KATHY MITCHELL AND MARCY SUGAR \ Annie's Mailbox Weight watchers share their success stories

Dear Annie: I applaud your response to "Struggling with Weight in Texas," who worried that she would pass along her weight problems to her child. You also asked your readers who'd kept the weight off for at least two years to write and tell you how they did it.
I joined Weight Watchers (weightwatchers.com) and lost 60 pounds in seven months. I've kept the weight off for nearly three years. With all of the crazy choices and deprivation diets these days, it's nice to know that I can still enjoy food on this program. I simply make better choices. Being active also is very important.
I hope that the writer has taken some steps toward becoming healthier with her daughter. I know it helped me show my two young boys how happy their mother is by choosing the fruit over the cookies. Happy Mom in Washington
Dear Happy Mom: We were gratified by the hundreds of letters we received from readers offering their success stories to help others lose weight. Here's more:
From Waupun, Wis.: I belong to TOPS -- Take Off Pounds Sensibly (www.tops.org). I have lost 75 pounds and have kept it off for 26 years. I couldn't have done it without the fellowship of other members. We discuss what helped during the week and what didn't work. We do not hand out a diet. What works for me may not work for someone else. TOPS is very reasonable; membership is $20 annually ($25 in Canada), plus chapter dues.
Nevada: I am 5 foot 2 inches, and reached nearly 180 pounds in graduate school. However, for the last four years, I have maintained a much healthier 125 pounds. I initially lost the weight by dieting -- high protein, low fat and low carbs (along with multivitamins and lots of colorful fruits and vegetables). I've kept the weight off through exercise. I've been riding horses for 30-60 minutes three to five times a week, along with all the work around the barn, yard and gardens.
Sharon, Mass.: From the age of 8 to 24, I tried a wide variety of weight-loss methods and gimmicks, only to diet my way up to 203 pounds. Eight years ago, my struggle ended when I was introduced to FA (Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous), a 12-step program for people who suffer from food addiction. Within one year, I reached my goal weight and have stayed there for the last seven years. FA saved my life. Learn more by visiting the Web site at www.foodaddicts.org or writing FA World Headquarters, 6 Pleasant St. 402 Malden, Mass. 02148.
New York: Please advise "Struggling" to consult a physician and consider gastric bypass surgery. I know it seems like a drastic measure, but it could save her life, as it did mine. Being morbidly obese also can cause depression and social prejudice, and it depletes life of enjoyment. As far as passing her bad habits onto her daughter, yes, she will. My mother passed them onto me and I to my child. I hope she finds the courage to stop the cycle of hereditary weight problems.
Midwest: After being diagnosed with two autoimmune diseases, I was asked by my doctors to remove all of the additives from my diet. Then I had two blood tests, one for allergies and one for sensitivities. Since making these changes, the weight just melted off, and now I have no trouble maintaining my weight as long as I stay away from the problem foods. People should ask their doctor about testing or look into www.betterhealthusa.com.
Tonawanda, N.Y.: I lost 100 pounds and reached my goal six years ago. To lose the weight, I started controlling my portions and exchanging healthier foods for the calorie-laden foods I was used to. After losing 40 pounds, I started an exercise program that I stick to today. Two years ago, I quit smoking after having a three-pack-a-day habit for over 30 years. I realized I could use the same discipline I used for weight loss to accomplish this. At 50, I am a new person and have a whole new life.
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