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2005 TEXAS STATE
KING
R. DeShon Griggs
Loss of 72.5 Pounds
I had been struggling with my weight for about 3 1/2 years. In
November 2001, I had knee surgery at a weight of about 285 pounds.
My doctor took me off work for about 3 months. I couldn't go
anywhere or really do much of anything, so I spent most of my days
eating. I would wake up eating and go to sleep eating. Before I knew
it, I was looking at 300 pounds. Inactivity increased my
weight gain to 315 pounds. Gradually, I started walking again after
doing physical therapy. The problem was, my doctor said my knee
surgery was not going to do me any good if I didn't get the weight
off. Since I had played football in high school and also at
Sul Ross state University, I felt it wouldn't be a problem losing
weight, since I hadn't always been that big. Six months
after my surgery, there I was, working out at home - which lasted
for about two months. And there I was again, not working out.
A year later, I found myself at my greatest weight of 330 pounds.
I was miserable now, shopping in the Big and Tall section for 4XL
TOPS®and 48" pangs - every now and then, 50". I was so ashamed of my
weight that I would sometimes buy 5XL just to cover up. And I always
tried to hold my stomach in to look trimmer. I tried doing
a popular high-protein/low carbohydrates diet, which helped for a
while. But that didn't fit, since I was restricted to certain
things. My wife was going to TOPS®and asked me to visit. I went and
enjoyed it, so I joined in February 2004. I weighted in at
307.50 pounds. I decided then that I was not going to
follow a diet plan anymore. I was going to eat five to six small
meals, lift weights three times a week, and do cardio exercise at
least four to five times a week - and have one cheat day per
week. Today I am 235 pounds lean. TOPS®has really motivated
me to stay focused, to keep on track with losing, and to be a big
help to others. |
2005 TEXAS STATE
QUEEN
Kathie Luce Sweeten
Loss of 171 Pounds
I can’t say that TOPS®saved my life from
a debilitating or life threatening disease, but maybe, I was just
not there yet. I do owe my weight loss success to TOPS®though. I
could never have lost the 171 pounds without being involved with
TOPS®. I need that support and the being accountable each week
keeps me focused. I also know that I will need TOPS®to keep it off.
My family doesn’t quite understand my need for TOPS®and exactly
what I get from it but they support my involvement with TOPS®. In
fact, some of my NON-TOPS®family is here tonight. My dear husband
who has never attended a TOPS®function, has been here the whole
weekend. Once I asked him if he wanted to go to a Fun day with me
and he just gave me a look that let me know that I had just wasted
my breath with the question. Also here tonight, my daughter
Jennifer, my grand-daughter Katye and grandson Kendall. I love
you, to moon & back.
My travel time to KOPS®ville was 5 years, but time
is not a big factor when working to reach your goal. Slow and
steady losses are better sometimes than the quick dramatic losses.
A very wise lady once told me, “you need to take it off the way you
intend to keep it off.” So I have no secret to share with you, I
just put together a healthy plan and please, never refer to me as
“being on a diet”. That sounds too temporary and this is for the
long-haul. Just let TOPS®be your lifeline and hang on tight because
sometimes the road can get bumpy. I have had some slow times and I
definitely have had some doubtful times but I had a dream
and I would not give up on it. I wanted
to be a KOPS®.
I want to sum up my TOPS®story by thanking so many
special people who helped me to get here. First, my Family for
accepting TOPS®as a big part of my life now. My awesome Chapter,
they are the greatest group. Linda and Ellen, you are my heros. Then,
my coordinator Kay Brown who has been a special inspiration to me
and patient with all my questions. The Late Lynda Mellin, who I
will never forget. I know she is up there watching tonight
probably saying, you all see 1734, they know how to lose weight.
She was so proud of our Chapter’s early success. Now for the
fantastic bunch on the Texas TOPS®Loop which I got involved with
last April after SRD. I can’t even start naming everyone but you
know who you are. I love you all. You have helped me so much
this last year to reach my goal. The extra support during the week
between meetings is exactly what I need. I am there everyday
reading emails as long as my computer tech came keep me online. A
special thanks to Winnie, by asking for additional support this
year, you have helped me to stay in control. Could not Talk the
talk if I didn’t walk the walk. Then Melody, you are responsible
for me having more physical activity in my life. By creating those
crazy team contests that involved sooo much exercise. I could let
myself down but I could not let my team down. Still can’t say that
I enjoy it, but I do it and I feel better about myself. Then to so
many wonderful TOPS®people who I have met in the last 5 years at
TOPS®Events. Especially last October at a Weekend TOPS®Retreat,
that is where you can really get to know someone. I had a great
roommate, thank you Reba for believing in me. I did make it.
Spending the weekend under the direction of our TOPS®President
Barbara Cady was spectacular.
Then to the two people who are responsible for me
being here, Elaine and David Luce. The only thing better than my
experience tonight, will be to see you two on this stage again with
me. You can do it. Don’t give up on the dream.
Being crowned the 2005 Texas
State Queen is a great honor and I will proudly represent this great
state of Texas at IRD in Atlanta in July although I don’t really
feel that my achievement is any more special than any of the other
KOPS®in my Graduating Class tonight. I just had to lose a few more
pounds to get to my goal. It took the same dedication and
determination for all of us. 20 or 150 pounds loss to goal, it
doesn’t matter now. Keeping it off will be the same for all of us
and I hope to see each new KOPS®here tonight back next year as a 1
year KOL.
And everyone else who is not
in this elite group of KOPS®, leave here tonight with your dream and
don’t ever give up on yourself.
TOPS®Love,
Kathie Luce Sweeten
2005 Texas State Queen
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