TOPS

Wasn't there someone on this Board who joined TOPS? I forgot who it was. Whoever you are, please let me know more about the program.  We have one here close by, but I'd like to know more about it before going for the first time. You can PM me if you prefer, or maybe others might want to know about the program, too. I've gone to their website, but would like to know from a personal viewpoint. Thanks! Bren

That was me, Bren. I actually went to my meeting tonight and lost 1/2 pound since last week. It wasn't much but it is better than a gain. TOPS stands for Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Anyway, they teach the exchange program but they do not frown on you doing a program that works for you. At least, my chapter is like this. Basically, we weigh in like WW and then have the meeting. Our meetings usually consist of a lesson, hints and advice dicussion, support and helping others with difficulties they express they are having. Our meeting are pretty informal yet informational. For me, it is very much about the accountability more than anything but it is different for everyone. TOPS also issues challenges and contest. One they have going for June - August is sustained weekly losses with no gains. The winners for these contests are recognized at the quarterly inspirational meeting in which all area chapters are invited and encouraged to attend. Now for the business side, our particular chapter pays $25/year to the TOPS organization which also includes a subscription to the TOPS magazine. Then we pay $3/month and extremely small fines for weight gained. We also do a fruit basket once a month that the best loser of the month recieves. We do a weekly best loser and that person wins $1. Our fines and dues go toward charms that we win for losing weight for 4 weeks in a row, correspondence, meeting hall rent, etc.  Keep in mind that each chapter can be and most likely is run slightly different but based on the same TOPS bi-laws and diet plan.  My suggestion is attend a meeting in your area and ask questions. The first meeting is usually free so you can get an idea of how your chapter works.  TOPS can be a lot of fun. I just really like the support, accountability and price (vs WW).  If you want to know anything else, just holler. I'll answer what I can.

Thanks for the prompt and very informative reply, Beth!   You've really gotten me curious about this program.  I was asked today if I wanted to join WW, but last time I tried it, I didn't do so well, plus I'm not working now, so the cost is also a factor. Our TOPS is held on Monday mornings, which would be perfect for me.  I'm gonna seriously think about joining.  I think I'm a bit intimidated about "joining" any kind of weight loss program because I'm not sure I WANT to be held accountable.  Know what I mean?  Also, I guess I'm afraid of failure.  It's just easier to "do it on my own"....BUT...am I losing weight?  Hell, no! Thanks for the motivation.  Keep bugging me about it.  Hopefully, I'll get there.  Wish me luck! Bren

Accountability can totally suck but sometimes it is that very thing that keeps us motivated and going in the right direction because who wants to get caught? Ya know?  Sometimes doing it on our own is good but we're not always the most encouraging or motivating people ro ourselves. Usually we are more likely to beat ourselves up for what we're not getting right. That's where a F2F support group and bulletine boards like OH come into play.  It feels really good to have someone root for you. Can't beat it! Beth

Beth, Are the weigh-ins completely private?  I'm guessing you go once a week? Brenda

We are weighed in a separate room with only the weight recorder and assistant weight recorder present. We do roll call and tell how much we lost or gained but never give our actual weight. This is optional. Yes, I go once a week on Thursday evenings. Beth