Weight Loss Group Planning An Open House

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) extends an invitation to attend an open house that will begin at 6:15 pm on Monday, November 10, at Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main Street. The meeting, to see what the program is all about, is free and with no obligation.

It helps to have a plan for successful weight loss, and TOPS weekly meetings offer nutrition, exercise, and wellness information and more. Chapters provide support and encouragement to members regardless of where they are on their weight loss journey.

TOPS CT 184, Newtown was established October 14, 2002, and has been very successful. Members talk with their doctors to decide on a weight goal that is healthy for each of them. When they reach their goal weight they reach KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) status. The Newtown group now has seven KOPS in its group: Krista Judson, Lee Hiteshew, Linda Long, Richard Merrill, Diane Morey, Betty Presnell, and Lois Pratt.

Together these folks have lost a total of 189.5 pounds.

“I joined TOPS because my best friend, Linda, encouraged me to give it a try,” said Ms Judson, who is now the chapter’s leader. “I needed to get to a healthier life, and TOPS continues to be a great support for me to keep the weight off.

“It’s not a diet that works,” she added, “it’s a life change.”

“Thanks to the TOPS programs and support I reached my goal weight in July and am the sevenths KOPS in our chapter,” said Lee Hiteshew. “I feel better, have more energy, and have made great friends.”

“Without TOPS and the support, I’m not sure where I would be because my eating habits were usually fast food, truck stop food, and with driving long distance, I couldn’t exercise,” added Mr Merrill. “I have learned that the choices I made affect my health daily.”

“TOPS friends are now my family,” said Ms Presnell. “We are accountable for our own choices and everyone understands the daily struggled to get healthy and stay healthy.

“This is a new lifestyle,” she continued. “TOPS members are a great support and we all share ideas and thoughts. I am not alone.”

Lois Pratt loves the people and the meetings. TOPS Newtown meets each Monday at the meeting house. Weigh-ins are from 5:45 to 6:15, and then meetings are held from 6:30 to 7:30. Cost is $2 per week, and an annual membership is $24.

“The meetings give me great understanding,” said Ms Pratt.

Ms Long also finds the meetings helpful. “I look forward to the meetings each week,” she said. “I get the support and understanding I need from all the friends I have there.”

“The friends I have met at our chapter have been an invaluable support to me,” said Ms Morey, “as I am challenged to make healthy choices in my eating and discipline myself to an exercise program.”

For more information about TOPS and/or the upcoming open house, call 426-6224.