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While I was in TOPS I enjoyed it. I ended up quitting because that's just what I do. It had nothing to do with TOPS or it's effectiveness. It had to do with obligation. I hate being obligated to do something on a regular basis. (Except work.) Routine is usually a good thing for most people but for me it leads to guilt and ultimately failure with more guilt.
That being said TOPS really does work. It's a very fun environment full of competition for those who need it as well as support for those who prefer that route. It's about acceptance of our problem and learning how to cope, not ridiculing someone because they fail. The weigh-ins are very private and your never have to say how much you gained or lost. You only have to say whether you gained or lost and all the gains get a "Awww, we care!" and the losses get cheers from the group. There is a rewards system in place to award those who do well. Prizes are usually inexpensive as they are given out on a weekly basis. In addition to the weekly meeting the groups typically get involved in the community so there are always events that you can attend if you need more than a weekly fix. However, like overeaters anonymous, you are subject to your leaders. If the group/chapter and or their leaders are not very good then you probably won't get much out of it. Good thing is, the 'leaders' change yearly. They also accept those who have had WLS. It's not a 'eat less and move more is the only way' type of thing. We're all looking for the same success in the end, how we get there doesn't really matter. So don't be shocked if you find people who have had WLS in your group. I had only two complaints, 1. There weren't enough men in the group. 2. Most everyone in the group were over 45 years old. (Not that there is anything wrong with older people, but most people like having support from someone closer to their age. In other words, a 65 year old person doesn't have the same interests as a 25 year old.)
All in all I would rate TOPS up there with Weigh****chers. It's very successful and is a great tool if you can benefit from a group environment like this. The competition side of it HIGHLY motivated me. Unfortunately for me, I have problems with structure and routine so I didn't last very long. But you know what?? I still get cards and things from the group saying they miss me and want me back.. I was only there for 4 weeks. I was very impressed.
I went to TOPS many moons ago and I enjoyed it. The only thing I didn't like was you have to find your own diet to follow. I liked the competitive part of it though. Have any of you went to SparkPeople.colm. It is a great website and it's free. It gives you lots of advice and even a diet to follow if you want to. I really haven't followed their diet plan but have been tracking my food and exercise and have lost a little over 16 pounds in 3 weeks. Try that website out also. Hope you all like it as much as me. Best of luck in the weight loss journey.
vickie
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