[DragonsLady]

This is for Ro and any other scrapper (male or female, 7 years old +) who fears a support group for weight loss. Please consider TOPS. TOPS is a non-profit weight loss support organization that has been in existence since 1948. You weigh in in private usually on a weekly basis. Annual dues are $28 (this money goes to TOPS International, Inc.) Chapter dues are usually less than $1 per week. There are programs to give you the necessary mental and psychological support you need from others on the path to weight loss and those who have reached their goal weight. TOPS stands for Take Off Pounds Sensibly. A person who has met her goal is called a KOPS (Keep Off Weight Sensibly.) We don't give you a diet - that's between you and your doctor. We give you the loving support you need. You can contact TOPS by going to
www.tops.org where you can find out about local chapters near you. I entered 84003 zip-code and found a local chapter in American Forks, UT. There's even a contact person listed. You don't have to lose a pound a week - we don't demand you lose any specific amount - we're just here to support you. And, you may have noticed that you never see an ad for TOPS. All our funds beyond administrative, go to obesity research. We don't sell frozen meals, we don't advertise nationally (though a local chapter may put out an ad welcoming new members.) We have some weight loss aids (a book, THE CHOICE IS YOURS)and food diaries that are available only through the chapter but we don't require anyone to buy them. One of our mottoes is "Your Doctor Gives You Your Diet; TOPS Gives You Support". So, please, give TOPS a chance. And I promise - we won't make you put a pig on your fridge.

[Sara Arell]

I did TOPS years and years and years ago after the birth of my second child. I guess I didn't know it was still around. Thanks for letting us know.

[Becster]

Thanks for the info! I have some friends who did that years ago, and like Sara, hadn't even thought of them in a while. I'll take a look at there site.

[Sara Arell]

RO had me at the title - PIG ON THE FRIDGE!

Loved your muse in this morning's newsletter Ro!

[Ro]

You won't believe it... but my friend's mom was in TOPS! At the time, the weigh ins were public- in a group setting. The thought of weighing in like that terrified me. I'm glad to hear that this isn't the regular TOPS program.

What are the odds? I haven't heard anyone mention TOPS in all of these years.

[Smiles]

I think shame has been pretty well discredited as a motivator. It might work for a very short time, but it's definitely counterproductive. We tend to take better care of ourselves the more we love ourselves.

[momwife and friend]

Smiles said:

1329031558[/url]' post='994632']
I think shame has been pretty well discredited as a motivator. It might work for a very short time, but it's definitely counterproductive. We tend to take better care of ourselves the more we love ourselves.

I agree. I know it is difficult to struggle with weight and self doubt but the other side of the coin is also a difficult struggle.

[Deb C.]

My Mom was in TOPS for years. She doesn't attend anymore but I think TOPS still exist in my hometown.