PROVINCIAL RECOGNITION DAYS

Ontario PRD 2009 - Sault Ste. Marie

ONTARIO ROYALTY

Ontario King & Queen

KING: Garry Fitzpatrick

Loss to goal 53.25 lbs!

QUEEN: Mollie Kamm

Loss to goal 190 lbs!

Garry Fitzpatrick

I've been involved in TOPS along time. I first joined in 1979 with my brother-inlaw. We were the only two male members in the chapter. My wife, Mother-inlaw and two sisters-in-law were already members, so they finally convinced us to join.

I had 26 pounds to lose. I lost 24 pounds by June 1980. With no summer meetings and few weigh-ins on my part, I put some weight back on.

In September 1981, I became a KOPS. I held my status for 2 years, then lost it.

In 1986, my wife my wife and myself quit TOPS. We
opened a business. Busy 24/7, we had no time for TOPS, and guess what - we gained back all our weight, plus more. So don't quit TOPS. Always keep trying, and attend meetings.

We rejoined in 1995, knowing I had to get my weight off. It was doctor's orders. He was worried about my heart. I was a good candidate for a heart attack at my age. Due to my weight, my job was strenuous on my legs as I jump up and down from the truck, delivering heavy items, 50lbs bags of potatoes, frozen vegetables and produce.

I knew TOPS could help, with my wife's support and the support of the members of #On2602, Oshawa. They are a great group, with their encouragement, enthusiasm and friendship. On our Awards Night in 2006 and 2007, I was a Division Winner. But in May 2008 I reached my goal with a loss of 53.25 pounds. I am the Chapter King for 2008. It was harder the second time, as I'm older and also I
had twice the amount to lose. But I did it and am proud.

You have to take change your lifestyle and eating habits - no second helpings, drink more water and exercise. I dropped 6 pant sizes, from 44" to 38". I feel great, have more energy and find my job not so hard to do.

Thanks to TOPS, and my wife Millie, for always reminding me by saying, "Do you really need that"?, and all the members, especially Rosalind, who was our weight recorder. She always gave me encouragement. Many Thanks.

TOPS #ON 2602, Oshawa
Loss to goal 53.25 lbs.

Queen, Mollie Kamm

I've been a member of TOPS since June 1987. I've lost a lot of weight over the years. The only problem was, I always found it again, and then some that I hadn't even lost!

During the summer of 2006, I started to lose again, but never really thought it would amount to anything. I figured it would be just like before. Lose some - then gain it back. But for some reason, I did continue to lose, and I'm darn glad I did. I decided to take it one day at a time and see how far I'd get. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get this far!

I'd say it's been hard, but when I think about it, it really hasn't been difficult. Food wise, I haven't given up anything. I am however, for the most part, making wiser choices. I like my "treats", but I don't eat the quantities I did before, and also not on a daily basis. I do still slip sometimes, and I know I always will, but I don't beat myself up about it. I just put it behind me, and move on.

I've gone from being a complete couch potato, to someone who actually really enjoys exercising. I remember when
I first started exercising regularly, it was "how much longer"? And "Thank goodness I'm done". Today, exercise is a part of my daily life. Whether I'm doing weights, water-fit, walking, jogging, or whatever - I just love the way it makes me feel - healthy and strong. I'll walk for miles now, and think nothing of it. Not too bad for a couch potato!

Sometimes it's the little things that tend to make me realize how far I've come. From having to wedge
myself into a booth seat at a restaurant - to being able to just slip in and out, and having room between me and
the table while eating. From having to make sure the steering wheel is all the way up, and the seat moved all the way back, before getting into our vehicle, and it still being a tight squeeze - to just being able to get in and drive away. I can now sit and cross my legs - something I could never do before. And from driving around the block, however many times it took, to get a parking spot right in front of wherever I was going - to just parking down the street or around the corner and walking back.

Thanks to my family and TOPS friends for all the support over the years. I'm not sure what it is that finally "clicks" for anyone, myself included, to lose the weight. But you will know when it's your time. And how will you know? Well, you'll just be doing it. And trust me, it is worth it. I feel fantastic, and wouldn't trade it for anything!

TOPS #ON 3959, Dryden,
Loss to goal 190 lbs.

ONTARIO DIVISION WINNERS

SANDRA BURNISON

DIVISION 1 (FEMALE)

1ST PLACE

"I never thought in a million years that I would be standing here as Division 1, 1st place winner."

Have you ever been shopping, when you can only walk around for ten minutes at a time? I have. I had to sit down or push a shopping cart around because if I didn't, my back and ankles hurt. Housework was another thing. How much housework do you think I got done sitting around? Well, maybe the dishes. I have been involved in scouting for 26 years and it was getting to the point where I had to sit down to do my meetings. Playing any games
with the youth was out and so was hiking at camp. It was so bad I couldn't go into the scout parade because it involved walking.

My doctor finally said that my sugar levels were getting a little high and I would have to see a dietician about my
diabetes. That word alone floored me. I remembered what my mother went through and I didn't want to go through it
myself. So after many failed attempts at dieting I decided to give TOPS a second try. With a few healthy lifestyle changes and the TOPS food exchange program, I am able to keep a balanced diet and Take Off Pounds Sensibly!

I have a wonderful support team in my family, my husband, in the people I work with, my scouting friends and leaders, my parish and especially my friends at TOPS. With determination and daily encouragement from my loving husband, I will reach my goal.

Now when I go to the Mall or grocery store, I don't need to use a grocery cart anymore unless I plan to fill one. I don't need to sit to put groceries away anymore. When I go camping with the Cub Pack I can take them on a hike or join in any games we play. I can participate in the scout parade. I have lost 129.5 pounds so far and 12 inches off my waist. I hope I have been able to inspire someone with my success. Best of all, I am no longer a diabetic.

Sandra Burnison - ON 4202 HAMILTON

Division 1 – 1st place with a loss of 108.50

Wanda Chevalier

DIVISION 1 (Female)

2nd Place

I have always been overweight and figured that was my future. I still don't know why, in September 2007, I gave in to my sister to join TOPS with her, but I did, and since then I have been on my weight loss journey.

Along my journey I often have people stop me, sometimes I don't even know their first name - we just happen to shop at the same grocery store - to comment on my weight loss. I can honestly say it makes me feel uncomfortable; I personally don't like all the attention.

One question that always seems to be asked is, "What is your secret?" They always look at me in a weird way
when I tell them there is no secret - just watch what you eat and exercise. I don't consider myself on a diet. If I want something, I think about it, and if I still want it, I then enjoy it. I eat less then I used to and I exercise. In fact I even joined a gym, something that I never would have dreamed I would have done. I make sure this new way of life is something I can maintain over time.

One of the first things I noticed when I started to lose weight was less aches and pains. I always had a "bad knee" and figured it just ran in the family. My knees are fine now. I feel healthier and my self esteem is improving. I still have a hard time looking in the mirror at myself, but I'm hoping that gets better with time. Clothing is another thing that has changed a lot for me. I was used to outgrowing my clothes, them being too tight and shopping in specialty stores. Now all my clothes are too big! My sister keeps telling me to throw them out. The upside of that is I keep replenishing my wardrobe. I can wear jeans again, and I enjoy shopping for clothes and it's not at the specialty shops.

My TOPS Chapter, ON 5357, Stratford has been a great support for me along the way. I need the accountability factor each week and get the motivation from not wanting to say "I gained" through roll call as I found it very embarrassing. Since joining TOPS I have hit two plateaus and the advice I would give is, "don't give up". I know it is frustrating wondering what more your body wants from you? Words of advice I was given was to shake things up so your body doesn't know what to expect, and believe it or not it works.

I would like to give recognition to my sister Rhonda, for being my biggest supporter along the way and for always being there for me and encouraging me every step of the way. Thanks Rhonda for believing in me, saying that I could do it and convincing me to join TOPS.

The reason I choose TOPS is it's affordable, the accountability, and my sister is the leader so I was going to a group where I knew someone.

I am still on the weight loss journey, and not sure where it will end. I haven't set a goal weight yet as I figure my body will let me know when I am there. For now I will take a pound at a time and a mile at a time. So for anyone out there that doesn't think they can lose weight or is struggling with their weight, you need to believe in yourself that you CAN lose the weight and keep it off and that IT'S YOUR TIME.

Wanda Chevalier ON357, Stratford

2nd place Division 1 – loss of 78.00 pounds

Don McAlpine

DIVISION 1 (Male)

1st Place

I have been in TOPS for about fifteen years. And I have put on many pounds and taken off many pounds. But two years ago, my brother treated me to a trip Toronto. On the way home we took Via One. When it was time to receive our supper, I could not use the seat tray because I was too fat. So they handed me a hand held tray. I had to hold the tray with one hand and eat with the other hand. I was so embarrassed.

I was also going to have my stomach stapled in Detroit in 2007. But when I read everything I would have to give up eating, I decided to do it without the stapling.

Food for me is like alcohol is to an alcoholic. So now I do not eat fried foods, butter, most desserts and many other foods that I cannot control. I eat whole wheat products and other foods that do not cause me to crave for more.

I am also tired of being sick, physically and more importantly, mentally. I have lost many chances of good paying jobs because of my weight.

Now when I go to TOPS and lose the pounds, I know my life WILL turn around! This time I do not HOPE to reach my goal. I WILL REACH MY GOAL!

Don McAlpine, TOPS#ON 2718, London.

Division 1 Male – 1st place With a loss of 79.25

Lawrence Stafford

DIVISION 2 (Male)

2nd Place

My journey with TOPS began a year ago after returning from wintering in the South. I wintered way too well it seemed from the image staring back at me from the mirror. I retired a couple of years earlier and had far too much time on my hands such as lazing about and eating whenever I wanted to.

I was always a "good eater", in fact I can't remember ever being sick enough to loose my appetite, having said that I was always able to keep my weight at a manageable level. My doctor was furious with me for my weight gain. My cholesterol and blood pressure was good but I was beginning to suffer signs of diabetes.

On one outing my brother-in-law was commenting on some poor fellow trudging across a poorly lit parking lot and remarked how pathetic he looked. My wife said "that poor guy is Lawrence". I was exhausted and had problems putting one foot ahead of the other and I was also suffering from dizziness which is the first sign of diabetes. The decision was made something had to be done!

I had heard a commercial for a diet centre called B.M.I. but after learning of their $1,400.00 fee I looked for an alternative. What about TOPS? My daughter suggested. It's about $35.00 to join and $2.00 a week. My wife, Faye, not only encouraged me to join but she joined with me. To make a long story short I lost over 60 lbs. I could not have done this by myself.

Why is it that I had to join TOPS to be successful? I would say support from my fellow members. We are not a social club but we are friends. We are part of a team. You are not only responsible for yourself but also for your TOPS pals. The weekly meeting keeps you focused on your goal. You are not belittled if you gain, you are supported. If you loose you are encouraged to do it again. In the end it is all about you, you must lose the weight but being a TOPS team makes it a doable and fun experience. I can truthfully say Faye and I actually look forward to our meetings.

Without TOPS I would be in a very precarious situation .... I would be over weight and suffering from diabetes. I now have no symptoms of diabetes; my energy level back to the level it was when I was working. I feel better, look better, and without a doubt I am healthier all thanks to TOPS.

Lawrence Stafford, ON 2261, Renfrew

Division 2 Male – 2nd place with a loss of 58.25

Heather Abrametz

DIVISION 4 (Female)

1st place

Rollie-pollie, chubby, stout, pleasingly plump: all are synonyms for the "F" word-FAT! And I was fat!

It's said that inside every person there's a thin one trying to get out. And my inner voice was screaming at me but I wasn't listening.

I had been featured in an article in our workplace newspaper and that photo said it all. I was certainly aware of my problem since lately it had become difficult to walk downstairs, let alone up, and my job delivering the hospital mail required me to be on myfeet day. My annual physical was about due, and I knew the first thing my doctor would say was " you need to lose weight" so I decided there's no time like the present and began my TOPS journey.

The main inspiration for my weight loss was the history
of type II diabetes in my family and I'll be damned if I'm going to stick myself with a needle, although my husband was only too willing to oblige!! If only I could get down to the 160 lb. range again I'd be happy, and 140 lbs. I'd never see again!!.

Then one day I overheard a friend talking about her TOPS meeting and so I inquired of her the details. I had heard of other weight loss organizations, but members sounded displeased that once they reached their goal-weight, they felt they were abandoned with no support for keeping it off. This is why I chose TOPS and one of the main reasons why it works-because of the continuous support from the other members. It's a team effort with everyone pulling for you. A loss for one is a loss for all.

Of course it hasn't been easy. Like everyone else, I didn't gain my excess poundage overnight and I certainly didn't lose it that way either. There were nights I just didn't feel like going to the meeting, knowing the scale would not tip in my favour-but that's the time I knew I needed my TOPS friends the most and knew their support would be there!

While travelling with my husband during a business trip, I was fortunate enough to visit a Chapter in San Antonio and was received with their warm Texan hospitality. Whether here at home or far abroad, our TOPS mission is still the same.

During my journey, I had received many awards; my favorite being the charms. I was delighted when I received my "first 10 lb. loss" charm and bracelet.

Other milestones are the half-way-to goal and 50 lb. loss. But how was I going to get rid of that last pound??

Unlike quitting smoking or other addictions,humans need food and are always surrounded by it. So I decided to put my charms to work for me. I wore the bracelet every day that week as a constant reminder that I was an intelligent person and I was in control of my situation. "Eat to live, not live to eat" became my motto.

I discovered a place I had never been-the SMALL size clothing department at my local store; truly a stranger in paradise. My hard work had paid off and I came home with my "Goalweight Achieved" and "KOPS Graduate" charms.

Now I begin a new and fascinating chapter in my TOPS life as a KOPS-perhaps this will be even more challenging, but I know I can do it for I have the love and support of all my wonderful TOPS friends.

Heather Abrametz – ON 5134, Windsor

Division 4 (female) 1st place loss of 58.50

Michelle O’Quinn

DIVISION 4 (Female)

2nd place

Every once in a while, I would notice my clothes were getting tight. It seemed that as the seasons changed, my size went up. It got to the point where I couldn't tie up my shoes. My doctor told me I had to start losing weight. It was starting to affect my health. That made me realize I had to do something.

At that point I had ballooned up to 214 pounds. Then one night, while visiting my Mom, my cousin Lynda came in I hadn't seen her in a while and she looked fabulous! I asked her how she had lost all that weight. She started to tell us about her TOPS chapter. She invited my Mom and me to sit in on a meeting to see what we thought.

On the following Monday, My Mom and I decided to give it a
try. The leader and whole chapter gave us a great welcome. That was in October of 2007.

At that moment I set my goal to be a KOPS in one year.
By January 2009 I had reached my goal weight and became a KOPS. It was not easy, but I tried as hard as I could to follow what I had learned at the meetings. Eating healthy, exercise, drink 8 glasses of water a day and never miss my meetings. I lost 75 lbs and I feel great. I went from sixe 2X down to a size 10. I want to say a very big thank you to TOPS #ON 0203, Brampton, my Leader and all my TOPS friends. A very special thank you to Lynda for getting us there, and thanks also for all the encouragement from my husband, Mom and Dad. Here's a very big THANKS to TOPS for giving me back my Healthy Life.

Michelle Q’Quinn, ON 203, Bramton

Division 2 Female – 2nd place with a loss of 51 lbs.

Elaine McNeil

DIVISION 5 (Female)

1st Place

I joined TOPS ON 2354 South River in December 2003. Since then, I have had successes and failures.

Not really failures, as I had chosen to start again. In July 2008, I made a choice to return to TOPS after losing my KOPS status (twice since 2003) and gaining back approximately 25 lbs.

Our leader Lorna Yoshida mentioned at the meeting that she had one book left of "The Choice is Mine" at a reduced price - and I thought that "it couldn't do any harm" and took it home and read it conscientiously. There were several keys to reaching my goal and arrive at the KOPS status again: regular attendance at the
meetings; the accountability to weigh in and the encouragement from fellow TOPS members really keep me on track. I have read this fact many times in the TOPS magazine, but it really is THE KEY. Writing down what I ate was a major key in keeping motivated. As well as encouragement from the TOPS members.

My husband followed the plan with me and is a big support - he lost as well. My doctor advised that if I lost only 10 lbs., it would affect my blood pressure.

In October 2008 it had gone down sufficiently to go off the medication and I am still off. I also have a walking buddy, a friend from across the street , as well as, our black lab who both are a motivation to get the exercise in daily - early in the morning!

We all know how to lose weight but it is amazing when we make the choice to do it. Thanks again to my chapter and friends and my husband who all helped me lose my weight.

Elaine McNeil ON 2354, South River

Division 5 – 1st place with a loss of 24.25 pounds

Mary Dahmer

DIVISION 7 (Female)

1st Place

I weighed 434.75 pounds in July 2008. I have Lymph edema. My doctor sent me to a Specialist because of an ulcer on my leg. He suggested losing some weight.

So I joined TOPS #On 2325, the Uxbridge chapter. There I met many new friends and got lots of support and encouragement. I have won numerous awards and charms for my weight losses. I
also received encouragement from family and friends.

By the end of March 2009, I have lost 88.50 pounds. My ulcer
has healed and I feel a lot better. I have been elected Chapter Secretary for 2009 and truly enjoy being a part of this wonderful group.

Mary Dahmer ON2325, Uxbridge

Division 7 – 1st place with a loss of 66.75

Kathleen Willis

DIVISION 9 (Female)

1st Place

Hello. My name is Kathy Willis. My battle with food addiction began when I was 7 years old. I ate because I was alone a lot. Food was a comfort to me. When I turned 17, I went on a starvation diet and lost about 100 lbs in 6 months. From then on, my weight loss and gains has been like a yoyo. I've lost hundreds of pounds only to put them back on again and again, and plus, plus.

I've been a member of many weight loss groups which provided lots of support, but my food addiction was much stronger. Therefore I could never maintain a sustained weight loss.

About 2 years ago, I met Krista Peterson, our TOPS Chapter leader, and she invited me to join her chapter, TOPS#On1335, North Bay.

Last year, unable to walk more than a few steps without the assistance of a walker, I said to myself, "Enough is enough!" I knew I had to do something drastic to save my life. With the support of my husband Roger, my friend Kim, and my TOPS Club members, I decided to have gastric bypass surgery. The first 3 days as I lay in my hospital bed, I wondered what had I done to myself. Recovery was slow and difficult.

But here I am today as I write this speech, approximately 200 lbs lighter. I have now parked my walker. I can go on substantial walks without getting winded. My arthritis in my knees is a lot less painful. My high blood pressure is gone. My sleep apnea is gone. My blood sugar has improved. But mainly, my mental health and self-esteem has skyrocketed. I look forward to living life without fear of premature weight related death.

In closing, I'd like to thank all my TOPS friends for your support over the past year. Your friend in this weight loss journey,

Kathy Willis, ON 1335, North Bay

Division 9 – 1st place with a loss of 145.50

Some Pictures from PRD 2009 - Sault Ste. Marie

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