Our Indiana SRD is over....

Meet our winners who stayed on the right track to better health!

INDIANA STATE ROYALTY

Our Queen & Queen Runner-Up

Queen Lori Bauch & Queen Runner-up Martha Wright

Queen

Lori Bauch

159.00 Pounds Lost to Goal

 About 30 some years ago when I was a teenager, I started my weight loss journey. I lost some weight but I did it the wrong way. I ate very little and then exercised it off. I lost the weight but it sure did not stay off. It was like my body wanted to get even with me for not taking care of it and the weight came back with a mighty roar! I gained and lost the same pounds over and over and added an additional 10-20 pounds for good measure.

I finally got over 300 pounds and stopped weighing myself but at the same time I said “No more of this” My tummy was hanging to my knees, I could only wear dresses, I could barely walk and I had to move my bedroom downstairs.

I was becoming reclusive since many people would make rude comments about my weight. I felt like a monster and did not want the world to see me. I could not tie my own shoes, sit behind the wheel of a car or keep up with my very active daughter. I was so embarrassed to go to her school for conferences because I did not want her classmates to see me.

I decided I needed to change. I started walking and little by little I could walk more each week and I started losing weight.

Although I still had lots of weight to lose I was able to move more and more without feeling like I was going to have a heart attack. Without all the weight on my knees it allowed me to start walking more, mow the yard and even go hiking. Just by moving more I started losing more and more weight.

It has been a long, long journey but today, with the help of my God, TOPS friends and of course TOPS Club incorporated           I have reached my goal weight of 160 pounds. I am so happy and thankful. I have lost 1/2 of myself!!

My wish for all of you is to reach your goals. Whether you want to get to a goal weight, be healthier or make another change in your life, remember you can reach your goals, be happy and live your dream too.

Queen Runner-up

Martha Wright

 85.50 Pounds Lost to Goal

 I joined TOPS in September 1986. I was losing weight until my husband and I retired early in June 1987. I was eating differently with more for breakfast and lunch and it soon started showing on the scales.

 I went for years, down a little, up a little more but I didn’t quit trying. I hardly ever missed a meeting and finally reached my highest weight of 245 ½ pounds in September of 1994.

I realized I had to make some changes because I didn’t want my weight to go any higher. I became more involved in TOPS. I have been secretary, co-leader, leader and weight recorder several times.

With the encouragement of my TOPS friends and after almost 24 years I reached my goal weight of 160 pounds on June 3, 2010 with a loss to goal of 85 ½ pounds.

I don’t have any intention of quitting TOPS because I know if I did, I would gain it all back!

I don’t know what your goals are, but my advice to you is  don’t give up. With TOPS and your friends what have you got to lose but weight!  

Best Average Loss Per Member in 2010

 Congratulations to TOPS IN0132,Bluffton

14.63 pounds per member!

As the runner up in my division I needed to write an essay about my success. My problem is that I don’t feel that successful. I have lost 49 ¾ pounds, but still have a way to go. Fifty pounds is amazing and all I did was count calories, which was super helpful.

I tried different groups and lost weight, but I lost me. From special foods to counting points I felt I was missing out on something. No pizza with friends or drinks with the girls because I couldn’t afford to spend my “points” that way.

One day I snapped and ate everything I had missed for the last 8 months. I was 32 years old and at my heaviest at 365 pounds.

My doctor put me on a 1600 calorie food plan and said I should try TOPS. I went to the first meeting and I must say I have never met such a crazy group of women! It was a good crazy. They were caring supportive and fun. I looked forward to every meeting. I was happy!! I lost 2 ¼ pounds the first week, and a total of 12 ½ pounds the first month. I felt good about myself, and at the end of the 2^nd month I had lost twenty pounds….WOO HOO!!!!!

Then it happened, my first gain which was 5 pounds. I tried to figure out how it happened. I felt my losses were too good to be true. I felt like I failed so I cried. I had so much hope and it all came crashing down.

Those crazy women that dressed up for contests, sang songs and showed up every week were wonderful. They lifted me up by sending cards, calling me and being there for me.

The next week I lost 8 pounds and I kept losing. I don’t know why but every 8 weeks I have a gain but I know if I keep on track a new loss wouldn’t be far behind.

At the end of 2010 I had lost 49 ¾ pounds….so close to 50 pounds! I have big goals for this year, another 50 pounds plus 25 more. Due to work obligations I had to leave my original group of crazy ladies. I found a new group that’s great and I was elected leader for 2011.

Watch out SRD 2012……I’ll be back

I couldn’t navigate without the use of a walker or breathe without the aid of oxygen. Getting enough sleep was a problem. There wasn’t a wrinkle or crease in my plus size 3x clothes. Fast food, tasty snacks and huge servings were my friends. At 5 feet 1 inch tall I weighed 351 pounds and life was a struggle. Stark reality set in during the spring of 2009 when a health professional said if I gained 50 more pounds I would be bed ridden.

My weight loss journey is perhaps quite different from many. It does however, with determination, spell success and accomplishment with TOPS and those who provided care of me.

At my highest weight I was in an assisted living facility. I became eligible for adult foster care and moved into LaDonna’s home. In June 2009 LaDonna took me at 335 ½ pounds to TOPS IN 1005, Garfield Park.

With TOPS and LaDonna’s direction I started losing weight fast.  I have won several ribbons and a trophy at our area workshops.

 In November 2010 I transferred to IN 1004 Speedway so my new foster mother, who totally supports me in my weight loss efforts, would not have to drive me so far to the meetings.

I have now reached a 150 pound weight loss. I can walk on my own, do not need oxygen and sleep 6 to 7 hours per night. I have new meal habits including portion control and no snacking. There is a wrinkle in my size 18 clothes!!!

I have LaDonna, Maple and chapters IN 1005 and 1004 to thank for the continued encouragement and support.

Today I don’t get double takes or hear a comment like “Look at the fat lady” I truly can walk with a bit of a swagger. Just look at me now.

My life is in God’s hands and I praise Him for the path He has led me down. I first began trying to lose weight in 2009 when I was unable to sing in the camp meeting choir. My knees hurt so bad from the weight that I could not stand for the duration. At that time I weighed 350 pounds. In January of 2010 I was down to 299 pounds but I was having trouble maintaining the loss. That is when a friend invited me to a TOPS meeting. Since my first meeting it has been a journey of excitement, accomplishments, education and endearing friends. My chapter’s support has meant the world to me.

Soon after joining TOPS, I became overwhelmed with the struggle to plan nutritional meals and understanding portion and balance. That is when I prayed for a buddy to help me.

God directed me to another friend who lives just four houses away. She has been my angel and kept me on the straight and narrow. She tells me like it is and advises me when I lose my focus.

My 2 cute adorable dogs have given me the incentive to exercise since they need to be walked 3 times a day. Exercise is the hardest part for me but it is very important to the losing process and the mental attitude.

My advice to new TOPS members is find a buddy, stick with a food plan, use a food diary and never give up. If you fail to lose one week don’t dwell on it. Clear the page and start again. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your TOPS members.

There was a time when I had trouble fastening my seat belt on a roller coaster ride at Cedar Point. I was surprised and totally embarrassed.

In 2005 I was diagnosed with Diabetes and was determined to improve my health so I purchased a treadmill and bicycle. My sister told me about TOPS and I joined.

I started losing weight and I received several awards at our Oct 2005 Area meeting. I showed them to my mom who said she was proud of me the day before she passed away.

I was getting close to goal then I started gaining and missed lots of meetings.  In 2009 just when I decided I would get back on track, I was derailed by several deaths in my family. My emotions were controlling me. I ate to make me happy. My friends at TOPS did not give up on me and sent many cards saying I was missed.

In January 2010 I started focusing on losing weight again as my clothes were very tight. I headed back to TOPS only to discover I had gained back almost all the weight that I had previously lost. I had a Hugh amount of work to do!!

I started counting calories, exercising and going to my TOPS meetings. My main source of exercise was my bicycle which is equipped with an odometer, basket, light and radio. I have ridden 1,212.24 miles with my highest weekly total of 148.20 miles.

One big reward, was finding a bag of clothes from the 80’s that I can fit into again. In the bag, was a dress with a Red Bow I call this my “I Love Lucy” dress and I wore to my KOPS ceremony.

My advice is to take little steps at a time and don’t be too hard on yourself if you have a gain. Get back on track, attend your TOPS meetings, watch your diet, exercise and drink lots of water.

There are KOPS seats open and waiting for all of you!!  With determination, you too, can make it!! Don’t give up!!!

In the past when I looked at my picture, I tried convince myself I didn’t look that bad. No wonder I avoided picture taking like the plague. In reality, who was I kidding? How did I allow that weight gain to happen?

One marvelous day a fellow TOPS member invited my sister and me to check out TOPS. We immediately felt like family and joined in June of 2009. We have so much fun with the different contests, songs, programs and inspiring one another.

TOPS IS A BLESSING!

What has been successful for me was cutting back on carbohydrates, dairy products 3 times per day, exercise and plenty of water.

There are times I don’t feel like exercising but I push myself anyhow.  Most of the time exercise is just walking through my house at a brisk pace. The scenery might get boring but you can do it every day, rain or shine. Its low impact and my knees especially have thanked me. I have gone from a size 22 jeans to a size 10.

The key is to take that first step, whatever it is that works for you and don’t look back. Set goals, don’t let yourself feel deprived, and don’t beat yourself up if you have a setback.

Get right back on track!! Reward yourself for a job well done but never use food as a reward!! You can Do it!!

Our chapter is the best!! We are one big crazy family and I wouldn’t be here today without the love and support of every one of these wonderful people.

Thanks Everybody.

I think we all reach a point in our lives when we realize that things can’t keep on going as they are. That’s how it was for me with my weight. I had reached the end of my rope by topping off the scales at 240 pounds. Breathing was difficult for me, I never felt good and I was tired all the time. Playing with my grand children wasn’t a pleasure but a chore since I had a difficult time doing it. I wasn’t enjoying my life or family I was merely existing. I knew that there had to be more to life than this.

One Sunday at church while talking to the Pastor’s wife she told me about belonging to TOPS IN 1218 in Vernon. I had been one of the original people who started that chapter long ago and was excited to know it still existed.

The following Tuesday I went to the meeting and joined. Immediately I was made to feel comfortable and the people were all so friendly and supportive. The weight started to come off slowly at first but then it really took off.

I have received many awards at our area workshops. My weight loss journey has been exciting for be although it has taken a lot of effort. 

If I could leave you with a bit of wisdom on how to succeed on your own weight loss journey it would be this….Every time you have the urge to put something in your mouth that is not on your eating program,  take a walk or find something else to do that will take the place of eating. I love to crochet and I indulge in that. Find what you love to do whether it be reading, crafts or visiting with friends.

There is always someone in your chapter who is struggling. Write them an encouraging note, pay them a visit or call them on the phone. You’ll be surprised at how much that will mean to someone.

Most of all…. Always remember that what you make happen for someone else, God will make happen for you

The most influential person on my journey of weight loss is my Grandmother, Pat Stout. If that name sounds familiar, she was honored as a division winner just a few minutes ago.

 I have seen how much grandma has accomplished by belonging to TOPS. With her encouragement I joined chapter IN 1218 Vernon in August of 2009. At that time I weighed 273 pounds.

During 2010 I got busy on my weight loss and lost 30 ½ pounds. My weight is now 231.50 for a total loss of 41 ½ pounds since joining TOPS.

I am excited every Tuesday to see my new friends. Their support means so much to me. I even began to like the scales and looked forward to my weekly meetings.

Each loss encouraged me to try harder. I have won weekly, monthly and quarterly awards at my chapter.

Being in TOPS has changed my life.  Being a Teen division winner is an honor I didn’t expect but am thrilled with the opportunity.

I don’t have a success story. Not yet any way. I have a long way to go. I’ve had problems with my weight most of my life but I didn’t let it get in my way until now as I am getting older and getting around slower. I’ve tried losing weight on my own but it never worked. I never had the will power.

A friend suggested TOPS. I had joined years ago and I didn’t make the full commitment. This time when I joined in April 2010 I was. In the beginning it was tough. My mind was not on the commitment. I didn’t think I could do it this time either.

But each week when I go to the meetings, the members encourage me not to give up..…especially if I have a gain.

My journey is a long, slow winding road and if I stay focused on the rewards of weight loss along the way, when I reach my goal I will have a very happy success story.

The decision to have bariatric surgery was not an easy decision. Surgery is not a miracle but a life changing tool for you to use.

I have belonged to TOPS since 2005. Each year I had more and more trouble breathing due to my asthma, which was getting so bad that most days I could not walk from room to room without having to sit down.

In 2009 I was on 4 breathing treatments and 5 different pills daily for asthma. I also received a shot each month and took medicine for blood pressure, cholesterol, anxiety and steroids daily. 

For some reason, I think it was God, caused me to not receive the messages in November and December 2009 from the hospital that said I would be scheduled for surgery as soon as I contacted them. In February 2010 those voice mails from November and December were on my answering machine. To this day I do not know how that happened since I was picking up other voice mails during this period.

I had my surgery on July 28, 2010. At that time I was 67 years old, had never had surgery and I am a weenie when it comes to pain.  

After my surgery, I was still on all my medicine but after the first week I was off one of my asthma pills. I was so excited and it was all I could talk about to the nurse, when I was able to walk 1/4 of a mile on the treadmill and still be able to breathe.  

I have now lost 85 pounds and can walk 2 miles and still be breathing!  I only need 1 asthma treatment daily, my blood pressure is good and my cholesterol is the best it has been in 20 years.

I thank God, my patient husband, the surgeons, my family and my TOPS family for all the support and encouragement they have given me. I know I was a pain in the butt especially to my husband!!

I admire all the men and women who have been able to lose the weight on their own but I needed a little extra help to succeed.

Having been over weight for as long as I can remember and not knowing what to do about it, a friend introduced me to TOPS. That was more than 30 years ago. Back then I had a growing family and didn’t take my weight too seriously. Consequently, I kept putting on the pounds. About 10 years ago I finally decided it was about time that I stopped making excuses for my weight and get serious. Things went along find for a while and then life got in the way.

When things straightened out, I was experiencing health problems including sore knees, very high blood pressure and other ailments. My doctor was very concerned about my weight. He suggested bariatric surgery. I thought long and hard about it. I knew it would not be easy.

October 2010 I had the surgery. Let me tell you that it is not a quick fix nor is it easy. It is a whole new way of living. I am grateful that I was able to have the surgery since my knew no longer ache as they did, my blood pressure is almost to the point where I can stop medication and other health problems are working themselves out too.

 I would like to thank my TOPS family for all their love and support in my journey in TOPS. Without them, I am sure my weight problems would have been a lot worse.

Thank you TOPS friends

I joined TOPS in January 2009 because my daughter and wife were members and they were hounding me to join.

It has been a real struggle for me. Instead of losing the weight, my weight sky rocketed to 370 pounds. At that point I started having more health problems. I had quit smoking and turned to food.

In July my father passed away and I started smoking again. I have lost the weight I gained and I am now back to where I was when I joined.

I still have a long road ahead. I need to quit smoking and get to my goal weight of 230 pounds. I know I can do this with the continual support of my family and my TOPS chapter.

The journey continues! A year ago I was honored to receive 2^nd place in my division and now a year later I am honored again by placing 1^st in my division.

How is this possible and what motivates me? My motivation is a very strong desire to reach my goal weight of 170 pounds. I started this journey with TOPS in January 2009 at a weight of just over 260 pounds. I used the bowling ball method to keep me centered and able to graph my loss. I used to bowl several times a week and always used a sixteen pound ball. Every step I took I was carrying extra weight the equivalent of 5 and 2/3 bowling balls! I now have just one more bowling ball to go.

I have also found that one must keep these things in mind to stay successful.

Patience—Be steady, diligent and persevering to be able to work towards your desired goal.

Vigilant—Staying ever watchful and alert to dangers and temptations.

Consistent—Holding always to the same principles and practices, exercise and diet.

See you next year as a KOPS!

I joined TOPS IN 1004 on February 25, 2010.  I weighed 243 pounds.  I was under doctor’s orders to lose weight because I had a heart attack in the fall of 2007. I returned to work in January of 2008.  I continued to have high blood pressure readings, high cholesterol, triglycerides, and low potassium levels for 2 more years.

I retired from teaching in June of 2009 reducing my stress and anxiety levels, but my readings were yo yo-ing with my increased medications.  The cost of medications were increasing and I wasn’t improving that much.

Joining TOPS gave me confidence, friends, and goals to my life.  My wife was already a member of TOPS, and I enjoy being with her in our new roles of encouragement, food diaries, counting calories, fat grams and reading labels at the markets.  Weighing in each week is challenging and makes us accountable.

We joined Cardinal Fitness to increase our exercise and stamina.  My stamina improved, but my weight loss was very slow. During our three month membership we purchased a treadmill for home exercise.  We still use the treadmill, but I don’t use it as much as I should.

Slowly the weight did come off in 2010. By December of 2010, I weighed 222.  My size went from 44+ waist to a 39-40 waist.  My clothes dropped from a 2X to a 1X.  My blood pressure is now controllable at 129/59 instead of 179+/110 due to my no salt diet, food diary and portion control.

My goal is to weigh 195 pounds with my height of 6’3”.  I want to travel and enjoy life with my wife.  We are a funny and caring couple.  We fuss, laugh, and cry together in our success and our failures.

 Thanks to all my friends at TOPS for their encouragement and guidance as I travel life’s path to a healthy weight.

Shown L-R are 40 yr KOPS Wanda Poole, Shirley Leazenby, and Gloria Carter.

Center stage is 30 year KOPS Ruth Em Gilmore, followed by 25 year KOPS Barb Irwin,

20 year KOPS Howard Hacker and 5 year KOPS Robert Foster.

Gloria Carter

IN 0631, Evansville

Shirley Leazenby

IN 0690, Peru

Wanda Poole

IN 0760, Rockport

Ruth Em Gilmore Strong

Barb Irwin

Howard Hacker

Robert Foster

Ellen Ashcraft