Question:
Any of you members of TOPS?

I am a member of TOPS and am curious if any of you are. If you are, what kind of support have you gotten from your group? I want to continue being a member but I have no intention of partaking in contests and awards. I really like the support and commaraderie. I'm afraid they will all think I'm taking the easy way out. And we know it's by far not easy. I'll appreciate any comments. Thanks.    — Brenda V. (posted on March 17, 2002)

March 16, 2002
I was a member in El Paso. We had a very obese girl go on a Dr supervised liquid diet. She didn't participate in awards or contests, but she was still cheered on and supported by the rest of us. I think it just depends on your group, I have been to lovely tops groups, and loveless tops groups! Good luck
   — Becky K.

March 17, 2002
I am a former member of TOPS....I have never seen any support to those who take other routes to lose weight. It is a shame they are a great means of support but some people have narrow minds when it coems to each persons choices. Just takes to your group and be upfront. If you find negative feelings then search for a WLS support group. You may find that they will understand your situation much better. Best of Luck and remember, you did not take the "easy" way out. You changed your life to save your life. YOu owe no one any explanations that you don't want to give.
   — Oldsoul

March 17, 2002
Hi! I was an officer/member of Tops for 9 years. According to the rules, you may be a member after having surgery but for support only. It's a great way to have weekly access to a scale and, depending on the group, a lot of positive support. You know your group, so should be able to judge their reactions and how they will treat you. I left TOPS before surgery. What about going to the Peer Page on this site and looking for people around you who have had or will have surgery? That's how a group of us found one another. We started with three and now have seven including one pre-op. We meet at least once a month to eat and talk, talk and talk some more. I had the DS and the others the RNY, but we still can all benefit from the sharing.
   — grammie5

March 18, 2002
I belonged to TOPS a few years ago. I liked the support. Unfortunately, the group disbanded, tho I'm not sure if it was permanent. The treasurer and her sister took the money collected for some type of convention and ran. I have wondered whatever became of that.
   — Donna L.

May 21, 2002
I was out of tops for a year because of health and after my surgery they wanted me back. They said I could still be in it because my docter recomemded the surgery.Everyone is doing diferent diets and a tool is a tool. If you could go then what about those on diet pills ect. they are tools. They said the rules have changed but I just can't be Queen but that's ok with me.I get motivated to see my friends and I'm not always the best loser. I would say go and if it's a good group they will help.(And it's not the easy way out you still have to work and you have things you need help on just like everyone else.We are all trying to do what we can) GOOD LUCK!!!!
   — linda P.