Read Shani's Blog

Now, it's more than five years since I graduated college; I'm living in New York City trying my luck in the entertainment world (along with looking for Mr. Right); and I'm ready to make a change.

Relationship with Weight Watchers

I've joined. I've quit.

I've joined again. I've quit again... and well, you get the idea.

The first time I became a member, I was super motivated. It was right after college where I put on the freshman 40. (Forget the standard 15 pounds, I was an overachiever.) I followed the program and took off most of the weight, but then I moved to New York City. Rent was expensive, my life was busy, and who had the time or money for meetings? (Funny, I never seemed to lack the cash to hang out with Ben and Jerry.) I put the weight back on. I joined again a few times, but to my disappointment just paying the weekly fee didn't take off the pounds.

Support for Weight Watchers

It seems almost everyone I know is a Weight Watchers member, was a member, is thinking about becoming one, or has a mother, sibling, etc., who took part in the program. No exaggeration. To name just a few: my mother, my aunt, my cousin, two friends in my writing group, my brother's girlfriend's mom, a co-worker and a slew of other friends. Some are Lifetime members, others have lost a lot of weight, and the rest are working up the courage to go back to a meeting. They all told me about their Weight Watchers experiences before I even considered going back on the plan. I couldn't not join.

Why I Came Back

The "right" answer is for my health. My father suffered his first heart attack in his mid-30s. He died a week after his 55th birthday. I know I need to eat right and exercise, or I could meet the same fate. But I'd be lying if I didn't say a big part of coming back is plain old vanity. I want to walk in a room and have the guys take notice. I use my weight as my biggest excuse: why I don't talk to the guy I think is cute, why I don't pursue the acting career I've always dreamed of, why I don't feel like going to the beach party… I want to banish those excuses.

Major Motivator: my mom (She’s already lost more than 40 pounds on WeightWatchers.)

Most Indulged-In Temptation: ice cream, especially mint chocolate chip, Chubby Hubby, triple chocolate, old-fashioned vanilla—basically, every flavor.

First-Time Loss on Weight Watchers: 40 lbs