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SO. ILLINOIS AREA QUEEN
& STATE QUEEN
Catherine Hays
TOPS
IL 2021, Monticello
119.75 pounds
In February, I received a letter
from my Coordinator. I thought I forgot to pay my registration, so
I called my leader, Cheryl Kaeding. She told me to read it. I
couldn’t believe it!
I was a division winner and queen!
My TOPS journey began in May 2002
with a starting weight of
289.50. I had a moment of
despair, but the members of
TOPS #IL 2021, Monticello,
welcomed me and encourage me weekly. My leader, Cheryl, picks me up
for meetings, because I don’t drive at night.
I had ups and downs over the next
several years. I would lose, gain, lose, and gain. Yo-yo dieting
didn’t provide progress. Then my doctor told me I needed knee
surgery. After surgery, I was depressed and began physical
therapy.
Once recovered, I joined a
fitness program, because I hadn’t been exercising. This facility
provided nutrition information, all types of classes, including
water exercise and a personal trainer. This was just what I needed
along with the support from my TOPS chapter. I began to make some
progress and exercise became my best friend. It alleviated stress!
I enjoyed it!
I led a chapter contest and gave
away exercise equipment for prizes. I continued to exercise but
didn’t really have a healthy life-style eating plan. I realized
that exercise and healthy eating go hand-in-hand. I felt
I needed a stricter plan for
meals, portion control, and snacking. My downfall was bread. I ate
lots of it and usually at every meal.
I had seen a flyer for
nutrition/healthy-eating program through the local hospital, so I
asked my doctor about it. He answered all my questions and I
decided to make the commitment and follow the plan. Six months
later, I had lost 89 pounds! I was on the way! This was working!
My TOPS chapter continued to support me and cheer on my progress. I
began wining charms and awards. I liked this feeling!
I stayed committed and made the
effort to take dishes I could eat when attending a food function or
family gathering. I weighed and measured my foods. I didn’t
deviate from the plan. Now I add an occasional treat in the proper
portion. This is my life style and it works for me.
As a result, I reached my goal of
170 pounds in December of 2010 and became a KOPS with a weight loss
of 119.75 pounds. I really enjoy shopping for a size 12 dress,
instead of my former size 26.
I have gained self-confidence, am
more outgoing than ever before, and do many activities including
volunteer work. I attended my first high school reunion in 45 years
and even served on the committee!
My advice is:
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Find a plan that works and stick to it.
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Surround yourself with supportive people.
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Be active in your chapter.
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Never give up.
Thanks to my TOPS chapter,
especially leader Cheryl Kaeding for their love and support. I am
truly honored to be your 2010 Area/State Queen.
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SO. ILLINOIS AREA QUEEN
RUNNER-UP
Pam Schmidgall
TOPS
IL 0327, Morton
103.00 pounds
I can’t believe I wore size 24!
Now I wear size 14! Shopping for clothes is fun again! I am a new
person! With the help of God, family, dieticians, and last, but not
least, my TOPS chapter, I have lost over 100 pounds!
I have been a TOPS member for many
years. I’ve lost weight then gained it back numerous times. As I
have gotten older and more obese, my health faltered. Feelings of
lethargy were part of most days. One day while shopping with my
daughter, I was having difficulty breathing, walking just a short
distance.
My daughter was concerned and
later helped me choose a diet and exercise program. She brought me
a journal to keep as I started my weight loss journey to write down
food intake, exercise, and feelings.
In the journal she wrote me a
letter that included her belief that I could reach my weight loss
goal.
My son encouraged me to exercise
and reminded me how it helped me in the past. My husband praised me
for each success. The prayers, support, and love from my family
were instrumental in my weight loss success.
“I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13 is my favorite Bible
verse and became my constant thought. I started walking every day.
At first I could only walk for 5
minutes. Each day I would walk a short distance longer until now, 1
year later, I can walk for 60-70 minutes a day! I added weight
lifting 3 times a week.
The new I, has abounding energy
to play with my baby Grandson, who was born while I was on my weight
loss journey!
I have learned and practice new
eating habits which include lots of fruits and vegetables, and whole
grains. I drink 8 glasses of water daily.
Our TOPS chapter helps make losing
weight fun with many incentive games and contests! It is a very
caring, supportive, committed group. Our weight recorder always has
a smile and encouraging word whether there is a loss or gain.
I could not have lost the weight
alone. I am grateful and praise God for all the support given to
me. I hope I can be an example and help to others to pay forward my
success.
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