I'm thinking of joining Tops-Need info

  • I'm at my highest weight, and really feel terrible. In the past I have
    tried just about every diet program there is.WW worked in the past,
    but I really can't afford that right now. I heard Tops isn't as expensive.
    I would appreciate any information on the program.
    Thanks,
    Lauren
  • Hope this info helps.TOPS is not expensive and it is one of the best support groups around


    You can also go to www.tops.org and there is a place where you can put your zip code and it will show you all TOPS near you

    Here is some info I posted some time ago.I probably need to post it more often.

    What will I find in a TOPSŪ chapter meeting?
    TOPSŪ meetings, which are held weekly, begin with a confidential weigh-in. Once weights are recorded, a program is presented. It varies from chapter to chapter, but is always aimed in some way to help members achieve their goals. Often, your leader or another member will present these programs. At times, physicians, nutritionists, psychologists or other experts volunteer to speak. Your meeting is a time for you to share your weight loss successes and challenges without feeling uncomfortable. Your fellow members are there to support you. From this fellowship and sharing come suggestions on how to do better. You'll receive recognition when you do so and encouragement when you need it.
    How is TOPSŪ different from other weight loss organizations?
    TOPS is nonprofit and noncommercial. We do not sell, promote, or endorse any products. Your doctor provides your eating and exercise plan. Your leader is a volunteer. He or she is a member just like yourself. Your chapter is as unique as the individuals in it. We provide the support, encouragement and educational opportunities you need to make healthy, permanent lifestyle changes. Fellow members are there for you not just during your meeting, but anytime. Cards, calls, and a reassuring hand of friendship are extended to you whenever you need them. We care about your health and our name explains why. We want you to Take Off Pounds Sensibly.
    What does it cost to join TOPS Ū?
    Annual membership is just $20 in the United States, $25 in Canada. This includes a monthly magazine delivered to your home. Local dues are set by each chapter to cover expenses and are normally less than $5 per month.
    What do I get for my membership fee?
    The most important benefits are the support and encouragement you get from other members, but you'll also receive our monthly magazine delivered to your door. It's filled with inspirational stories, delicious recipes and news from TOPS chapters around the world. There are lots of TOPS sponsored activities you can get involved in too.
    Do I have to follow a special diet?
    Your personal physician is the one most familiar with your medical history. Therefore all TOPS members receive their food and exercise plans as well as goal weights from their own doctors. TOPS does recommend the standard exchange diet. TOPS publishes a healthy lifestyle guide called "The Choice Is Yours" which includes a full description of how to work this plan. If your doctor approves the exchange diet, you'll find lots of useful information in this low-cost book.
    Will I be told how much weight to lose?
    That is between you and your personal physician. However you measure success and whatever you have to lose, TOPS is Here For You!
    Can you guarantee I'll lose weight?
    There are no quick fixes or phony guarantees at TOPS. Losing weight is up to you. But, while you're working on it, we can provide incentives, lively meetings and materials to keep you going. You can join us at motivational rallies, attend different workshops, even go on special retreats.
    What about after I lose weight?
    Members who reach their goal weight become honored KOPSŪ members (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly). Staying at goal weight can be a challenging too, so our meetings provide information and support for members at this level too.
    How do I join TOPSŪ?
    Simply attend one of the meetings in your area. There are almost 11,000 meetings around the world. Your first visit is free and you are under no obligation to join. Bring a friend if you like. If you decide to join, a TOPS member will help you fill out the simple application form at the meeting.
    Hope this answered a lot of questions for our new people.
  • Hi Lauren,

    I just wanted you to know that if ww worked for you in the past rest assured that you can still do that plan for you and still go to and belong to tops. I do the ww123 plan. I do use the new pts system but I don't have the new books. I just changed the pts to what they should be now. But this is the only diet plan that has ever worked for me. As long as I stick to my plan it works. LOL

    I am very glad that I joined TOPS. It has helped me a lot. And like you I have never been to a ww meeting or ever joined because it is too expensive for me also. But I do like the plan. In Tops you can follow any plan that you want that works for you.

    Hope to see you more often here. You will get a lot of support here if you sign on.

    Sherri
  • Hello!

    I also go to TOPS and I love it. I'm a former WW member as well. I love ww123! But...I can get the same motivation and support from my TOPS buddies for about $2.00 a week as opposed to $15.

    You have the knowledge of WW as you said you have been. Dig out your books and start it up again!

    good luck!

    GO TOPS!
  • I just joined Tops!
    Hi Everyone !

    I was on the fence about joining Tops, because of all my past diet failures. But after reading all the great things
    about the program from this site I decided to give it a
    try. I'm glad I did!
    I joined tonight,and felt at home at the meeting. The
    leader is very nice,and the members really made me feel
    welcomed.
    Although I have many pounds to lose,I feel that with
    Tops,and with the motivation from this site I could do
    it this time.

    Thanks for the encouragement!!
    Lauren




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  • Hi! It is great that you joined. Congrats ! We would love to have you here! You will get alot of support online and at your meetings. Please keep in touch with us!!!!! Penny
  • Am glad to see all the new people that have found their way to TOPS by coming to this board.There are many good programs out there but what makes TOPS unique is all the support and the fact that you use whatever plan works for you.We always encourage you to find a safe and healthy plan as there are a lot of fad diets out there that could harm you.You will learn how to eat healthy at your TOPS meeting.And make friends with some wonderful people who know what you are going thru and don't judge you on how you look
  • Hi Lauren,

    You have made the first big step in joining tops. Now that you have done that you yourself know that you are truly ready to lose that weight this time. Use us here to help you that is what we are all here for. We vent, and we are concerned about everyone here. We try to keep track of everyone.

    Keep coming here and you will get all the support you need for the good days and the bad ones to. If you have a bad day make sure you do come here so we can support you and hopefully help to get you back on track.

    Congrats on joining tops I think you will really like it. I am glad that you are comfortable with the group that you are in. That is a big deal.


    Sherri