When I attended a “Get Motivated” seminar in June 2009, I purchased Tamara Lowe’s book and took the personality test to help you understand what motivates you.  My profile showed I needed an accountability group to help. A light bulb moment – I had struggle with weight issues and my mother-in-law was a long time TOPS member. Where else could I go?  What else did I need?  Thanks Vernie for steering me to TX 636, Burkburnett.  I even spent my birthday money to join, yes…I had turned 48 just two days before joining. That first weigh in was …WOW 203 pounds! I wasn’t sure what I needed to weigh, but knew that 203 was TOO much. That accountability thing sure was true, because I dreaded having to admit if I gained.  I would cheat sometimes by convincing my wife Vickie to take a nice long bath, so I could night snack or I would sneak a fast food stop on my way home and then sit down with Vicki and eat dinner!  After all, if no one saw me eat it, the calories didn’t count. I finally got the picture and when tempted to eat, I would recite the TOPS pledge aloud. Friends would laugh at me, but it worked. Seven months later, I reached my goal.  I have not arrived. I have only begun a new way of eating and living my life.  What blessings my TOPS friends are because God directed me to them.

When I joined TOPS many years ago, I stayed for a long time and did really well losing weight and I became overly confident and decided I could finish taking off the weight myself.

I stayed out for so long my membership expired. Naturally, I gained lots of weight so I decided to join TOPS again.  The time TOPS became a real enjoyment; going to meetings, SRD and taking every office except treasurer – really getting involved with TOPS, but still not losing weight like I should.

In 2004, I had surgery on my back and weight is the worst thing for any kind of back problem and there I was STILL gaining weight instead of losing.

My husband passed away in 2005 and I really decided to change my lifestyle and start eating smaller portions plus lots of fruits and vegetables and I quit eating junk food and fast foods.

I only wish my husband was here now, as he always encouraged me to do everything at TOPS and he always enjoyed going to anything special we had at TOPS.  I know he would be so proud of what I have achieved if he was only still here.