[erinkman1]

I have looked around have not seen any threads about TOPS. Just wondering if anyone here in a member and what your experience is with it. I am currently attending WW meetings but my membership ends in 2 weeks I can not afford to continue and since TOPS is $26 a year I thought that may be doable right now. I just need that accountability of a meeting. It helps me stay on track so much better

[kaplods]

I love TOPS, I'm still a member, but because of a scheduling conflict my husband and I had to resign our offices (I was co-leader, and hubby was treasurer). There's another group that meets locally, but I haven't joined that yet.

We haven't joined a new group yet, but I'm planning on. Not only is the costs in tops much less than WW, there are usually opportunities to "win" some of your investment back. There usually are monthly dues on top of the $26 but they're almost always under $5 a month (our group charged $3 a month - but for every 10 lbs lost you got free monthly dues). Most groups also charge "fines" for weight gain (in our group it was ten cents per pound), and the biggest loser for that week got to keep the fines. Most groups are careful to keep the fine basket discreet so no one knows what you're putting in unless you decide to share.

There are usually periodic games and contests and such. There are usually a lot of people following WW, or who once did (so if you want to follow WW, but don't have the materials, often you'll find someone willing to share, lend, give, or sell their old materials).

I also love the monthly magazine/newsletter every month. The articles are helpful, it's fun to see what other groups are doing, and of course the success stories are always motivating.

I've been a little hesitant to join the one other TOPS group locally, because it's a little further away and the group is huge. The group we left was pretty small (under 20 members) and the new group I believe is 50 members or more. I've never belonged to a group so large, and I guess it's intimidating me a bit.

[sweetpetite12]

Well, the last post summed it all up i think, but just wanted to add that my grandmother was in TOPS for years, and she loved it. It wasnt only weight loss support, but a place for her to hang out with friends

suzi

[erinkman1]

Thanks everyone. We have a new Tops chapter opening today for the 1st time and I may just check that one out. I want to still use the WW tools I have learned but need that extra support of a meeting.