Hey everyone. I am thinking of visiting my local TOPS chapter on Monday and am interested to see what I should expect. What type of meal plans do they use? Is it easy to work with a family? Are they extrememly restrictive?

Thanks!

Edited to Add: I am 25 and have 40 pounds to lose.

hbarbre-
Tops goes by the exchange diet, kind of like the food pyramid, it is very easy to incorperate into your homelife, The thought behind Tops is that you have got to eat and you have to learn portion control so really nothing is off limits in small quantitys. I know that Tops also allows you to be in Weight Watchers and other named diets and still be in their group so it is really up to you on which way of eating you chose, hope that helps

Yes, that helps. Thank you. I hope to be able to go to the meeting tomorrow!

Hi, hbarbre, welcome!

I go to TOPS too, and our group is pretty unstructured about what eating plan everyone follows. One member uses the Weight Watchers points concept, one does the ADA diet, and two are just straight calorie counters. I'm kind of a calorie counter, I guess, but I mostly try to mimic a Mediterranean diet. I like the fact that everyone can do what works for them.

Let us know what you think of the TOPS meeting!

I'm adding my 2 cents worth. Yes, in TOPs you are free to choose what works best for you. We have several members doing weight watchers, and the low carb diets. Personnally, I am trying to modify my overall eating habits to eat smaller portions and to avoid sweets. I allow myself an occasional treat, but am looking for healthier options. My weight is coming off slowly, but I hope that it will be permanent this way.

TOPs weekly weigh-ins keep me on track, and I love seeing the people in my group. We usually get together after the meeting for a healthy sub and subway.

Lyn

Let us know how it goes!

Well, I didn't go. I asked the only person I know (I am new here) to watch my son and she couldn't. Maybe next week. I am kind of concerned about everyone being able to follow whatever eating plan they wish. What about accountability? Do they promote a certain way of eating? Why don't the people who follow the WW points join WW?

I am not sure if I am saying this right, and certainly don't want to sound rude. What is TOPS? Is it a support group, but they don't really promote a certain "eating plan"?

I just want to know what to expect. I really could use the accountability and Lord knows I could meet some people! LOL

They do have an eating plan that is fully explained in their TOPs book - its an exchange program. However, this does not limit others from doing what works best for them. Again..the weekly support is what works best in my case.

Lyn

The accountability, for me, comes when I step on the scale every week. They have a particular diet in the TOPS book that you can follow, but you don't have to. I know enough to follow what works for my body so I do my own thing. I, personally, joined TOPS over WW simply because of price. WW is like $10 or more per week plus a start-up fee, and TOPS is like $4 per MONTH with a $25/year fee ... and each week you have an opportunity to win a few bucks back for losing weight. I don't feel rushed into losing as much weight as possible because I can afford only so many months of support, like I did when I was in WW. I'm taking off a good 2 pounds a week and happy to stay in TOPS as long as it takes. Sure, it's not as structured as WW or other places, but it's a tenth of the price.

I agree about the price. I am going to go Monday (if my husband is up to watch our son) and check it out. One of my problems is I need structure and a certain eating plan. I have a feeling it will be hard when others may be following a different diet. But, I am going to give it a try before making any decisions. I hope I will LOVE it. God knows I need it. LOL

hbarbre-
The eating plan they will give you will be structured, it is the exchange plan, just follow it and you will be fine, they will give you a handbook with a few sample menus and choices , you will do great I am sure

ok ..here's MY 2 cents..LOL. I joined tops about 15 years ago anfd lost 37 pounds...I was within 7 pounds of goal...and obtained an office position.....through many other situations in my life..I stopped going and gained all the weight back +. SInce then my local chapter folded and I have tried every "diet", 2 different gym/excercize groups and a ton of gimmicks including having acustaple in my ears! Last week I joined a neighboring TOPS again.....its defibnatley a struggle no matter what you do. I currently have about 40 pounds to lose. I also have ibs/constipation which slows down my weight loss. oh well. I am slowing trying to change my eating habits and negative thoughts htat I cant do this. 3 years ago I had a hysterectomy and gained 10-15 pounds and I CAN NOT get it off! I have bought into the idea that the older you get you cant take it off. WELL>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I am here to tell you that I am changing that wasy of thinking.no more excuses. I stopped execising and had to break down and buy a dvd to get started again...I know that I am definately not mobile enough.
I agree with some of the posts on here...I have a hard time controlling my eating unless someone gives me a very structured plan and is there to hold my hand through exercise and be a buddy all the way. HOWEVER....I am also realizing that I haev to do it myself...for myself. That doesnt mena I dont need support. I also quit WW becasue of the cost and honestly I received more mental support from my old TOPS friends. So I am starting over again...I like that I can eat whatever foods I want...til I have hit my target calories/fat grams , whatever. I love/hate getting on that scale every Monday.Thats my accountabiliry piece. ANd definatelt keeping a menu shows me just how much I eat..(man it isnt any wonder I have gained sooo much!!!!!!!!!)
I do have one question for you older members....I havent bought the choice is yours yet, and I was wondering....the first time around I cuonted fat grams. This time I am doing calories.....do you have thoughts on one versus the other? or any other suggestions? Thanks and to anyone considering it...even though I have only had my first weigh in this time around..I would HIGHLY recommend this support group . Please keep us posted as to your progress and anything we can help with.

prpleyeris,

I get have the most success using a food diary that counts calories. I try to post on Fitday.com, (free) as you can write in everything you eat and it adds up the calories. It also has a place to log in exercise and you can keep track if you are burining off more calories than you consume. When I did this regularly for 10 weeks, I lost about 8 pounds.

I am post-menepausal and definitely noticed a slow down in my metabolism over the past 10 years. By going to TOPs regularly and weighing in on Monday nights I have managed not to gain any wieght over the past 4 years and have lost about 10-15 pounds since origianally joining. I have about 20 pounds to goal. Exercise is part of my daily routine now, too. Mostly walking and some weight training.

Stay in touch...I love your determination.

Lyn