KING

DANNIE THOMPSON

CO 0151, Colorado Springs

34.00 POUNDS LOST TO GOAL

My journey to TOPS began with my wife Patricia, as we went through some major health problems with Pat that included nursing home recovery with many hospital visits.  God brought us closer together, giving us a different ministry and life.  Afterwards, Patricia wanted to go back to TOPS and could not on her own, so I started taking her to support her in every way that I could.

At the first, there was only one man with all those women, doing women things, which by the way, continues to this day.  The real blessing to all this is that I started losing weight, which I could not do before.  Pat and I struggled with eating before this came on us with serious health problems for Pat.  God has his ways of guiding us no matter what or how stubborn we are.

Life change is hard to us humans, and we need support, encouragement, prodding to get us motivated and to quit being so stubborn.  Support is absolutely essential, a place to discuss, learn the do’s and don’ts, how much, how little, what did I do wrong, and the joy of getting it right.  This support came in the form of my TOPS group, the guidebooks, the Choice is Mine, My Day One, TOPS News, and nutrition guides.  Facing the scales became easier as I started to lose weight.  I was able to share with my wife the hardships of changing our eating habits.

A new life style begins with God and his son Jesus because he is our foundation for life, and for whatever life has in store for us.  Learning how to control what we have become, and accepting the responsibility of stewards of that life is what guides us.  How much pain, suffering and sheer despair does it take to change the essence of who we are?  (Just plain stubborn!)

What we eat governs what our bodies become, and learning how to control that requires change.  We are not kids any more (or are we?)  A willing heart to eat the right foods, and learning discipline to that learning controls our physical life, our vitality, well-being, and our perseverance.  All this directs our life change.

I have advanced to a KOPS status in the short time I have been with TOPS, but only because of the support of a great leader and the support of the members in Chapter #CO 151, Colorado Springs – a great group of people, and all of us fighting the same battle (weight loss).  I have found it equally hard to maintain my weight as it was to lose the weight.  Calories can build fast, depending on what kind of foods you eat, and just because you eat fewer calories today does not mean that yesterday’s calories won’t raise your weight today.  So you see, we must change the way, as much as the what we eat, but that does not mean that we can’t enjoy the finer food “IF” we plan for it.  I hate that word “Can’t.”  How much pain and suffering does it take to change the essence of what we have become?  How much weight can you carry all day, and not think about it?  It breaks us down, makes us sick, both mind and body.  As a KOPS, I have found vitality, strength, and confidence.  Those three are worth all the money in the world, all the pain it took to get to my goal weight.  My Lord tells me to rejoice in my tribulations, my trials, for they produce perseverance.  In this case, it builds not only perseverance, but health and well-being, strength for today.  We cannot lengthen our days here on earth, but we can change how we feel (our self esteem) to do the work that we are given each day.

I have found that what we receive in life is equal to what, or how much, we are willing to invest in it.  If a thing is worth the doing, do it with all your being.  If you are not willing to invest yourself in it, the reward is the same.

And, by the way, there are four men in our chapter now, and growing, yes?

QUEEN

DIANE BONNELL

CO 0041, Westminster

70.25 POUNDS LOST TO GOAL

I joined TOPS in 1974 at #CO 35, Arvada.  From the start, it was up and down going for me because I worked and did not have the dedication needed to attend meetings.

Losing weight was important for me because of my health.  I had C-pap and used oxygen.  I also had diabetes.

In 2008, I transferred to #CO 41, Westminster, where I finally reached my goal weight.  Now that I have reached my goal, my health has gotten much better.  I no longer need C-pap and oxygen.  My medication for diabetes has been cut down.  All of this is due to the support I have received from my two TOPS chapters.

With the encouragement and support I received from my TOPS friends, I reached my goal on December 29, 2010.

My big lesson has been learning what I needed to do, such as drinking water, exercising and eating right.

I look forward now to remaining a KOPS which I can do with the support of my TOPS pals.

KING RUNNER-UP

VERNON ESTES

CO 0549, Canon city

22.75 POUNDS LOST TO GOAL

Keeping it Simple, By Vernon Estes

I believe that losing weight does not need to be complicated.   It can be as simple as 1-2-3.

Knowledge:  To be successful in any venture you must know the rules of the road.   Just saying, “I want to lose weight,” won’t cut it.  Knowing what causes weight gain, and what it takes to lose is all important.  Thousands of books and articles have been printed on this subject.  But I like to keep it simple.  For me, it all boils down to one thing.   Calories In vs. calories Out.  Learn the calorie content of the foods you eat most often, and then let the scales be your guide.  Scales don’t lie.  I learned that if I put too much stuff in my mouth it’s going to show up on the scales at our weekly weigh-in.  You can’t kid yourself.  Those TOPS scales tell it all.  Selection and portion control at the table are a must. 

Persistence:   I learned the importance of persistence.  Losing weight one week and gaining it back the next isn’t a formula for success.   

It would have been great if I could have found a way to enjoy the many benefits of weight loss, and at the same time continued with some of my old habits.  But that is not the way it works.  Now, every week when I recite the KOPS pledge I remind myself that “I will be an example to others as I keep off pounds sensibly”.  How can I do that if I am not persistent?

Specific Objectives:   In order to lose weight I had to set specific weekly goals.  I didn’t do this at first so my weight bounced around a lot.  Then I set up a graph with a downward sloping line showing how much I wanted to weigh at each weekly meeting.  I posted this graph of my weight above the bathroom scales, and then marked my weight each day.  As the week progressed I could see my progress and knew what I still needed to do to meet my objective.  It worked, and just as the line on my graph projected, I became a KOPS.  

I didn’t follow any complicated diet, eat only specific types of food, or pay for an expensive diet program.  All I did was set specific weekly goals, use common sense about the foods I ate and then stick with it.  I let the scales be my guide.  It was really quite simple, not easy, but simple.   It’s the new healthier me at stake, and my old ways are now gone forever.

QUEEN RUNNER-UP

GLORIA LYNCH

CO 0254, Colorado Springs

60.00 POUNDS LOST TO GOAL

I started my TOPS journey in January 2005, weighing 200 pounds.  I had recently been told by my doctor that I was pre-diabetic and my blood pressure had risen over the last couple of years.  This news frightened me into doing something about my being overweight.  I had a friend in church, Marilyn Hickock, who told me about TOPS.  I attended my first meeting on January 6, 2005 at TOPS #WA 1409 on Camano Island.  That first meeting, I heard a story from one member who had just become a KOPS.  It took her eleven years to achieve this goal and during that time she had been in a bad auto accident with a long recovery.  Her story convinced me to join the next meeting on January 13, 2005.  I loved the meetings and learned a lot.  I also started water aerobics at the YMCA.  After attending regularly, in about one year, I lost 30 pounds. 

This loss improved my health and I was able to decrease my blood pressure medication and was no longer in danger of diabetes.  I was happy with my loss, but no longer felt pressured to lose weights.  I attended TOPS another six months before moving to Wenatchee, WA, where I immediately joined a new TOPS group.  I gained and lost for a whole year in Wenatchee, then moved back to Camano Island TOPS #WA 1409 for six months – gaining and then losing again – “dillydallying,” I called it. 

In December 2007, I moved with my husband to Colorado Springs and joined TOPS #CO 0254.  I continued dilly-dallying back and forth through 2008 and 2009.  In late October of 2009, I lost my beloved husband, Jon, after 37 years of marriage.  It was a very sudden death.  My health immediately declined.  My blood pressure skyrocketed and diabetes set in again.  I was very anxious after his death.  I had never even driven a car in Colorado Springs, which seemed like a “big town” to me, since I was used to rural driving on a small island.  Adding to my anxiety, I had a lot of back pain due to spinal stenosis. 

During this time, I was grateful for my TOPS group and my YMCA group.  With their support and encouragement, I began to get really serious about my weight loss.  I came up with a plan to try to lose ¾ lbs a week – that would be 39 pounds in a year if I was diligent.  I did lose about 30 pounds this last year, 2010, and I had the honor of receiving our Chapter Best Loser award at the 2010 Fall Rally awards, with a loss of 26.25 pounds.  In December I reached goal with a total loss of 60 lbs. 

Meanwhile, I had resorted to epidural shots in my spine every three months, but now I haven’t needed one since May 2010.  My blood pressure medications have been reduced twice this year and the diabetes went bye-bye.  Needless to say, I haven’t looked physically better since my early years.  My energy has gone up and I am maintaining a large antique booth. 

TOPS is a wonderful organization and all the members are very dear to me.  They all were encouraging and uplifting.  I am happy with my loss and feeling more alive and healthy.  I’ll be 70 in June and feel lucky to be at this spot in my life.  I believe that TOPS is a lifetime commitment, and I look forward to attending for many years to come.

Div. 1 - 1st Place - Dorothy Chambers

TOPS CO 0192, Loveland , 50.00 lbs. loss

I was a Chef for over twenty years and then one day it was taken away from me.  The arthritis in my knees and working on my feet for 8-10 hours per day had finally taken its toll.  My Doctor said that I would need a total knee replacement but they could not even consider the surgery until I lost some weight.  I found TOPS on the Internet, found a meeting and went.  Right away I felt welcome.  This was a place that I could feel safe and knew that I could get the support I needed.

Then I attended SRD in 2009 and remember one of the speakers stating that what kept her going was that “She did not want to be the fat Grandma.”  My eyes filled with tears because I was the fat Grandma.

That was my motivation.  So I set my goals and started a healthier life style.  I came up with what I call the “Dollars to Donuts” plan.  I treated each calorie as if it was a dollar and I had only so much that I could spend.  Was that slice of pizza really worth the “price” or was there a better way to spend my Dollars (calories).  Now I just think to myself, “Can I afford it?”

My activity level was very limited, so I had myself convinced that I could not exercise.  So I don’t exercise.  I walk around a store (using the basket for support) for thirty minutes or more 4-5 times a week.  It’s just shopping, or is it?

Now, because of the support of my TOPS friends, by the time I accept this award, I will have had my knee surgery.  I am still the “fat Grandma” but know that it won’t be forever.  Having reached my halfway point, I am hoping my weight loss is all downhill from here.

Div. 1 - 2nd Place - Donna Bashara

TOPS CO 0082, Grand Junction, 40.50 lbs. loss

I joined TOPS #CO 82, Grand Junction in January 2010 with a good friend, Loretta Tarr.  She had been a member of TOPS before but had not been attending for some time.  I had wanted to lose weight for a long time.  I had tried many different diets and nothing worked long term.  At one time, I had lost 100 pounds only to go off the diet and put it back on.  Then I struggled.  I could lose 10 to 20 pounds, but it always came back on.  Or usually I would start a diet and do ok for a few days, then slip up and think I would get back on it tomorrow.  Well, tomorrow never seemed to come.

I knew I needed the accountability and support of others.  Loretta has been my cheerleader whenever I tried to lose weight.  So with her encouragement, we started attending TOPS.  The group has been wonderful.  They have been so supportive.  They have fun contests and have given me lots of information on proper nutrition.  It has been a fun year.

I still have a long way to go, but I know with the encouragement, not only from Loretta, but the entire group, I will reach my goal someday.  This time I’m not on a diet; I’m making lifestyle changes.  It’s not a diet to go on and off, but a new way of looking at food and eating.  The weight is coming off slowly, but I’ve managed to keep losing a few pounds each month.  I look forward to the meetings every week.  We have a great leader, Jan Sams.  She makes it fun and interesting.  Next year at this time I KNOW I will be lighter, thanks to all the great support I get.

Div. 2 - 1st Place - Sabrina Alford

TOPS CO 0285, Security, 80.50 lbs. loss

My story isn’t original.  It’s the same as many have either experienced first hand or have heard before of other people’s struggles with various diets.  It is a struggle with the losses and gains throughout different periods of being on the weight-loss roller coaster of dieting and trying to live a healthier life style.

I have been on diets for a long time.  First, just to lose 10 pounds here and there in my 20’s, then, after having my two children, it was the 50 pounds range, and most recently, it was more like 100 pounds.  I have many excuses on how it got so out of control and unmanageable, but the most valid reason was I just let myself go mentally and physically.

Then when I felt like everything came crumbling down, I needed to seriously change how I felt and looked.  I needed something that didn’t feel like a diet plan.  I needed more support and fun because I already knew how to do it and what to do to lose the weight.  I just had a hard time not giving up on myself.

Then, by the grace of God, I met a very nice, caring person by the name of Joyce from Chapter 285, who was already a member of TOPS.  She told me what a great support group TOPS was with other members who cared about your well-being and success.  This group made weight loss fun with weekly meetings and activities.  They gave encouragement during gains, as well as turtles, at weigh-ins, and of course, a great big congrats week after week as the pounds slowly disappeared and this time, didn’t come back!

I have to say this journey was different from the many past ones.  This time, I really lowered my carb intake and just tried not to look at my new daily eating habits as a diet.  I told myself mentally that I wasn’t on a daily diet and couldn’t have all the foods I would rather be eating such as sweets, fried foods and so many more.  I would just moderate those more desired foods and treat myself and my taste buds every once in a while, instead of daily like I was doing before when the pounds increased.

In closing, it has been challenging and took a lot of “I can do it” month after month.  Like many, we want to see results right away and wish all those excess pounds would just go away overnight.  Wishful thinking, but not sensible!  That’s why the healthy and successful way is to “Take Off Pounds Sensibly” and that’s why I give THANKS to TOPS as well as my home support group – my boyfriend Gerald, my kids Corey and Alijha, family and friends.

Many thanks again to ALL for the “Congrats,” “Good Job,” and the “You can do it” support that kept me on my way to being today a healthier person, both mentally and physically and of course, thinner too.

Div. 2 - 2nd Place - Miriam Gruntorad

TOPS CO 0537, Ordway, 61.50 lbs. loss

I joined TOPS in 1990 and lost 70 pounds and then over the years, I gained it all back. 

In 2010, I made up my mind to lose the weight and with the help of my chapter and family, I have almost lost it all again.  I know there are things I can’t eat – ice cream, cake, candy, chips, donuts – and I just don’t. I want to keep off the weight and maybe lose more if I can. 

I feel better and can fit in clothes I haven’t worn for years.  So wish me luck that I don’t gain again!

Div. 3 - 1st Place - Sharon Hobbs

TOPS CO 0002, Pueblo, 59.00 lbs.

Div. 3 - 2nd Place - Donna Roberts

TOPS CO 0468, Canon City, 41.25 lbs. loss

Div. 4 - 1st Place - Shirley Carter

TOPS CO 0056, Canon City, 31.75 lbs. loss

Div. 4 - 2nd Place (tie) - Donna Colwell

TOPS CO 0056, Canon City, 30.50 lbs. loss

Hello.  My name is Donna.

TOPS has been an important part of my life since 1972.  My older sister was involved with TOPS for many years, and introduced me to TOPS Club, Inc. 

In 1980, my husband’s job forced us to move away.  I had to leave my TOPS pals behind.  We moved nine times over the next several years, and it wasn’t until 1989, when we transferred to Virginia, that I was able to find and join a chapter again.  We moved to Canon City in 1993, and I joined TOPS #CO 56. 

This chapter has been a true inspiration to me.  I’ve made many wonderful friends in the last eighteen years, and they have all helped me along in my up-and-down journey.  I even have a lovely bouquet of yellow roses from my great friends in CO 56.  They never lost faith in me and kept providing encouragement and love.  

I graduated in 2005, and held my goal for almost three years.  Then a heart scare convinced me to stop smoking.  I stopped cold turkey, and ate my way to a 40-pound weight gain.

When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, the stress and fear caused me once again to take up smoking.  On the plus side of that, I started losing weight again.  Thanks to CO 56 and people like my leader, Karen Barslou, who always gave me encouragement, I will stay on track next time I quit smoking.  I will stop soon, and not regain my weight.  I love being a size 10/12.  Too bad my size 10 feet didn’t shrink to a size 6. 

Thank you to TOPS and to my chapter friends for all the love and help I have received over the past eighteen years.  Go 56!

Div. 4 - 2nd Place (tie) - Mary Gustafson

TOPS CO 0538, Westminster, 30.50 lbs. loss

I became motivated once again to lose weight when I went to the doctor for a physical.  I was at the heaviest I had ever been and I was not feeling very well.  My feet, legs and back were always hurting.  I made an appointment with my doctor and boy, was I ever shocked when he told me I was “OBESE!”  He also did some blood tests and they came back with the results that I was a borderline diabetic. 

I didn’t like the sound of any of this.  I decided to rejoin TOPS at the urging of a fellow TOPS member, Renae Cherrington, from Chapter #CO 538.  I had been gone too long from Chapter #CO 538, in Westminster.  It was really great to rekindle old friendships and make some special new friends also.  With all their encouragement and support, I started on my new quest to be thinner and healthier by the end of the year 2010. 

I have been back to the doctor and I am not “OBESE” any longer and my cholesterol is lower and I am no longer a borderline diabetic.  This definitely has been cause for celebration.  I have learned to cut back on my portions of food and to be very selective in my choices of carbohydrates and sugars that I consume.  I try every day to get in some form of exercise, mostly walking and climbing stairs. 

The weight has slowly come off and I am trying hard to stay diligent about keeping the weight off.  This has become a new life change for me.  It is not just a one-time diet, but a lifetime commitment to being healthier. 

I like the lighter and smaller new me that I have become. 

Just recently, I have reached my ultimate goal of being a KOPS again!  I am living a new and better life once again.  For me, being thinner has truly changed my life style.

Div. 5 - 1st Place - Peggy Sallee

TOPS CO 0422, Broomfield, 24.75 lbs. loss

Div. 5 - 2nd Place - Shirley Busch

TOPS CO 0152, Englewood, 21.25 lbs. loss

Div. 6 - 1st Place - Alexandra Consolver

TOPS CO 0062, Aurora, 19.75 lbs. loss

I have always been a chubby kid.  But I built up a thick skin early, and by the time I was in middle school, it didn’t bother me.  I was never interested in losing weight until January of 2010.  One morning, I woke up and caught a sideways glance of myself in the mirror.  I realized how out of control I was.  I weighed 279 pounds and I was college bound in less then eighteen months. 

I was introduced to TOPS long before I considered being a part of it.  My grandmother, Karen Van Pelt, has been in a chapter in Westminster for as long as I can remember.  When my mom suggested that I join a chapter, I was hesitant.  I remembered TOPS as something for old ladies, but my mom said she found a chapter that had another teen.  Someone else, my own age, had my same problem.  I visited one week and joined the next.  Unfortunately, at the end of my first three weeks, I had only lost a quarter pound. 

My relationship with the scale has been rocky ever since.  Finally on June 7^th, with my largest gain ever, I weighed in at 282 pounds.  That’s the heaviest I’ve ever been.  I was devastated.  I was ready to give up.  But my Mom did something amazing; she took me to see an old family friend.  Lori is my Dad’s Godmother.  The last time I saw her she weighed almost 400 pounds.  She has lost over 200 pounds and is still going!  She is a new woman.  Lori got me back on track, with her help, support, and her constant nagging.  In four months, I lost 10 pounds.  But I knew I could do better. 

In November, I visited a new doctor.  She sat down with me and after consulting with her, she made one simple adjustment.  With a change in medication, I lost another 9.75 pounds in December.  That brought my total loss to 19.75 pounds.  While this amount does not make my goal, it does bring me closer.  I feel like I’ve been handed all the tools I need; I just need to use them.  So I urge every one of you, find the tools that you need and use them!

Div. 6 - 2nd Place - Rebecca Reese

TOPS CO 0621, Parker, 17.75 lbs. loss

Last summer, I came from an abusive, dysfunctional family. Naturally, I had some issues of my own when I came to live in Colorado.  One of my biggest obstacles was losing weight.  All of those visible, ugly pounds reminded me of my old life.  But the pounds that I carried with me daily felt more like a fat suit than who I really was.  Thanks to my TOPS chapter #CO 621, friends and teachers, I have shed away bits and pieces of my past.  I'd also like to thank my family – Donna Oakley and my TOPS “Moms” – for inspiring and encouraging me to be my best.  I could not have gotten this far without you all.

Div. 7 - 1st Place - Julie Haldaman

TOPS CO 0035, Arvada, 16.00 lbs.

I was honored to hear that I was the TOPS State Division 7, 1^st place winner, for my loss in 2010.  My loss seems small, just over 1.5 lbs per month since I rejoined TOPS #CO 35, Arvada, in February of 2010, but it’s steps in the right direction.  Yes, I did say, “rejoin.” 

When I turned 30, in the mid 90’s, I decided I’d better start thinking of taking better care of myself.  I needed to do something about my obesity; I couldn’t continue gaining weight, I needed to stop myself.  I couldn’t do it by myself; I needed to find some help and support.  I’ve been heavy all my life, teased in elementary school and lacked social skills in Jr./Sr. high school.  It has affected me daily, has held me back from many activities, and has caused some very embarrassing moments in my life. 

I was led to TOPS by my best friend’s sister; she was having great success at a TOPS chapter in Calhan, CO.  I went on-line to TOPS.org, and found a Monday night meeting at TOPS #CO 35, Arvada.  The meeting place was just a couple minutes from my house, no excuses on why I couldn’t attend.  I was apprehensive about going the first night.  I was shy, and didn’t know what to expect.  What kind of people would I find?  All I knew was that this group would have something in common with me – needing to lose weight.  TOPS gave me tools to use and the support I needed to help me on my journey to losing.  It went well for the first few years; I’d lost just over 60 lbs!  I was feeling great exercising daily and received compliments on my success.  My TOPS family encouraged me to hold several offices, such as Leader and Co-Leader, and I started volunteering to do programs and put on contests.  TOPS was opening me up; my self-confidence was building and I wasn’t this shy, reclusive person anymore.  I had gained a group of friends that I could talk to and go to for encouragement when I would have a bad week. 

Then it came – a time when something you might say broke, or cracked, inside me.  I lost my weight loss “mojo.”  I can’t put my finger on it, even as I’m looking back at it today.  It started, the weight-loss backslide; slipping into old lazy habits, and lack of self-motivation.  Yes, TOPS #CO 35 was there for me, but I wasn’t there for myself.  My weight started to yo-yo, big ups and little downs.  I gained, reached my joining weight, plus an amount I’m ashamed to admit to, but I’m the only person to blame.  I continued and stuck with TOPS until the fall of 2008.  I was so disappointed in myself, I decided to take a break.  I had become a TOPS drop-out. 

Moving forward to February 2010 – I discovered that I was missing TOPS.  I needed to get back to CO 35!  I wanted the accountability of stepping on that scale every week.  Monday night came and I drove to the meeting.  I was anxious to get there to see my TOPS friends, and to meet those new members who had joined while I was away.  I was greeted with open arms, as I was on that very first night when I joined TOPS back in the late 90’s.  I missed the socialization with those people I had come to love so dearly, those that I had something in common with, goals to set and achieve.  I started on my weight loss journey once again.  I jumped in and asked to be appointed a weight recorder after the new officer’s vote in March.  I started participating in programs, offering positive sayings and weight loss tips.  This year, I have taken on the duties of chapter secretary, staying involved in the weekly meeting activities and finding that volunteering is what I need to keep me motivated.  TOPS #CO 35 has many members who are inspiring and are there for me, but there’s a particular mother/daughter team, Shirley Ohlin (Oh-lynn) and Monica Michaels, who inspire me.  Shirley reached her KOPS status in 2011, and Monica was a division winner last year.  They were newbie’s to me when I retuned in February.  Boy, have they been motivating!  I appreciate that they reached out to me, getting me more active by inviting me to meet at 5:00 a.m. for 50 minutes of water aerobics a few days a week.  In such a short time, I can’t believe how this water exercise has relieved aches and pains and makes everyday movement easier. 

I have also involved my co-workers, telling them about TOPS.  They’ve started helping me too, keeping me away from those treats that magically show up in the break room, and stopping by my cubical on Tuesdays to see if I was the best weekly loser. 

I do have a long way to go in my journey.  Baby steps will get me to my small goals, which will eventually get me to my bigger goals.  I’m back in TOPS; I need it, and can always count on the members of TOPS #CO 35 to be there to encourage me! 

TOPS love to all; I wish you great success this year!

Div. 9 - 1st Place - Laurel Robben

TOPS CO 0126, Thornton, 36.75 lbs. loss

I come from a fat family.  I have been fat most of my life.  I tried every diet out there at least once. 

I had my somewhat slim years in my 20s, but I lost it the unhealthy way.  During that time, I met my husband Jeff who was serving in the Air Force.  We had a daughter and I gained weight and didn’t take it off.  My husband got orders for Europe.  We were there four years and I came back weighing over 300 pounds. 

After my husband retired, we returned to Colorado.  I was real disgusted with my fat.  I called 1-800 TOPS and found TOPS #CO 126, Thornton.  It was February 2003.  I weighed 295 pounds.  I developed diabetes. 

On March 30, 2006, I almost died of kidney failure.  I also have a bad back.  After recovering, I decided to get gastric bypass.  It took almost three years, but on December 23, 2010, I stepped on my scale at home and I made my goal of 150 pounds.  The first person I called was my leader, Zelma.  She was more excited than I was!  It was like hitting the lottery. 

It is still work to keep it off, and my TOPS group is so much help.  I don’t know what I would do without them.  They are all my angels.

Div. 9 - 2nd Place - Mary Gutierrez

TOPS CO 0468, Canon City, 33.50 lbs. loss

MALE WINNERS

Div. 1 - 1st Place - Jason Rasmussen

TOPS CO 0658,Peyton , 77.75 lbs. loss

My reason for losing weight was that I had gotten to a point in my life where I realized that now is the time to lose it, as it only gets harder as we get older.  After returning from Iraq in February 2010, I enjoyed the victors of my paycheck and hit up all of my favorite restaurants in town and, combined with the free-for-all dining in Iraq, I was the heaviest I have ever been at 350 lbs. The day I realized that I needed to lose weight was when I went to mow our front lawn and ended up feeling far too much pressure in my chest for such a small lawn.  Also, my wife and I had been in the decision process as to whether we wanted a child or not and I wanted to be around for the baby if we decided to have one.  So, I got myself together, went to the doctor for a checkup and an idea of what it would take to lose weight in a healthy manner.  I hit up my nutritionist friend Jamie Fugate, who showed me how unhealthily I had been eating.  So, after the doctor's visit and nutritionist's reaming of my diet, I joined TOPS #0658 in Falcon, CO with Peggy and Rich Viera.  Since then I've completely changed my diet and exercise routine and have been much more active.  From June of 2010 to December of 2010, I had lost 75 lbs and, although I am still overweight, I feel much better.  I can now mow the lawn with no problems and, when the weather cooperates, I go on approximately 5-mile walks.  As the weather warms up I also intend on running at least one 5K this year, hopefully at the Warrior Dash which is a combination 5K and obstacle course.  We now have our first child on the way, and hopefully my health change will give me more years with him.  My biggest suggestion to those that are attempting to lose weight is to find a nutritionist to help you go through your refrigerator and pantry.  I was surprised by all of the bad foods that say they are good and, since the visit, I eat a much healthier selection of foods which are similar to my old foods and have just as much taste.  Also, I say avoid the artificial sweeteners entirely or, if you do need a sweetener, stick with sugar but use it in moderation.  It's more calories but it's healthier for you than the artificial stuff.  So that's my story.  I hope to lose another 25 lbs. by SRD so that I can say I lost 100 lbs. in a year.  Then I would only have 50 lbs. to my final goal of 200 lbs.  I don't even know if I was that low in high school!

Div. 1 - 2nd Place - Dennis Perea

TOPS CO 0151, Colorado Springs, 39.00 lbs. loss

I first started TOPS when I was 10 years old in 1978.  I was best teen loser in 1979 and then as I got older, I left TOPS for a while, but then rejoined.  After I started TOPS again, it was a rollercoaster ride of losing and gaining. 

Recently, I went to the doctor and was told I have diabetes, so that was scary to hear.  Hearing this got me to start watching what I was eating.  I went back to the doctor and she told me I was doing good, and to keep on doing what I was doing. 

So now I’m working my way to becoming a KOPS.  I want to thank my Mom, Enedina Perea, for her caring heart and support.  I love you with all my heart.  And to my awesome chapter, #CO 151 – Thank you!  Gold Bless you all.

Div. 2 - 1st Place - Brian Illingworth

TOPS CO 0273, Sterling,  16.25 lbs. loss

Div. 2 - 2nd Place (tie) - Michael Jones

TOPS CO 0035,Arvada,  15.50 lbs. loss

Hello KOPS and TOPS members:

I am Michael Jones from #CO 35, Arvada.  When I was told I was getting an award, I begin to realize something great.  It was not about the award.  It was about each and every one of our lives.  The dictionary defines commitment as “To carry to action.”  I was diagnosed with Diabetes 2 - Now, I needed tools to fix or make life work better.  So I reviewed TOPS principles, then with a deep conviction, I charged myself to a commitment to change my lifestyle I had with or without a diagnosis.  By committing myself to small increments at a time, to make it easier, choosing foods that taste good but are better for me, was not easy and quick.  It only works if the taste of food and your mind work together.  Also, anything you do to make your body move (knowing your limits), while sitting, standing or in motion helps.  EXERCISE! Works.  I started slow and then progressed.  I didn’t forget it is still a commitment, there - that word again.  When things weren’t moving very much like my weight, I did not quit or become discouraged; I found a good sense of humor, laughing even at myself, was good.  Making contact with my TOPS pals to talk about it and getting support, that’s what makes it easier and works very well.  Finally, seeing Love and Compassion in your friend’s eyes and wanting the best for each other warms the spirit and the heart.  Losing weight for me, and I hope for you, is a complete LIFESTLYE change we all can accomplish this together.  Let’s Do It!  Thank you TOPS, thank you CO 35, Arvada, and thank you, old body, for listening to me when I say, “Get up – let’s move.”

Your TOPS Pal,

          Michael Jones

Div. 2 - 2nd Place (tie) - Thomas Graham

TOPS CO 0062,Aurora,  15.50 lbs. loss

Div. 3 - 1st Place - Dave Cherrington

TOPS CO 0538, Westminster, 30.75 lbs. loss

My TOPS journey began one February night when I visited a TOPS meeting at the chapter that my wife had been a member of for a few years.  I found myself to be the only male person at the meeting.  It did not seem to matter to all the ladies, as they welcomed me to the meeting and told me to start singing. 

During my first year as a member of TOPS, with all of the encouragement and cheering on of the ladies in my chapter, I lost 47.5 pounds and reached my goal.  That year I was elected state king. 

I was able to keep my weight in limits for about 1½ years.  I became complacent and did not really concentrate on my weight as I should have and began to gain back the weight I had lost.  I was lucky to have my TOPS chapter to keep cheering me on and giving me the support to work my way back to my goal.  I am not at my goal yet but I know that I soon will be.  I know that with the help of all my TOPS pals, I will remember what it took for me to lose the weight and keep it off.  Thank you TOPS and all the members of TOPS #CO 538, Westminster. 

Sincerely, Dave Cherrington

Div. 3 - 2nd Place - David Russell

TOPS CO 0066, Broomfield, 28.50 lbs. loss

Div. 4 - 1st Place - Michael Cullinane

TOPS CO 0584,Denver, 36.75 lbs. loss

Div. 4 - 2nd Place - James Dagnan

TOPS CO 0110, Delta, 26.75 lbs. loss

Div. 7 - 1st Place - Dave Richardson

TOPS CO 0056, Canon City, 46.00 lbs. loss

I was so tired of my weight dragging me down and not being able to do all the things I wanted to do.  I decided I needed to make some changes with my eating habits in order to have a healthier lifestyle and to better my own health. 

I joined TOPS #CO 56, Canon City on January 8, 2007.  It was a good choice for me as I have continued my journey to losing weight and to better my health.  Thanks to my TOPS Pals for their continued support.

Download complete winners list here

Stories listed were submitted by the winners and read at our SRD.

It is our wish that all winners as well as all members would attend SRD for the encouragement and inspiration.

Congratulations to

Best Average Weight Loss Chapter

#CO 0437, FORT MORGAN LOSS PER MEMBER: 9.46 lbs.

Congratulations to TOPS CO 0110, Delta & TOPS CO 0218, Walden

Both chapters had a No Gain Year with all members having a loss in 2010!

Congratulations to Deborah Camacho, from TOPS CO 0659, Colorado

Deborah is our newest Century Award member.  In order to be a member of this prestigious group, a member must have achieved a loss of 100 pounds or more from their original starting weight or highest weight, and kept it off for one year.  Weight loss does not need to be accomplished in one calendar year, but the loss must be maintained and recorded for 12 full consecutive months.