TOPS: Not what you eat but how much

TOPS Chapter 9319 El Dorado Springs (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) met in the United Methodist Church, 201 E Broadway on Thursday, Aug. 13, for their weekly weigh-in and meeting.
Carol led us in singing the song Jan picked out for us “Walk Around The Clock.” We want you to know, Jan we sang every bit of it!
Susan led us in roll call. Twenty-four weighed in today, the chapter had a 7.2 gain and a 24.4 loss resulting in a 17.2 net loss.
Best loser was Sandi with a loss of 4.4 lbs. Other great losses were, Sue C 3.0, Warren 2.8, Angie 2.6, Warren 2.8 Melissa 1.8, Linda H 1.2 and Linda C 1.0.
Marble game: Judy D won the right to draw for the marble but did not get the winning one.
Jean passed out sign up sheets for the Oct. 3 Awards and Recognition Day.
Susan announced Sandi Bailey is State Division 1, 1st place winner with a loss of 43.20 lbs.
Laura Hicks is State Division 2, 1st place winner with a loss of 72 lbs.
Our chapter is very proud of these two members. They have both worked hard this year and it shows. We are excited to honor you at the State Recognition Day in October.
So far, we have 16 members signed up to attend. Any member who wants to attend please see Jean to sign up and give your $20 check to Sue. Your $20 deposit will be returned to you if you attend.
You have till August 27 to register to attend. T-Shirts and charms are also for sale. See Jean to order them.
Margie passed around a card for Jan. She fell the other day, fortunately she did not break anything.
We sang Happy Birthday to Sandi and Happy Belated Birthday to Marilyn.
Susan reminded us we do not have much time to finish our letter about what TOPS means to me and get it submitted for the summer contest.
Marilyn presented some awards: Terri received certificates for 5 lb. loss and 10 lb. loss. Congratulations Terri.
Jennifer received her back in black with perfect attendance certificate
Laura received a certificate for 6 weeks steady loss.
Marilyn presented the program today. She started on Chapter 2 of Real People Real Life. The information in this chapter is very important as it explains the exchange system. The exchange system is somewhat overwhelming to most of us. Marilyn suggested we start by only thinking about what starches we should avoid or cut back on. Then when we have become comfortable with that add what fats are good and what fats are bad and how much fat we need in our diet, and so on. Do not try to do the entire program the first week. Look at it like starting a new job, you will not learn everything in one day or even one month, remember also it is not what you eat but how much you eat.
Thank you, Marilyn, for a great program. We look forward to more on chapter 2. If you have a book please bring it so you can follow along with the program.
Linda H briefly went over the by-laws. Since we have some new members and some of our not so new members do not remember it is good to refresh our memories once in a while.
With no other business meeting was adjourned with the quote of the day.
“Let your friends support you in your quest. The give and take of sharing is always beneficial.”
TOPS #MO 9319 meets each Thursday morning in the Methodist Church at 201 E Broadway, El Dorado Springs. Weigh-in starts at 7:45 a.m. the meeting begins at 8:45 a.m. and is over by 10 a.m.
Are you ready to stop dieting and start making real changes? TOPS can help you reach your weight-loss goals by providing you with the tools, information, support, and accountability you need to be successful. After all, this has been a winning formula for TOPS members just like you for 70 years. We welcome women and men of all ages and couples are encouraged to join. We currently have two couples in our group who have found it fun and encouraging. We encourage healthy eating and offer support through our chapter and the National Chapter of TOPS. We have a lot of fun in our weight loss journey and make lifelong friendships. First visit is free with no obligation.
For more information, call Susan Sandel at 417 351 2388, Linda Hall at 417 876 6467, TOPS toll-free number 1 800-932-8677 or you can find us on the web at www.tops.org.
Come and join us.