[gma22]

I am seriously thinking of joining TOPS. I was a member years and years ago (about 28yrs) when we were stationed in Calf.
I have a thread on Support, but I hope you don't mind if I ask some questions because I am sure TOPS is a lot different. For one thing, you didn't used to weigh in, didn't have speakers and were mostly on our own each week. At least the chapter I was in was that way.

I am 49 (will be the big 50 in just 2 months UGH!), have been married 31 years, have 2 adult children, a son who is 30 and single and a daughter who is 26 and married and my pride a joy my grandson, who just turned 3 last month. I have a dog named Fortune and a cat named Butterscotch, am the wife of a retired Naval petty officer and basically am bored silly! I have lived here in Memphis for 2 years. I have been on a cal and fat program since Jan and have lost approx 90 lbs. I do water aerobics for 45 minutes everyday unless it is thundering and lightening!

Anyway, I am not working right now and haven't since last August (looking but finding that more than likely my age plays a part in not getting calls) and I am mostly interested in finding new friends at TOPS and wondered if they encourage that aspect of it. Besides my daughter, I only am friendly with one other lady who I met on this site over a year ago. She has depression issues so is kind of up and down about wanting to do much. I really could use the friendship as I am in the house a lot and I get so bored and that leads to overeating for me! I also know that having someone weigh me every week would really keep me on the straight and narrow. Please understand, I am not downplaying the overall roll TOPS has, but my need is a little different. It would be nice to have friends face to face I can get together with have something in common and a common goal.

Thank you for allowing me to "invade" your thread!

Faye

[Eleni]

Welcome Faye, If you look at top of page on the TOPS thread the first two post are stickied. One is for people to put a bio so we know something about each other. The second one tells about TOPS. You can also go to www.tops.org and see the new web site. The first visit to a chapter is free so I encourage you to go and see how you like it. You will get encouragement and meet new friends.Congrats on the big weight loss.Good job. You can also meet a lot of good friends here

[FLgal]

Hi Faye,

First, Congratulations on losing 90 lbs. That is great!

I have been a member of TOPS for about 8 years. Some of the ladies in our group have been there 25+ years. They say just weighing in every week helps them to maintain their weight. But, I think part of the reason they keep coming is because of the friendships they have made over the years. TOPS is a great organization and I have made a lot of friends there. And it has helped me control my weight. I haven't reached goal yet, but I am now at a healthier weight.
You might look up, on the TOPS website, chapters that are in your area. If there are more than one, try visiting each of them to find the one that you like best. Some chapters are very active and others aren't. I was lucky enough to get into an active chapter and we have a lot of fun every week. And we do weigh in weekly and have a program every week. The program is the highlight of our meeting.
Welcome to our board and I highly recommend TOPS.
Nita