[rapchef]

I've heard of TOPS before and know that they have some type of weight loss meetings, and I'd like to know more about it. I wanted to do weight watchers, but couldn't fork out the money with a new baby plus a 4 year old. I'm doing Richard Simmons and I like it, but could use some accountability.

Is there a standard cost per session? What happens at the meetings? Do they have their own weight loss program, or is it basically a support group?

I think there is one in my area (Binghamton NY area), but I don't know how to find it.

I'd appreciate whatever information anyone can give me.

[Crazy4Carbs]

First of all, go to www.tops.org and go to chapter locator..youll see if theres one near you.

Tops is a motivational/support group that gives you a helping hand when you need it. They promote healthy eating but no "diet" or point system (like WW). They have games and contests that make it fun.

The cost is $20/year.Included in that is a subscription to TOPS magazine. You also pay $2.00 a meeting BUT if you are the biggest loser of the week, you dont have to pay. If you gain, you pay 25 cents or something like that.

When you walk in, you go get weighed CONFIDENTIALLY. Then there will be roll call in which members say how much theyve lost. If you gained, all you have to say is "gain" and you will get supportive responses.

I hope Ive helped. Theyre a great group of people.

[FLgal]

TOPS is a "non profit" weight loss support group and as Crazy4carbs said, the cost is $20 a year, but chapters set their own weekly or monthly dues, ours is $4.00 monthly. That is used by the chapter to pay for the rent, awards, etc. The club does not have a "diet" for you to follow, that is for you and your doctor to decide, also your goal weight is determined by your doctor.
We also have a program at each meeting to help educate or motivate members on good nutrition, health, etc. The meetings last an hour or less.
One of the best things about TOPS is that everyone has the same problems with weight that you do and you make a lot of friends. My TOPS chapter is like family to me.
Hope this helps some.

[ciecie]

There are TOPS Chapters in your area. Our former Area Coordinator, Joan Manning, was from your area. To locate chapters in the Binghamton area go to http://www.tops.org and click on chapter locator. Type in your zip codes. All the chapters in your area will be posted. In addition, the home phone numbers and in some cases e-mail addresses of the area coordinator and area captain will be listed. It's always a good idea to call the Area Captain or Area Coordinator to check and see if the chapter(s) closest to you are still meeting at the place shown on the headquarter's web site. Chapters must change locations from time to time. You can attend one meeting for free but you must join if you decide to go a second time.