Division 1
FIRST PLACE

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Michael Watkins, Jr

TOPS®#TX 1734, San Antonio

48.5 pounds lost

Like everyone present, with the possible exception of any guests, I struggle daily with my weight because I'm a food addict. I love and adore food so much that I must wage a constant war to control my desire to eat food, all manner of food- healthy or not, and in large portions.  But I have hope. Researchers specializing in addictions have found that making any attempt to quit an addiction is the best predictor of eventual success, even if the attempt itself is unsuccessful. I must admit that I have made many, many attempts to quit my food addiction, and though I've not yet been successful, I'm still trying- and that's what matters!

The year 2006, however, was a banner year for me. I lost a total of 48 1/2 pounds- the most I've lost in any one year since joining TOPS®. I've since plateaued, and my current battle is to keep off what I've lost thus far.

I wish I could reveal some amazingly easy way that I lost my weight, but I've found that there is no simplistic method to weight loss. True weight loss is literally Taking Off Pounds Sensibly, addressing four main areas: first- diet, second- exercise, third- emotional overeating, and fourth- motivational support.

With diet, I can say that the one thing that's helped me the most is MENU PLANNING. Sitting down once a week to plan what you're going to eat so you're not grazing like a wildebeest is the best advice I can give. Menu planning isn't easy and is somewhat time consuming, but it does work- my weight loss is proof of that.

Addressing the reasons why I overeat as well as my desire to change has also benefited me. Most of us would like to make changes in our lives but cannot imagine doing so without outside help. If only there were some helping hands that could apply the force to get us going, we could make those changes. But on our own, without motivation, we remain in our habitual ruts. However, we have our motivation- it's called TOPS®! Without the continued support of my fellow chapter members, I would lose my motivation. Although the desire to change my behavior might linger, I wouldn't have the enthusiasm nor the accountability that TOPS®provides me with. If not for the support and encouragement of my TOPS®pals and facing the scale on a weekly basis, I'm sure I would not be where I am today.

The advice I leave with you today is to eat a reasonable diet by planning your meals, exercising sensibly, addressing the reasons you overeat, and making sure to attend your weekly TOPS®chapter meetings. If you're able to incorporate these four things into your life, you too, if not a division winner, will be a SUCCESS!

Division 6
FIRST PLACE

Michael Moris, Jr

TOPS®#TX 1454, Pleasanton

27.75 pounds lost

I was always scrawny as a kid, and never had to worry about becoming overweight. I was very active- I played outside, rode my bike, and competed in sports.

As I got older, however, I found myself more involved in video and computer games than in outdoor activities. Over the next couple of years, the pounds crept up on me. Before I knew it, I weighed 200 pounds and wore size 38 pants!  

My mom and girlfriend, both of whom are TOPS®members, finally talked me into joining them at TOPS®, where I would be motivated by the members, programs, and facing the scale on a weekly basis.

My girlfriend convinced me that I really need to get healthy and be there to encourage her and my mom while they work toward their goals.  It actually became FUN to get on that scale every week and watch the numbers go down and down. And of course, giving my mom and girlfriend a hard time and challenging them to keep up with me made it even more fun!  

When people ask me how I lost weight, I tell them motivation was the key. My personal motivation was to get off my butt, get a job and being in love! 

I'm glad I was talked into joining now, because like my mom says, it's better that I learn how to take care of myself now so I don't have to go through what she's going through now as I get older. Thanks to TOPS®and all the motivation I received, I now wear a size 32 pants and reached my goal March 16th.

Division 7
FIRST PLACE
JOSEPH HENDERSON

TOPS®#TX 927 Abilene

29.75 pounds lost

Shackled by life's circumstances and what being obese naturally brings to the table, I became desperate to make a move that would make everyday life more appealing.  I found comfort in food to the point of making it more sensual than necessary.  Food became my best friend, my confidant, my significant other, and my lover.  The passion to eat was overwhelming, and at the end of every day I felt that if I had eaten well then my day was prosperous.  What a misconception.  Through it all, I was unfulfilled. I was not happy and had become my own worst enemy. Already unpleased with what I had done to myself physically, depression set in. Satan was having his way with me to the point where I had mastered the art of convincing myself that I was not worth the effort.  I soon began to hate myself even more.   Because of my failing health, I became unemployed, and my grandchildren had to play around me because I could not play with them. I asked God to rescue me both physically and emotionally.

One day, I chose to regain control over my life. I set my mind to eat healthier, returned back to the workforce, and best of all, joined TOPS®.  I realized that I had to surround myself with people who were experiencing some of the same issues, and who would not be judgmental but supportive. Having to be accountable to the scales every week helps me keep my focus, and counting calories has been stressful but effective. I will forever be a work in progress, but never again will I be a recipe for disaster. The love of my fellow chapter members humbles me tremendously, and I have only been successful through their support and belief in myself. If you want to know the true meaning of TOPS®LOVE: The definition is TEXAS TOPS®CLUB #TX 927 Abilene, Texas!

Division 7
SECOND PLACE
Paul Alexander

TOPS®#TX 1527, Pflugerville

17.0 pounds lost

When I decided to join TOPS®, I knew I really needed help. My weight caused my bones to ache and I would get short of breath at the slightest exertion.

Disillusioned by other programs, I swore I would never go through another weight loss group again. However, my wife, who is a TOPS®member, and I found TOPS®#TX 1330 in White Settlement, TX. For the first time in years, I found out my true weight and was devastated by it.

I later moved to TOPS®#TX 1527 in Pflugerville, TX. The support and friendship I found there was overwhelming. This past fall I started a regular exercise program and kept track of everything I ate on the computer. That, along with the help and support of my TOPS®group, was the key to my success.

Thank you, TOPS®! You will continue to be a part of my life.