Home / TOPS

I Made The Call....

#1

kari_berry , 04-15-2004 11:23 AM

Well - today I looked on the TOPS website, and found a chapter about 4 miles from my home. I called the number of the lady who runs it, and left her a message letting her know that I am thinking of joining, and would like more information. Hopefully she'll give me a call back soon.

I feel better that I called. I was nervouse, I don't know why...lol. But glad I did it. The meetings are on Tuesday mornings, so hopefully I'll be able to attend this coming Tuesday.

I have one question though. I was reading the thread at the top of this thread, with all the info about TOPS on it. It states that they do not give you an eating or exercise plan, and that you get that from your personal doctor.

I don't have a doctor that I see because I have no health insurance, but about a year ago, I was doing a program with the "Medical Weight Loss Clinic" that I really liked, and it worked for me. Can I use this program??

Thanks!

~ Kari ~

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#2

mistiel , 04-15-2004 02:59 PM

Hi there, I start TOPS tonight for the first time and I too, don't have a Doctor, so I am not sure what they will say about that. They support any healthy life style you choose and from the reviews and comments I have read and heard, it sounds like an affordable, personable and successfull program. I wish you lots of LUCK and I will let you know how the first meeting goes tonight.

Mistie

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#3

kari_berry , 04-15-2004 11:45 PM

Hello Mistie

Way to go on making the call too!!! Please let me know how your meeting goes, and lots of luck to you too!

~ Kari ~

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#4

summer8386 , 04-16-2004 11:04 AM

Welcome ladies!!

TOPS suggests using the "Exchange System" which they outline and explain in a book that the chapters can sell ya. It is called 'The Choice Is Yours'. You can follow any plan that will work for you, be it WW, Low Carb, Atkins, etc. Just make sure that it is healthy and sensible so you will have success.

The only reason you need the medical professional is to set your goal weight. Of course all diet groups suggest using a Dr. because it makes sense and to release them from liability. Your chapter your visiting should be able to explain more in detail. If not, recontact the person you called to start with because they are most familiar with the rules.

Hope this helps.

Summer

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#5

lady06498 , 04-16-2004 09:41 PM

Kari and Mistie,

Welcome to Tops and our boards. Summer is right you don't need the Dr. to tell you what plan to use. If you have a plan that has worked in the past use it. Even if it means just drinking more water, getting more exercise and cutting out the junk that is a plan and a healthy one. There are many plans out there and many tops members use all different plans. Not one plan works for everyone so it is nice that they let you decide what is best for you. Just remember when you find the plan for you it has to be a lifestyle change not a diet for a few weeks. So find what you can live with for life without denying yourself what you like to eat. It is possible and you can do it. Come here for support and use the support in your chapters and GET INVOLVED. When you are actively involved in the chapters you stay motivated and it is easier to lose the weight without thinking about it.

Sherri

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#6

kari_berry , 04-16-2004 09:50 PM

Thank you for the welcome I still have not received a call back from the lady that I called. If she does not call me this weekend, I will try again on Monday.

The classes are held on Tuesday mornings, so if I don't talk with her by then, than I may just show up at the meeting. (I can do this...right??)

I do have a plan that I can live with. I've used the plan twice, and both times, it really worked for me. Here is a basic outline.

Breakfast:

1 protein
1 starch
1 fruit

Snack (usually a protein bar)

Lunch:

1 protein
1 starch
1 vegetable
1 fruit

Snack

Dinner:

1 protein
1 starch
2 vegetables
1 fruit

(and maybe one more snack a little after dinner.)

This plan has always worked for me, and I keep track of all my food on www.fitday.com

I have not been following this plan recently, but hopefully I can get back into it this coming week.

Thanks again for the welcome, and the information you have given. I am excited about joining TOPS!

~ Kari ~

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#7

summer8386 , 04-17-2004 12:24 AM

Kari,

See you already have a good start to your success!!!! Good for you. Don't mess with what you KNOW works for you. Sometimes we may need to "tweek" it, but it sounds like you should do fine when you stick to it. We all know 'sticking' can be the hard part.

Absolutely go to the meeting even if the lady doesn't get back with you right away. People have lives and who knows what...or where...she may be....vacation, meetings, family issues, etc. Also every TOPS chapter is different and 'unique'. If this one doesn't 'feel' right, try another one. There is no obligation to visit one time.....and that can be at multiple chapters until you find the one you are most comfortable with.

I wish you well with your journey. Hey, I was born/raised in Detroit. How far from there are ya? Take care

HEY SHERRI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks again for the call. It was so nice chatting with you. Bet you're still hanging in.........or should I say Hanging OUT You take good care of you too!!!!

HUGS, Summer

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#8

kari_berry , 04-17-2004 10:00 AM

Hi Summer8386 - I did notice that the lady who is in charge of the chapter that I would like to attend, also holds many other chapters on other days of the week, so I am sure she is quite a busy lady. I do plan on attending on Tuesday anyways.

You were raised in Detroit? My fiance' and I live in Ecorse, actually right on the border of Detroit. (If you walk to the end of our block and cross the street, it says "Welcome to Detroit" lol) so I guess that's pretty darn close lol. Definatly not the best of neighborhoods, but surprisingly things are getting better around here.

~ Kari ~

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#9

summer8386 , 04-17-2004 10:37 PM

Kari,
The lady is either an 'Area Captain' or 'Coordinator'. They are there to help the individual chapters when needed and they oversee all the chapters in their areas. They also know the rules the best. Each chapter however is run by volunteers that hold offices of Leader, co-Leader, Sec, Treasurer from that chapter. You'll find out when you go. Ask questions if you have them and they should also give you a Welcome pamphlet at the least.
I lived on the northeast side of Detroit till I was 19yrs old then moved to East Detroit [I think it is now called East Point] until I was 23. Visited Colorado, fell in love with the mountains and moved out 6mo after that. Last time I was there was 1995.....and I just wanted to cry. What a slum. Oh, speaking of living on the boarder of the city, we lived one block from the suburb of Warren, across 8 Mile Rd. My relatives are in Canada.....and as soon as one crosses the border......I can feel the difference. It's been a long time since I heard Ecorse. I'll have to look that up again on a local map. Ah, memories.......some good, some bad. Glad your area is getting better.
Have fun Tuesday.
Summer

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