Hello...my name is Anne-Marie and I have been in Tops since my teens.
I have never significantly lost a big amount of weight. My weight is now at my highest.
I was wondering if other Tops members could share tips that they use and what they have found motivates them.
I really need to shed at least 50 lbs for now to greatly reduce pressure off my knees.
My mother who passed away last year of a sudden heart attack had both knees replaced and I don`t want to have to go through that surgery.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Munchieface

Hi Anne-Marie,

I don't know that I have any words of advice because I too am a struggling Tops member. I just wanted to say that I am also knew to this site and I've found the people here to be incredibly supportive and fun and encouraging so check back here often and like you did, just be honest and i'll be here for you. I have been trying to think about everything that goes in my mouth and to be kinder to myself. But I still struggle with this very much.

Don't give up!

T.Y Michele for your words of encouragement. It meant alot
Munchieface.

hi to you both, you are not alone. We all are struggling each day. I don't know anything harder than losing weight. Welcome to this site. There are many fantastic ladies here. The nice thing about TOPS is that each person does whatever plan works for them. If what you are doing isn't working try something different. i am doing portion control and exercise. IF I do it I lose. But when I start eatting large amounts and don't exercise I gain.
I have lost and gained quite a lot since I joined TOPS. But I know if it were not for TOPS it would be even worse. The most important thing is to not ever give up.

t.y for your encouragement. It helps to know others care and I hope you will be successful as you continue your weight loss journey. A friend munchieface.

Oh my,
what a struggle it is isn't it. At least you're hanging in there, I am trying to work up the nerve to go back to meetings, I am 45 lbs over my original starting weight! I know, I know, TOPS members are for support, but I just know what they will be thinking and what one member will probably SAY Have you read the book "Inspired to Lose" by Howard J. Rankin? I'm sure you saw the info about it in TOPS news, or you can find it at the TOPS site or at Amazon.com. There are some AMAZING stories in that book, I've read it a couple of times and keep it nearby to peruse occasionally. I also recommend reading lots of success stories on the web, there is a whole list of 3FC members web pages and also check out http://www.iVillage.com and http://www.theweighwewere.com if you haven't already. Are you a member of any Yahoogroups? Your name sounds familiar, are you a CyberTOPS member? http://www.cybertops.net The chat here at 3FC is wonderful too, check it out. Well, I'll quit blathering on now, best wishes and maybe I'll meet you in Ottawa next year at IRD. I plan to walk across that stage as a re-instated KOPS!

Hello I too am a struggling Tops member. I have been a member for 3.5 years and lost about 70 pounds in the first two years . Currently , I am about 12 pounds from where I was when I first joined three years ago.
I went back last week after lagging for a month. I thought about joining WW which I done. It is just so expensive for my budget right now. I love the program, so I think I will follow it and attend the Tops meetings . I think I can do that right.
I know it is up to me. I must get it up in my head to achieve my goal and that is what I struggle with daily. Do I want it bad enough , I believe I do I am just up and down diet wise every single day...
A new start and a new beginning. Forgive yourself for your past failures and mistakes and take it one day at a time.
The leader and I are really close and she is so inspiring to me. We walk every week . So I do have here to lean on

Michelle

Hi,

Michelle, i wanted to say that I too am following somewhat a WW diet because I think it's healthy and no-nonsense, seems to fit my lifestyle. I think it's OK to do that and attend Tops meeting because it's all about being sensible, right? If that eating plan is sensible for you, continue.

I agree that WW can be expensive, not that we aren't worth it, but i just can't afford it now. And I really like Tops and the attitude I find there, more than at WW. I don't see the support as much at WW.

Just my .02 worth!

Hi,

I too am a former TOPS member. This is my 3rd go with it since my teens. I don't think I took it seriously back then. I am serious this time. I joined the middle of April and I have lost 15 lbs. I am doing it slowly. I still eat desserts and snacks, just not as much anymore and I am making better choices. I want to lose about 50 more pounds. Everyone in my family is thin and I don't want to be the fat one anymore. I also have 2 children to think of. I am following the ww points and it is working for me.

Take Care.