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"Freedom to Lose, Freedom to Choose" Indiana SRD 2009
April 3rd & 4th, 2009 Columbus, Indiana
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Indiana State Royalty
(Shown left to right) Queen Runner-up, Jeanne Kubiak; Queen Sharon Cardenas; King William Krueger, Jr.; Queen Betty Waltenburg and King Runner-up, Russell Williams |
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Queen Sharon Cardenas 105 lbs. lost
I HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR 52 YRS TO THE TRUE LOVE OF MY LIFE. WE HAVE 5 CHILDREN, 15 GRANDCHILDREN AND 10 GREAT GRANDCHILDREN.
WHEN I WAS PREGNANT FOR MY FIRST CHILD MY HUSBAND NICKNAMED ME “PUDGE” SO I CAN BLAME HIM FOR HAVING TO LIVE UP TO THAT NAME! HE HAS ALWAYS TEASED ME THAT “HE KNEW I WAS IN THERE TRYING TO GET OUT.”
I WAS GOING ON MY MERRY WAY, HUFFING AND PUFFING IN AND OUT OF THE HOSPITAL FOR 2 HIP REPLACEMENTS AND ONE KNEE, WITH ONE MORE TO GO, WHEN I WAS INVITED TO JOIN TOPS BY OUR FEARLESS LEADER, DIANNA LUCAS. AFTER SOME PERSUASION, MY GOOD FRIEND DEE COTNER JOINED ONE WEEK AND I JOINED THE NEXT IN SEPTEMBER 2007. I HAD SEEN THE DOCTOR AND WAS AT MY HIGHEST WEIGHT EVER. HE WAS LAUGHING AS HE ASKED ME IF I KNEW WHAT I WAS SUPPOSED TO WEIGH. HIS ATTITUDE MADE ME MORE DETERMINED TO LOSE AND THAT WAS THE BEGINNING OF A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE. FOR ME. I CANNOT DO EXTREME EXERCISES SO I WALK WHEN I CAN AND DO SOME HAND WEIGHTS. MY HUSBAND SUGGESTED SOME KIND OF POLE IN OUR BEDROOM, BUT I DECLINED THE INVITATION.
I LOST 7 LBS. BEFORE I JOINED TOPS AND 105 LBS. IN TOPS TO REACH MY GOAL FOR A TOTAL OF 112 LBS. ALTOGETHER. I WOULD NOT BE HERE TODAY WITHOUT THE SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF ONE OF THE GREATEST TOPS CHAPTERS IN INDIANA. WE HAVE A LOT OF FUN WITH OUR CONTESTS, AWARDS, AND FELLOWSHIP. THERE IS A PURPOSE AND BOND THAT I CAN ONLY SAY IS FRIEND AND GOD MOTIVATED.
JUDIE GILBERT, OUR CHAPTER’S 2007 STATE QUEEN, IS CROWING ME TODAY. SHE HAS BEEN MY INSPIRATION AND MOTIVATOR. WE HAVE ADOPTED THE MENTALITY THAT IF SHE CAN DO IT, I CAN DO IT. I WOULD ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO PARTNER WITH SOMEONE FOR SUPPORT AND SOME COMPETITION. ONE OF OUR MEMBERS, WINNIE WUKICH, DUBBED ME PRINCESS LAST YEAR SO THE ONLY WAY TO GO WAS UP!
I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE IN OUR TOPS ORGANIZATION FOR ALL THE HARD WORK THEY HAVE DONE FOR ALL OF US AND, TO ALL OF MY FRIENDS IN OUR CHAPTER FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT.
MAY I CLOSE WITH SOME WISDOM FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 9:24-27:
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temper- ate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty; thus I fight: not as one who beats the air but I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached others, I myself should become disqualified.
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Queen Betty Waltenburg 105 lbs. lost I HAVE BEEN OBESE MUCH OF MY LIFE. MY JOURNEY ALWAYS SEEMED TO INCLUDE WORRYING IN SOME WAY OR ANOTHER ABOUT MY WEIGHT. I TRIED FOR YEARS, BUT UNTIL NOW WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. I WAS BORN IN THE COUNTRY IN A LITTLE TOWN CALLED BURR-OAK IN MICHIGAN. MY FAMILY DIDN’T HAVE MUCH MONEY WHEN I WAS GROWING UP. MY PARENTS WORKED HARD TO PROVIDE FOR OUR FAMILY. THERE WERE 4 CHILDREN, 2 GIRLS AND TWIN BOYS. FROM A VERY YOUNG AGE, THE CHILDREN IN MY FAMILY WERE TAUGHT NOT TO WASTE FOOD SO I ALWAYS FINISHED EVERYTHING THAT WAS GIVEN TO ME EVEN IF I WAS NO LONGER HUNGRY. THAT WAS HOW THINGS WERE WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, BUT IT LED ME ON A PATH OF OVEREATING. I WAS ALWAYS WORRIED ABOUT LEAVING THINGS ON MY PLATE, AS IT WOULD GO TO WASTE. I HAVE SINCE MODIFIED SOME OF THOSE HABITS, LIKE NOT PUTTING TOO MUCH ON MY PLATE TO BEGIN WITH OR SAVING SOME FOR THE NEXT MEAL. I GOT A JOB IN A NURSING HOME. I WAS ON MY FEED EVERY NIGHT THAT I WORKED FOR THE WHOLE SHIFT. IT WAS A STRUGGLE SOMETIMES TO HAVE SUCH A PHYSICALLY DEMANDING JOB. I KNEW I NEEDED TO LOSE WEIGHT. ONE OF MY CO-WORKERS WAS A MEMBER OF TOPS, SO I JOINED TO LOSE WEIGHT. SHORTLY AFTER I JOINED, I GOT MARRIED AND HAD 2 CHILDREN AND QUIT GOING TO MY TOPS MEETINGS. I LIKE MANY WOMEN THAT I KNOW PUT MY FAMILY FIRST AND I GAINED ALL OF MY WEIGHT BACK AND MORE. THEN ONE DAY, WHEN MY CHILDREN WERE OLDER, I READ IN THE NEWSPAPER ABOUT A TOPS CHAPTER IN FORT WAYNE, SO I JOINED AGAIN. I BECAME THE ASSISTANT WEIGHT RECORDER, BUT AGAIN I QUIT. MY WORK SCHEDULE WS VERY HARD TO COORDINATE WITH THE MEETING TIMES, BECAUSE I WORKED NIGHTS. WELL AS THEY SAY, “THE THIRD TIMES A CHARM,” AND SO IT WAS. I JOINED TOPS #IN 755, NEW HAVEN. WITH THE HELP OF 27 WONDERFUL LADIES, I FINALLY REACHED MY GOAL WEIGHT. I PLAN ON STAYING WITH TOPS THIS TIME. I WANT TO BE A VOICE TO SOMEONE AND HELP HER ACHIEVE HER GOALS. I WAS THE ASSISTANT WEIGHT RECORDER FOR THE NEW HAVEN CHAPTER ALSO, BUT HAD TO GIVE IT UP BECAUSE OF SOME HEALTH ISSUES. I AM LIVING WITH MY SON RIGHT NOW AND HE IS TAKING VERY GOOD CARE OF ME. I NEVER LIKED HAVING MY PICTURE TAKEN. IT WAS HARD TO FIND A “BEFORE” PICTURE. BUT NOW COMPARING THE TWO, I AM PROUD OF MY ACCOMPLISHMENT AND WOULD TELL ANYONE THAT IT IS WORTH IT! I LOOK AND FEEL SO MUCH BETTER.
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King William Krueger Loss to goal ~ 71 pounds I WAS A CHURCH CUSTODIAN WHEN A TOPS CHAPTER STARTED MEETING AT OUR CHURCH. ONE OF THE MEMBERS ASKED ME IF I WOULD LIKE TO JOIN. I VISITED THE CHAPTER THE FOLLOWING THURSDAY AND JOINED THAT SAME EVENING, JUNE 2, 1994, AT A WEIGHT OF 281 POUNDS. I WAS THE ONLY MALE MEMBER BUT WAS WELCOMED WARMLY.
MY TOPS “FAMILY” HAS GIVEN ME MUCH ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT THROUGH MY UPS AND DOWNS. I DIDN’T REALLY GET SERIOUS ABOUT LOSING WEIGH UNTIL 1997. I DEVELOPED BACK PROBLEMS AND LOSING BECAME A NECESSITY. I DECIDED TO KEEP TRACK OF MY FOOD INTAKE BY RECORDING EVERYTHING I CONSUMED. THE WEIGHT STARTED TO COME OFF VERY SLOWLY.
I WON VARIOUS CHAPTER AND AREA AWARDS AS WELL AS 1ST PLACE, DIV. 3 SRD WINNER IN 2000.BUT MY WEIGHT WAS STILL TOO HIGH. IN MAY 2007, I HAD A KNEE REPLACEMENT. THIS SHOWED ME I NEEDED TO LOSE THE POUNDS ONCE AND FOR ALL.
I DIDN’T LOSE FAST – HERE IT IS 2009, BUT LOOK AT ME NOW! I MADE IT! I REACHED MY 210 LB. GOAL ON JULY 31, 2008. I AM NOW 71 LBS. LIGHTER. MY SUIT SIZE WENT FROM SIZE 54 TO SIZE 42 AND I AM GRADUATING AS A KOPS HERE TODAY.
I AM NOW COMFORTABLE WITH MY WEIGHT AND THANKS TO TOPS AND TO MY CHAPTER, TOPS #IN 70, SOUTH BEND FOR YOUR GREAT HELP AND SUPPORT. YOU NEVER GAVE UP ON ME! |
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King Runner-up Russell Williams 52 lbs. lost My story of weight loss began several years before I joined TOPS. My weight had been steady at 150 lbs. I began to gain weight so I went to the doctor, but he said that I was eating too much. I finally went to another doctor about an unrelated problem and told him about having my shoulders, elbows, heels and back operated on. He did a blood test and found I had a very low thyroid condition. He put me on medication and my weight gain slowed but not before I weighed 272 lbs.
I joined TOPS on June 7, 2005. It was at that time that I began a strict regimen of exercise, watching what I ate and how much. It has been a struggle to remain focused on my goal of 200 lbs.
I feel that without help, encouragement, friendship and advise of my fellow TOPS, that it would be a lot harder. When I miss a meeting and gain weight, we give each other support to carry on.
I also enjoy the recipes in TOPS magazine. They have always helped as well as all of the articles. This is what TOPS has done for me. |
Queen Runner-up Jeanne Kubiak 89 lbs. lost I joined TOPS #IN 780. Valparaiso in August 1986. I joined for 3 reasons. My mother passed away. She was very overweight and really she was trapped with all her weight. I was overweight and need to lose. I had been thin all my life until Ihad 3 lovely daughters. I vowed I had to change my life and lose weight for my health. The last reason was my granddaughter was a teenager and wanted to lose weight so we joined together. She didn’t stay too long, but I decided to stay. I lost weight the first year and kept most of it off. I never regained all I had lost. I knew if I didn’t face that scale on Monday, and the support of the group, I would be in trouble. So I kind of stayed at about the same weight for years. I had surgery on my back, which worked for six months and then started to bother me again. So I said if I lose the rest of my weight it will help my back. This last year I worked at it.
Thank God, I finally made it to my goal weight. It is very hard to keep your goal weight but it is worth it. I feel better and my back is better. I have to give credit to my loving husband of 61 years. He always encourages me; I love him for doing that for me. My one daughter is a dietician and she was a big help to as well as the rest of my family. That helps to get support from your loved ones.
I was so surprised to get the letter advising me I was a winner at SRD. I am so honored to be a part of TOPS. I am thrilled and excited because if it wasn’t for TOPS and my belief in God I would have never made it. The road was rough but the ending is great!
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Congratulations to TOPS#IN1174, Beech Grove on having the Best Average Loss Per Member ~ 14.00 lbs.
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Division Winners |
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Division 1, 1st Place ~ 95 lbs. Kathy Robar
MY LONG JOURNEYI have been morbidly obese more years than I care to count. The last 8 to 10 have been the worst, pounds kept piling up. I couldn’t walk one-fourth of a block to my mother’s house. I didn’t want to leave the house. Lots of days I didn’t feel like getting out of my chair. I was unable to enjoy walking with my husband, playing with my grandchildren. One of the lowest times of my life was Thanksgiving vacation 2007. We went with our daughter and family to spend Thanksgiving with another daughter and family in Frederick, MD. We all decided to go to the Smithsonian space museum in DC. I was so excited. I never thought I would ever get to visit the Smithsonian; well parking was not to be found. We had to be dropped off and walk a distance to the museum. When I got inside I was so tired I had to sit on a bench. I couldn’t walk around with the rest of my family. I sat there and cried inside at what I had done to myself. It was incredibly painful. I love history and had to sit on the bench because I was too overweight to walk around.
After returning home from our visit, I kept thinking about how overweight I was. My husband kept saying “honey I am afraid I am going to lose you.” I really thought he would too. I just kept getting bigger and bigger and have never been able to diet and keep of weight for very long. I thought about surgery, but was too afraid. I just knew I couldn’t do it.
One day there was a knock at the door. It was my brother, Richard and his wife Sara. They were worried about me, my mental health (so was I). They wanted to buy me a dog…thought that would help. Sara belonged to the local TOPS chapter and wanted me to go with her. I asked questions then thought about it. I didn’t think it would work for me. I didn’t want everyone to know what I weighed let along join a group of strangers. Sara had Rocki from the chapter call and talk to me. I asked a few questions. One of the requirements was being weighed. I knew I did not want to see that number and told her so. She told me they would work it out…just come. Well I thought about it and decided to try it. Sara picked up. I was so scared I was sure I would vomit. I didn’t go out among strangers any more than necessary, let alone get weighed. My next big fear was that I weighed too much for the scale. Well Rocki and Edie had it all figured out. I didn’t weigh too much for the scale. That was the beginning of a new life for me.
I started a diet plan much like the exchange one. No more sitting down to a bag of chips, cookies, candy or ice cream if I felt bad. No more second and third helpings. I truly used food to comfort myself. I started riding my stationery bike one minute at a time. I began walking a few steps at a time. Much to my surprise the pounds started coming off. I started winning contests, awards and even won 2 trophies. Sometimes it has overwhelmed me. My wonderful TOPS family kept encouraging me along with my family. It is a very difficult journey. I have had times when I wanted to quit. I didn’t think I could go on. I have had disappointing gains even though I have stopped using food to comfort me. My TOPS family as well as my own family has shown me I can do it despite the disappointments. I just have to pick myself up and try again. I am only a failure if I don’t try.
Last Memorial weekend we visited our daughter in Frederick again. The difference in me stunned them. We visited a park in the hills that had a mile trail and decided to go on it. My daughters kept saying Mom we don’t have to go all the way, we can stop any time. They kept looking at me, seeing if I was ok. (I smiled inside) and kept walking without stopping. We came to a bench about half way and they said Mom we can sit here for a while. I assured them I didn’t need to stop. Their smiles of joy were a wonderful payment of my hard work. For the first time in many years, mom had walked a mile without stopping. The awards are wonderful to receive. The rewards are not possible to measure ….they are so great. I can now take a walk with my husband. He worries much less about losing me. My grand- children smile when Grandma can actually play with them; they draw pictures of “skinny grandma.” My husband smiles at me and says, “I am so proud of you.” My children are very happy to be getting a healthier, happier mom.
I started out weighing 391.25 lbs. It no longer hurts to say the number. I know I have a long way to go. I am just so grateful to have found my TOPS family. In them, I found acceptance for being me, the unwavering inspiration I need to continue regardless of my ups and downs. I am no longer ashamed to be seen in public, not afraid to make plans for outings. That is what I have found with my TOPS family. My one hope is that someday I can inspire someone, given them the hope that I have found. Thank you all so very much.
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Division 1, 2nd Place ~ 65.75 lbs. Julie Ann Clark
I JOINED TOPS IN AUGUST 2000, BUT DIDN’T GET SERIOUS UNTIL THE YEAR OF 2008. I WENT TO MY DOCTOR FOR A ROUTINE VISIT. HE ASKED ME IF I MADE ANY CHANGES ABOUT WEIGHT LOSS. MY RESPONSE WAS, “I MADE SOME.” AT THE END OF THE VISIT HE SAID, “IF YOU WOULD JUST LOSE 100 LBS. YOU WOULD BE AMAZED AT HOW MUCH BETTER YOUR KNEES AND JOINTS WOULD FEEL.” I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT. FOR SOME REASON THAT DAY SOMETHING “CLICKED” FOR ME AND IT MADE SENSE.
OBSTACLES OVERCOME:
I KNEW FROM THAT DAY FORWARD THERE NEEDED TO BE CHANGES MADE. WHAT STARTED THAT CHANGE WAS THAT I HAD TO LIKE ME EXACTLY WHERE I WAS, HOW BIG I WAS, AND ACCEPT IT. THAT IS THE HARDEST THING TO DO, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND IT SAYS, “YOU LOOK DISGUSTING.” (IT DOESN’T LIE!) ANOTHER OBSTACLE I OVERCAME WAS I STARTED A JOB AS A DIETARY AIDE. THERE WE FOCUS ON PORTION CONTROL AND THAT WAS A REAL EYE OPENER FOR ME. I LEARNED REAL QUICK HOW I HAD BECOME SO BIG, I WAS EATING TOO MUCH FOR HALF OF MY LIFE.
I HAVE BEEN AREA LOSER 3 OR 4 TIMES, CHAPTER BEST LOSER A COUPLE OF TIMES, CHAPTER RUNNER-UP A COUPLE OF TIMES AND CHAPTER ANGEL 1 OR 2 TIMES. MY VERY BEST AND MOST WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE IS MY TOPS CHAPTER, #IN 1085, FARMLAND. I CAN’T PRAISE IT ENOUGH. OUR LEADER, MARJI TIPPLE IS THE BEST! HER FAVORITE SAYING IS” “WE ARE FAT, NO MATTER IF IT’S RAINING, SLEETING, SNOWING, THUNDERING OR SLICK OUTSIDE. WE HAVE NO EXCUSE NOT TO EXERCISE.”
MY HEART GOES OUT TO EVERYONE WHO IS TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT. YOU HAVE TO FIRST EXCEPT YOURSELF AS A PERSON, AND FROM THERE YOU HAVE TO FIND WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU. WHAT WORKS FOR YOU MAY NOT BE WHAT WORKS FOR SOMEONE ELSE. PRAISE YOURSELF EVEN FOR THE SMALL CHANGES YOU MAKE. STAY POSITIVE; KEEP ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF YOU. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE – FRIENDS, FAMILY, CO-WORKERS, TOPS MEMBERS, OR WHOEVER IT MAY BE. THE WHOLE BALLGAME OF THIS STORY IS YOU HAVE TO HAVE A GREAT SUPPORT SYSTEM. THERE WERE TIMES WHEN I SAID, “WHAT’S THE USE, IT’S NOT WORKING!” BUT MY FRIENDS ENCOURAGED ME BY SAYING, ‘YES IT IS, KEEP IT UP!’ MY TOPS BUDDY, CLETA KENNEDY WOULD REMIND ME; “YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN DO THIS FOR YOURSELF.”
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Division 2, 1st Place ~ 57.75 lbs. Carla Knight
I have no excuse – I let myself down; like many mothers putting her last. This started about 30 years ago. I was a good mother, employee and friend but ended up divorced and a single mom. I knew I was a strong person and that I could do it. I got another job. With two jobs and keeping up with two growing boys, there was no time left for me. I wasn’t getting enough sleep and I was feeding my family hamburger helper every night and taking the leftovers for my lunch the next day. Carbs were not my friend.
Over the years my boys told me to take care of myself. Thank you Shaun and Mike. When I met Bob he also thought I should slow down and enjoy life and he wanted to enjoy it with me. Thanks, Bob for being there.
I joined the Red Hat Society, a group of 50+ ladies. Although I am not yet 50, it sounded like fun and they welcomed me. Joyce, our leader, told me about many ladies belonging to other clubs and invited me to one that she attended – it was TOPS!
I joined TOPS in February 2008. I quit my second job at the same time. I begin walking the hall at work on my lunch hour – 30 minutes a day – 5 days a week. Soon I had a fan club – Dee and Sean – my fellow employees who didn’t even need to lose weight. They joined me every day, thank you guys. It was hard at first but before long I was walking faster and going farther.
With the help of TOPS and reading everything I could find, I stopped my bad habits and started some good ones. I love to share with the group what I learn. What works for some of us might not be right for someone else. We just share and I know they care. You’re all winners to me!
My life has done a 360. I don’t miss the bad habits or the second job. I sleep all night. I don’t take pills for heartburn any more. My blood pressure is under control and I feel great. Now I can go on long nature trails and do cross country skiing. LIFE IS GREAT!
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Division 2, 2nd Place Tie ~ 52.25 lbs. Susan Cominsky
My sister inspired my weight loss. She had a significant weight loss and kept it off. My motivation is my 5 grandchildren. I want to watch all of them grow up. In order to achieve that I need to be healthy. Weight loss will be the key to achieving that goal. I had heard about TOPS through a friend and decided that I would give it a try. I begin eating healthier foods, worked on portion control and dusted off my treadmill. I exercise every day and look and feel much better. I am thrilled with the results. Hard work and dedication really does pay off! Take a look at me now!
Mynevia (Ann) Miller
In 2007 I lost my husband. I went to work and 20 minutes after I clocked in I was called out. It was too late, and my world turned upside down. I was in Mississippi and my family was in Indianapolis. I moved home and by best friend Linda Hill started trying to get me to come to TOPS. Finally in June 2008 I joined weighing in at 281.25. The friendship of the members and Linda kept me going. I didn’t want to let anyone down.
At the end of December 2008, I weighed 229. TOPS is so motivating and I look forward to each week. I try and stay focused on my goal. It feels so good when I get on the scale and see that I have lost another pound. I know that I feel better.
I was asked one day in the meeting what I was doing to lose the weight. My reply was green beans and tomatoes. I was lucky it was summer and now its winter and I eat a lot of fruits and salad and don’t forget the oats.
I have a long way to go but I know I feel better and I will make it. Through TOPS I have found understanding and I also found a new family that I needed so much.
One of the best things I do is keep a food diary and I often refer back to this. Remember, you are accountable for how you eat. We are all in the same situation so don’t forget to pat each other on the back. It’s very motivating. Always try to keep a positive attitude. My faith and friends has helped so much.
In the end it comes down to you! You have to focus on you! And remember, we all have something in common….we all want to lose weight.
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Division 3, 1st Place ~ 89 lbs. Eva Black
In November 2007, I went on another diet. I had to lose this fat! After reading Dr. Atkins’ book on carbohydrates and hypoglycemia, I decided that this was the diet for me. Or, I should say “My New Food Plan.”
I was able to lose 11 lbs. right away and I was so happy! Then one morning I got up and ate a dozen Oreos. I was so unhappy with myself I sat down and cried. I realized that I need some “accountability” in my life.
I had heard about the TOPS program from reading local ads in our paper. I decided to try to find a chapter that would fit my busy schedule. I found one on Thursday evening that I would be able to attend most of the time.
My husband and I are heavily involved in the Gideon International Bible Ministry. We traveled a lot and I never took the time to take care of myself. I always told myself I would start “tomorrow.” After the cookie incident, I decided, “today was that tomorrow.” I called and found out about the meetings and went! My husband was surprised! I weighed in at 244 lbs.
I was made to feel welcome and my new life started. I had my 4th back surgery in 2007, and I was facing double knee surgery. I was in so much pain. I didn’t know how I was going to have it done.
I lost on a steady basis and won many honors: chapter angel, 1st place chapter best loser, 1st place consecutive loser, 1st place consistent loser, 2nd area best loser and 2nd place ribbon, chapter officer best loser, senior best loser, 50 lb. loss, pacesetter ribbon, best loser of month 8 times.
Accountable to someone other than my husband was one of the things that helped me the most. I have been encouraged by my other chapter members, and have become good friends with them. I do not know what I would have done without TOPS. I always had a low self-esteem problem and never felt like I deserved the extra time needed to take care of myself. I recommend this program to everyone I meet. My youngest daughter, who is 15, is joining this Thursday. She is excited to have someone else other than me to hold her accountable for her choices. She is excited. Since 1-10-08 I went from 244 lbs. down to 156 as of December 18, 2008. 88 lbs. never felt so good! I have gone from size 24 to size 10. I have now lost 8 more lbs. and am just 4 lbs. away from my goal of 144. Thank you so much is all I can say.
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Division 2, 2nd Place ~ 60 lbs. Patricia Stout
I think we all reach a point in our lives when we realize that things cannot 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 lbs. Breathing was laboring for me and difficult. I never felt good and I as tired all the time. Playing with my grandchildren wasn’t a pleasure but a chore and I had a difficult time doing it. I wasn’t enjoying my life or family. I merely existed. I knew there had to be more to life than this and if God gave me a life then I wanted to start living it.
One Sunday at church I was talking to the Pastor’s wife and she told me she belonged to a weight loss program called TOPS. I asked her where and she told me it was TOPS #IN 1218, Vernon. I was excited to know it still existed. I went to the meeting the following Tuesday and joined. The people were all so friendly and supportive and made me feel most comfortable. The weight started to come off slowly at first for me but then it really took off. I have gone from 240 lbs. to 150 to date.
Lasts year I received trophies at the 2008 spring meeting for 1st place best loser and again at the fall meeting. At the 2008 fall meeting I received ribbons for chapter best loser, most consistent loser, pacesetter, officer best loser and the TOPS walk. I also received 50 lb. ribbon, most consecutive loser and setting your own goal. It has been an exciting journey for me and I love the changes that have taken place.
If I could leave you with a bit of wisdom on how to succeed at your weight loss it would be this, every time you have the urge to cheat or put something in your mouth that is not on your eating program, go out and take a walk or find something else to do that will take the place of eating. I love to crochet and I indulged in that. Find what you love to do. If it’s reading then read, if its crafts then do them, visit a friend or best of all, if you know someone in the group is having a struggle with their weight, write them an encouraging note, call or pay them a visit. You’d be surprised at how much that will mean to someone. Always remember what you make happen for someone else, God will make happen for you.
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Division 4, 1st Place ~ 40.75 lbs. Barbara Brown
Hello, my name is Barbara Brown. Over the years I have dieted with little long-term success. I would lose some weight and then over the years I would gradually gain it back. The last diet I tried deprived my body of the needed nutrients; therefore, I became ill. Since that time, I gradually continued to gain and felt uncomfortable in my clothing. I wanted to go on a diet and knew I needed to lose weight but I was afraid of becoming ill. I was watching my diet somewhat and exercising some but not on a regimented basis. This was not working and I needed to get help.
I knew there was a TOPS chapter in Marengo. I called the high school to find out when TOPS met. I went to my first meeting on March 10, 2008. I could not believe I weighed almost 200 lbs. I knew I had to get my weight under control. At this time, I set a goal of 40 lbs. weight loss and I also set one for clothing size; however, this time I did not want a quick fix nor to become ill. I needed a nutritional diet and exercise program I could live with for the rest of my life. I got information on nutrition and decided I needed a 1500 calories per day, spread out over 6 meals or snacks. The only foods I eliminated were what I all empty calories i.e.; chips, foods with refined sugar, colas and ice cream (my comfort foods). With this, I started drinking 8 or more cups of water a day, which helps with the hunger. I also started an exercise program. When I first started, I could only walk a half a mile. Today, I walk four or more miles three times a week and try to exercise 30 minutes a day. Our county offered the statewide weight loss program. They had a variety of good weight loss activities. There was a nutrition class, exercise program and walking club. Their program was for 10 weeks. I incorporated both programs to help me as I worked towards my goal. When the county program was over, I continued to use the diet and exercise program that I was on, I was fortunate, and I had only 3 gains and reached my goal of 40 lbs. on December 29, 2008. Ever since reaching goal, I have been at or under goal.
My thanks to all who are in my TOPS chapter for their support to me and each other as we try to maintain our health. I have been away from the English chapter since early January. While away, I attended a TOPS chapter in Kennesaw, GA and maintained my regiment and weighing in weekly.
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Division 5, 1st Place ~ 20.50 lbs. Wanda Downs
The reason I joined TOPS was to get help in losing the weight that I was putting on and for health reasons.
I tried to lose it on my own and couldn’t do it. I have friends who belonged to TOPS and they invited me to one of the meetings and I was very pleased with what I saw and heard. I joined and glad that I did.
I overcame some of my bad eating habits and started exercising. I begin losing the weight that I needed to lose.
I reached my goal and along the way got the support and encouragement from all my TOPS friends. I earned many rewards on the way to goal and becoming KOPS.
So I say a big thank you to TOPS.
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Division 5, 2nd Place ~ 18.00 lbs. Mary Morgan
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Division 6, 1st Place ~ 20.75 lbs. Brittany Hahn
I first joined TOPS on my 10th birthday because I liked going to the meetings with my Grandma. It was a lot of fun to be in the contests and have secret pals.
I didn’t get serious about losing until I was 13. Then I really began trying to watch what I ate. Everyone in our chapter is nice and they encourage me a lot.
Thank you to everyone in my TOPS chapter for all your love and support! With their help I hope to keep the weight off that I’ve lost and even lose a few more pounds. I think TOPS is great and I like it a lot.
Division 9, 1st Place ~ 93.25 lbs. Valerie Chaney
IN JANUARY 2001, I JOINED TOPS WEIGHING 305 LBS. IT TOOK ME 3 YEARS TO LOSE 70 LBS. AND GET DOWN TO 235 LBS. BUT THEN, MY WEIGHT STARTED CREEPING BACK UP ¼ TO 1 LB. EVERY WEIGH IN UNTIL I WAS UP TO 279 LBS. I KNEW I HAD TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT MY WEIGHT AND I DECIDED TO RESEARCH AND ULTIMATELY HAVE GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY.
IT TURNED OUT THAT MY COUSIN, CANDY, WAS GOING THROUGH THE SAME THING AND WAS RESEARCHING LAP BAND SURGERY, WHICH SHE HAD IN DECEMBER 2007. I HAD MY BYPASS SURGERY ON JANUARY 28, 2008 AND ALTHOUGH IT WAS A DIFFICULT DECISION, IT WAS ULTIMATELY A GOOD CHOICE FOR ME.
TOGETHER MY COUSIN AND I HELP EACH OTHER KEEP IN LINE AT FAMILY DINNERS. MY TOPS MEETINGS WITH WEEKLY WEIGH INS AND MY SURGERY SUPPORT MEETINGS HAVE MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN MY SUCCESS.
MY FAMILY AND THE MEMBERS OF MY TOPS CHAPTER #IN 1174, BEECH GROVE HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY SUPPORTIVE. THEY REASSURE ME EVERY WEEK ON HOW GOOD I AM DOING AND TELL ME I AM LOOKING GOOD!
I HAVE LOVED BEING THE LEADER OF MY CHAPTER FOR 3 YEARS. MY MEMBERS HAVE INSPIRED, ENCOURAGED AND BLESSED ME IN SO MANY WAYS.
MY CURRENT WEIGHT IS 181 LBS. AND I COULDN’T FEEL BETTER. I AM WITHIN SIGHT OF MY GOAL AND HOPE TO BECOME KOPS BY THIS TIME NEXT YEAR.
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Division 7, 1st Place ~ 38.50 lbs. Terri Stallworth
It was requested that I write a success story. To me it seems a bit early for that, but I will do my best to comply. Let me begin by saying that I have always had a severe weight problem. My entire life has been spent fighting a battle against excess body weight. I have gained and lost hundreds of pounds, more than I would ever want to count.
I would always seem to find a reason to quit trying…mostly because if I couldn’t stick to a diet plan perfectly then I would think that I might as well quit. My mind could always invent a reason to quit trying and then I would be back on the out of control roller coaster of eating whatever struck my fancy.
Last August the light came on and I was lucky enough to run into a friend of mine that had joined TOPS. She told me the ladies that attend this particular meeting were a great group. Well, I knew that I needed to face a scale each week and receive as much support as possible. I really didn’t want to go to that first meeting, and would probably have rather taken a beating…but I truly did not have a choice. My body was shouting warning signals every time I tried to move and the pain was bad.
I walked into that first meeting and was greeted by smiling faces. These women took me into the fold and made me feel like I belonged there. They all let me know that I was not alone and that they knew exactly how I was feeling. They truly care about each other and they joyfully accepted me as one of them. I cannot put into words how much their support has helped me.
I have learned through these wonderful people that even if I have a bad week, I can and will do better the next week. I’ve slipped up more than once, but I know now that just because I slip up does not mean its time to quit. It just means that I have to make better choices. I have a very long road ahead of me just to get to my goal… and then the road will continue because I have learned that I can’t every stop trying because if I do then I will be right back to square one in no time at all. This is a lifelong change and I believe that TOPS WILL HELP ME EACH STEP OF THE WAY. I am blessed to belong to my chapter and I would encourage anyone who needs the support to join.
I know that one day I will reach my goal and become a KOPS member. What a proud day that will be .. and my friends at TOPS will be right there to help me celebrate. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of them for all their kind words and inspiration, its meant more to me that I can say.
Thank you very much for this award today. It will serve as a reminder of what I have accomplished so far and also as incentive to continue towards my goal.
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| MALE DIVISION WINNERS | |
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Division 1, 2nd Place ~ 17.75 lbs. Paul Huser
MY THREE CHOICES AFTER BEING IN COMMUNITY HOS0PITAL FOR SEVERAL DAYS, I WAS TOLD MY THE DOCTOR THAT I HAD CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE AND MY KIDNEYS WERE FAILING. MY WEIGHT WAS ALMOST 400 LBS. I WORE SIZE 4X SHIRT AND SIZE 56 JEANS. 3 DOCTORS TOLD MY WIFE THAT I WOULD NOT COME HOME. WITH THE HELP OF THE GOOD LORD AND A DOCTOR THAT REFUSED TO GIVE UP, MY KIDNEYS STARTED WORKING. I WAS TRANSFERRED TO UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS REHABILITATION AND NURSING FACILITY. I WAS DISCOURAGED AND WANTED TO SIGN MYSELF OUT AND GO HOME. MY DOCTOR TOLD ME I HAD 3 CHOICES. GO ON A SPECIAL DIET, LOSE 100 LBS, OR PICK OUT MY PINE BOX. GIVEN THIS ALTERNATIVE, I DECIDED TO GO ON THE SPECIAL DIET AND LOSE THE 100 LBS. THE CHEF IN THE NURSING HOME TOOK A SPECIAL INTEREST IN ME. HE BROUGHT ME A SPECIAL MEAL THAT THE OTHERS DIDN’T GET. I HAD SALAD TWICE A DAY AND I WAS ABLE TO LOSE THE 100 LBS. AND WAS RELEASED FROM THE NURSING HOME A COUPLE WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS. AFTER COMING OUT OF THE NURSING HOME I BEGAN TO GAIN WEIGHT AGAIN. MY WIFE BELONGED TO TOPS. I DECIDED TO JOIN. THE TOPS GROUP IS LIKE A SMALL FAMILY. THEY HAVE BEEN VERY SUPPORTIVE. THEY HAVE BEEN ENCOURAGING, WHEN AT TIMES I WANTED TO GIVE UP. I DO BELIEVE THAT IF I HADN’T JOINED TOPS, I MAY HAVE BEEN IN THAT PINE BOX BY NOW!
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Division 2, 1st Place ~ 55.25 lbs. Robert Day
I have been in TOPS since 1995, on and off. I have always done well with TOPS as long as I have “taken off pounds sensibly.” But I have not kept on being sensible.
My cycle has been:
I joined TOPS, lost pounds, made KOPS, lost KOPS, then quit after gaining several pounds. I rejoined in 2002, regained my KOPS status only to lose again. I did not quit TOPS this time but continued gaining until April 2008.
My TOPS leader suggested a 21-day challenge contest in April 2008, which consisted of daily:
1. recording your food intake 2. staying within your calories 3. drinking at least 48 oz of water 4. eating at least 5 fruits and veggies 5. getting 30 minutes of physical activity 6. taking 15 minutes to pray.
I lost 14 lbs. and won the contest! The idea of the 21 days was to establish good habits of eating and exercise. Our leader suggested a website called, Sparkpeople.com. It was very motivational, easy to record the daily calories and exercise, all for free! I started using Sparkpeople….it was a very interesting and fun site to use. One of the things I was most proud of what I was well on my way toward my goal. I reached my KOPS status on September 23rd. On my last weigh in of 2008, I was 6 lbs. under goal.
I am still doing the basics of the challenge. I try to drink 8 cups of water, exercise 45 minutes a day, five days a week (since the IRD challenge and yes, I made it to Florida). I try to get at least 5 fruits and vegetables per day. I record my food intake daily on Sparkpeople. My waist size has gone from 48 to 42 inches and I have reclaimed a lot of clothes from my closet!
I thank all my TOPS friends for their support. I know I now have a new life- style, both in eating and exercise. I feel better physically and emotionally more than ever!
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Division 4, 1st Place ~ 11.25 lbs. Alton Buck
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Division 6, 1st Place ~ 12.50 lbs. Austin Hartz
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