

Weight Watchers is the healthiest then South Beach ok too, but not Jenny Craig. Keep up the great job breastfeeding. Rmember to eat and drink plenty of healthy foods to keep up your milk supply. Walk, try pilates or yoga... make small lifestyle changes so that they'll last. You can't drink diet shakes forever and will gain the weight back once you start eating normal foods. That's why WW is a good one. Hang in there, lasting weightloss takes time.

When I was trying to lose baby weight after number two, while still breastfeeding, both my OB and my pediatrician advised me that Weight Watchers was the only safe diet to use while still breastfeeding. You should probably consult with one or both doctors, as you need to be careful not to restrict caloric/nutrient intake in harmful ways while breastfeeding.

Hello, Y.,

Is it only a consideration between these three? Could you consider NOURISHING your body into balance, for a lifetime? (Side effect being weight loss, of course!)

Please feel free to contact me.

To your Well Being,

T.

Hi Yoland,

Being a professional dieter, I weighted 30 pounds at a year old, I have tried all three. They have all worked temporarily. You have got to adopt a healthier eating and exercise pattern for life or you'll yo-yo which is unhealthy. If I had to choose, I'd do South Beach since it is the closest in the way I'm am losing weight now.
I am on a low glycemic healthy eating plan for life. I too have a business in the weight loss industry. My company makes a product that naturally reduces the Lepin levels in your body so that the weight around your middle is targeted.
Our clincal trials, double placebo study, participant, averaged over a 8 week period a lose of 21.5 pounds of FAT, with a almost 4 inches off their waist.
I can only recommend the product to you once you stop nursing since we have not done clinical trials to rule out any negative effects on your infant. But healthy eating I can recommend whole heartedly.
Low glycemic eating does not cut out carbs, but helps you select high fiber carbs over calorie laden empty ones. My meals consist of mostly veggies. Half my plate is veggies, 4-6 ounces of lean meat or 2 omega-3 eggs, and 1/2 cup of beans, peas, carrots, brown rice, whole wheat pasta el dente', unsweeten yams, an ear of corn, or two corn tortias. I use olive oil, canola oil, avocados, nuts and seeds.
All I know is that I starved myself down to lose 144 pound weight over a 29 month period. I kept yo-yoing the last 40. Since I started eating a low glycemic diet, taking my company's product, it has stablized the full loss of 144 pounds and have gone on to lose an additional 38 pounds and over 11 inches off my waist in 12 short weeks. I have a lot more to lose.
BYW: I am exercising 1/2 hour a day with Jodi Stolove DVD "Sit Down and Tone Up". It's great because I am wheelchair bound and all of her videos are done sitting.

If you would like to understand the science behind my weight loss product, go to:

http://www.FitAndFatFree4ever.com

"A waist is a terrible thing to mind" :^D

Good Luck ~ F.

It really all depends on your mind frame. Jenny Craig is working for me at this point, because I needed something easy in my life. Pre packaged foods and add your own veggies and fruit and milk. I've lost 17 lbs in 11 weeks.
I've done WW and loved it, but fell off due to other things in my life and I lost track of myself and gained a bunch of weight. But it takes planning, making meals, preparing..etc. Something I just couldn't deal with at this time.

Everyone is different so you need to go with what you think will be best for you. Keep in mind, they ALL work if you follow the guidelines and add in exercise.

I have tried both Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig and can tell you that diets don't work! You may lose weight temporarily, but you gain it back. I started walking every day and watching my calorie intake and have been at my ideal weight for about 10 years (except during pregnancy of course). That is the ONLY way to do it. Good luck!

Everyone had great tips. I wish you luck.

I lost all my 40 lbs plus 5 more in 4 months by exercising 6 days a week (cardio 3 days and weights 3 days). I ate very clean, i.e. lots of protein, low carbs, low fat, minimal sugar. It's very tough but well worth it. My milk supply didn't go down at all.

Good luck!

Hi Y.!!!

I did weight watchers and love it!
My son was 6 months when i start and my goal was to loose 35 pounds by the time he was one! I did!!!!!
I'm 5'9 also and my start weight was 204!
Weight watchers is way to go!
Also i keep the weight off too!
You can do it!
Good luck!!!!
Ps: and i was nursing him too! And i did until he was 17 months, did not effect my milk supply at all!

WW has a special plan for breast feeding mothers. Personally their points system works for me, but it all depends on YOU! Good luck.

I actually worked at Jenny Craig years ago... as a "counseler."
It works. Even Doctors would sent their patient's to us.
Again, it works IF the person follows it and is diligent. Like anything else.

The menu is planned, the food tastes good, you go in once a week to meet with them, there is no "pressure" (at least at the center I worked at), you buy your food from them weekly, you have a program of food and exercise. It's a no brainer. And the counselors are there to help motivate you, listen to you and your concerns and help trouble shoot you.

They also have different "menus" and food to address peoples food preferences, ie: vegetarians etc.

We had heart patients, post-baby weight Moms, lactating/breastfeeding-Moms, vegetarians, lacto-ovo vegetarians, obese, over weight, diabetic customers, even children (under Doctor's orders), and even entire families, men and women... ALL "ordered" to attend the Jenny Craig per their Doctor. One of my loyal clients was even a highly regarded federal judge. And he did well on it.

Again, I worked there years ago. So I don't know what it is like now. But, working there as an employee was also a nice experience. I didn't experience much negativity there. Some clients were also "lifers"...in other words, going to Jenny Craig was a "habit" and easy for them.. so they would just keep coming back because they liked it but never really stuck to the program... hence, they didn't have much "success" with it. So is why again I say... a program is only as successful as you make it.

All the best, and I really wish you much success,
Susan

Hi Y.,

Having studied nutrition for several years, I will recommend against the South Beach Diet while you are breast feeding. It is a high protein diet, which will put you in ketosis...not appropriate while breast feeding.

What I say now is my personal opinion.... I do not recommend weight loss while breast feeding, because when you loose weight and the stored fat is released to make energy for your body, you release the toxins you have stored as well (it is stored in our fat).

I understand where you are coming from though, -I am currently 40 lbs. overweight, because I am breast feeding my daughter. (I did the same with my son). And I can´t wait to get rid of the extra weight :-)

So if you must loose weight while breast feeding, be sensible about it, and loose 1-2 lbs. per week. So you should make good progress before your weeding :-)

Good luck.

Congratulations on your new baby and the upcoming wedding. I gained 53 lbs with my son so I totally understand your fustrations with losing the weight. It took me about a year to lose most of it and believe it or not I still have 10 stubborn pounds to go but I keep plugging away.

It looks like you are putting yourself on a time limit to lose weight in 5 months and that is NEVER a good thing to do. I have done many diets and even had a eating disorder when I was a teenager and I can tell you diets NEVER work. You need to adjust to a new lifestyle. Because I am a vegetarian I cannot do most commercial "diets" but know a lot about nutrition and fitness. Regardless of what eating PLAN you decide to pick you have to add excercise in your daily routine...especially cardio which burns fat. Don't focus on the number on the scale but 2 major things....how you feel and how your clothes are fitting. Breastfeeding will help reduce your stomach and uterus size but it won't help you lose the weight. When I was breastfeeding I was ALWAYS hungry and if you are not careful you will start gaining weight. Remember you only need about 300-500 calories extra (depending on how much your child is eating)to provide breast milk for your child. The rest of the calories should be to provide nutrients and fuel for your body. There are many resources online...personally I like National Body Challenge website. It's free and it helps you track your foods and excercises. Weight Watchers, in my opinion is the most comprehensive plan as they give you many options (cooking, eating out, and frozen food options). Beware that eating constant frozen foods (even though they may say diet on them) don't help as they are full of preservatives and salt.....you know what happens when a body has too much fat...you retain water, etc.....
Now for excercise, which is key in weight loss. Try to find something that you would not get bored doing. In my case because I am over 35 I started doing Body Pump (because you lift weights to music). Lifing weights revs up your metabolism by building muscles. I also started doing Zumba because I love dancing and it's something that I can stick to (now I teach it at the gym). Then there is good old fashioned walking. You can go out and walk the baby on the stroller (at a fast pace ofcourse) and wear a pedometer to track your steps. Also my favorite indoor activity is walk for 30 minutes on an elyptical trainer (if you have access to one).

I hope this information is helpful! Good luck to you in 2009!

Hi Y.--

I've done them all & had some success with each....but I 1st a question:

Do you have any tendancy to be diabetic or insulin resistant? If so, I recommend South Beach. Weight Watchers & Jenny Craig especially has too many carbs.

Do you have a tendancy to gain weight around your mid section? If so, again South Beach.

I personally gain weight around my mid-section & am insulin resistant. South Beach (or anything mainly lower carb/good carb) is what works best for me.

Currently I am doing the "Cracking the fat loss code" program by Wendy Chant. It is kind of a cross between all of the above but really focuses on protein & good carbs & re-setting your metabolism (after yo yo dieting etc). So far so good!

Good luck.

Hi, Y.,

Congratulations on your weight loss so far!

I have tried none of the programs you mentioned (Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, South Beach). I have become a vegetarian, though. (Because I occasionally eat eggs, milk and other dairy products, I am not yet a vegan.) I exercise (walking, weight training and yoga) a few times a week.

When I conceived my first live child at 39, I was 5'3" and weighed 112 pounds. I was 40 years old and weighed 147 pounds when my first child was born. I weighed 143 pounds when my second was born less than 15 months later. 14 months after the birth of my second child, I weighed 107 pounds. In sum, my weight dropped 40 pounds from its highest to lowest. I think that nursing my second child, exercising a few days a week, following a vegetarian diet, and focusing on how I am physically and emotionally feeling instead of how much I weigh have helped me easily lose weight. (I still eat dessert!) High protein, meat-laden diets are not the only, and I don't think the best, way to lose weight and keep off weight.

Good luck in whatever route you decide to follow.

Lynne E

It is not safe to diet while breastfeeding. It is important to eat healthy and drink lots of water.

I would also say eith Weight watchers or south beach. Weight watchers is great because they have a program just for nursing moms to keep you healthy. But I did south beach with my first son and lost about 20 lbs in the first month, and I cheated and had milkshakes all the time. South beach is a great diet as long as you keep eating the healthy options to keep your nutrition! Good Luck and great job with breastfeeding!

Hi Yolands--and good morning!
I think all of the prgm.s you are looking at work great. The bottom line with any weight loss prgm is how motivated are you?!?! Jenny Craig is GREAT offering one on one "personal" wkly consulting meetings, weight watchers offers the wkly "group" weigh ins, and South Beach (not as familiar) will be 100% on you offering maybe some on line support. Do you need someone to cheer you on wkly or can you be your own biggest fan (as you should be :)) As far as food prep, do you want someone else to prep it for you and give you the meal plans or can you do this on your own? Each prgm offers up something diffrent.
WHAT I WOULD RECOMMEND---a long with whichever prgm you choose have a fitness plan in place as well. Take a look at strollerstrides.com!!! this is an amazingly fun outdoor fitness prgm meant for pre and postnatal mommies--i am an instructor and a participant in Rancho Santa Margarita and Ladera Rannch so first hand can tell you how much fun it is #1, #2 you will see/get results, #3 all while meeting other mommies who have or are experiencing what you are!

All my best to you in your upcoming ventures!!!
K. C

Dear Y.,

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Hello,

I am a lifetime member of both Jenny Craig (first) and Weight Watchers. I did very well on Jenny Craig. You will find the program easy to follow. That said, you do not practice the skills needed to maintain after you are off the program. They do "teach" you what you should be doing however Jenny lost when they switch over to individual weekly weight in's/consultations to the group session they used to have.

Weight watchers teaches you out of the gate what you need to do to not only loose but to maintain your weight. They also offer the "group" support which give you that "kick in the butt" to keep you going and keep you straight. You will need to put a bit more thought into the program initially but you will achieve the life skills you will need to maintain you goal weight.

I can not comment on the South Beach diet as I have not participated in it.

Best of luck!

Kathy W.
Hawaii

definitely weight watchers. weight watchers will teach you how to eat "real food" - you'll just have to count points and make sure you're staying within your point range. it's a lifestyle change and it works - i lost 20lbs and kept it off for 6 years - i'm also 5'9 and was 203lbs when i had my son - i'm now down to 160 - 20lbs to go... AND don't get discouraged with bad days - just get back on track as soon as you can.

WW is the way to go! A very successful program that has worked wonders for many people I know. I lost 20 pounds in a few months and my friend just lost 30 pounds in 2 1/2 months.

I tried South Beach and hated it because you have to totally eliminate foods and go through horrible cravings. Weight Watchers is better because you eat what you want, just less. You have to monitor yourself and figure out point values, so at first that's annoying but worth it. Don't forget with any plan, exercise is important. Just walking helped me lots after my son was born.

I have done Weight Watchers twice now. The first time I started right after my daughter was born and I lost 20lbs in about 2 months (while breastfeeding). I am currently a member after joining about 3 months ago after my son was born. I have so far lost 25lbs and am looking to go another 20. I have really enjoyed it and LOVE the meetings as my "away from the kids, house and hubby" time!