Division 1
SECOND PLACE

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Marilyn Kuban

TOPS®# TX 85, Ft Worth

83.0 Pounds lost

Having tried numerous doctors and almost every diet organization since my teenage years, I consider myself to be a "professional" dieter. I learned a lot about diet and nutrition and could tell everyone else how to lose weight, but I never seemed to be able to practice what I preached.

I know I didn't just wake up one morning to find myself grossly overweight- it piled on one pound at a time. When trying to lose weight on my own, I would be successful with those first 25 to 30 pounds, but it seemed as though something would always come up and I'd ditch my plan. Each time this happened, I would gain back more weight than I had just lost. Those 30 "extra" pounds became 50, then 75, then 100... and then even more. Needing to lose a great deal of weight, I would become too overwhelmed, give up and say, "What's the use anyway?"

My weight was almost too much for my aching knees to bear anymore, plus I had extremely high blood pressure. However, it wasn't until I finally realized that if I wanted to be around to enjoy my 13-year-old grandson and my toddler-age granddaughter- watch them grow and dance at their wedding some day- I needed to stop playing around and start taking action.

Always planning to start dieting "next Monday," I joined TOPS®last year on June 12. I was so embarrassed by my size, and nearly died when I had to step on the scales to find out my beginning weight. I then felt I had to continue to attend each week and prove to them that there was a slimmer me somewhere inside. I nearly cried the first time I heard the TOPS®Pledge, especially during the part "I will remember- even though I overeat in private, my excess poundage is there for all the world to see." You see, I knew I was OVERWEIGHT, but somehow I was hoping others just didn't see it!

I attribute my success-to-date to faithfully keeping a food journal, holding the scale to my accountability, receiving support and encouragement from my family, and getting to know the friends whom I hold dear at my TOPS®group, who cheer me on as I take off pounds sensibly. I couldn't have done it without them!

Division 1
SECOND PLACE

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Veronica Roca

TOPS®# TX 1851, Venus

72.25 Pounds lost

Like everyone in TOPS®, I struggled with my weight for most of my life. I've tried all the diets out there, but always gained the weight, plus some, back. In July of 2004, I was at my all time high of 365 pounds. I had to do something, but what? I wanted to do something different… something new that I'd never tried before.

It just so happened that I found myself talking with a fellow co-worker, who was the leader of a TOPS®chapter. She told me all about TOPS®, which I had never heard of before. I immediately grabbed my mother, and we attended the chapter meeting as her guests. I was so inspired, and thought this group was unlike any other weight loss organization I'd ever tried. I joined the chapter that very night.

Ten short months later, I had lost a total of 102 pounds and had never felt better in all my life. This was the first time in my life that I was able to lose more than 20 pounds and keep it off. However, my job made it impossible for me to continue with TOPS®, and I left in August 2005. I thought I could go it alone and continue to lose weight, but I was so very wrong.

I became very depressed and just wanted to give up, preparing to die as an overweight person. However, my mother would not let me quit, and with her support and encouragement, we founded a new TOPS®chapter (TOPS®#TX 1851 Venus) close to our residence. We opened our doors on February 28, 2006. When I stepped on the scale again for the first time since I left TOPS®and saw that same 365 pounds staring back at me all over again, I broke down and cried. But I vowed that I would not fail again this time. Ten months later, I had lost 72 1/2 pounds. This time, I know I will continue to lose weight and keep it off no matter what, and never again will I leave TOPS®.

TOPS®is a way of life for me now. The support, encouragement, and friendship of my TOPS®pals is what I need to strive for good health. I know I would not be where I am today if I had not found TOPS®when I did. Thank you all for saving my life!

Division 2
FIRST PLACE
Kris Malcomb

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TOPS®#TX 1004, Killeen

67.25 Pounds lost

          In May 2005, I was in a head-on collision car accident. My "extra padding" of 300 pounds saved my life, but I was still left disabled. My doctors ordered me to lose weight and so far I've lost 130 pounds!

Division 2
SECOND PLACE
Sherri French

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TOPS®#TX 1686, Bastrop

58.0 Pounds lost

Some friends of the family were members of the local chapter and told my mom and me about it, so mom said we would check it out.  My mom has been by my side as a partner in trying to lose weight, so we went one Monday night and decided to join! 

We joined in October 2005 and I started slowly losing, but then the holidays came around and I started to gain.  I began 2006 becoming more and more depressed that I kept gaining and decided to change! 

My dad said if I would work out he would pay for my gym membership, so I agreed to that.  Mom and I joined the gym together and began working out everyday, even on days we were tired. 

I began losing at a steady rate and became happier as a person.  I also started watching my portion sizes and what I ate, but I still enjoyed some of my favorite foods.  With healthy food options, family support, and support from my local TOPS®chapter I took off 60 pounds in 2006!  

I never felt deprived or unhappy, but I felt like I better and happier person!  I still have a ways to goal but with support I know I will make it!