Re: Intro

[Guest guest]

Hi Cat, I was on wait-and-see with my fibroids for many years, and

you're right, there's nothing life-threatening in this. But do watch

that you don't become anemic from all the bleeding. As for the

quality of life issue, I'll tell you a couple of things that helped

me while I waited (and before I knew there were any options except

hysterectomy). One month I accidently took only 6 of the 7 brown

pills in my BC pack. And for whatever reason, I had no spotting that

month. My gyn saw no harm in it, so I just stayed on that schedule.

Worked beautifully for the spotting, but still had the heavy periods.

Then I started skipping the brown pills altogether. My new gyn

suggested allowing my period every 3 to 4 months, but I must admit it

was wonderful not having a period! Maybe one of these will help you

until you have your next appt.

Christy

> I just joined the group yesterday so here is my

> introduction. Y'all are prolific writers! I know this

> is long...sorry...but I thought I'd throw this to the

> experts :-)

>

> I'm Cat, I'm 38, I'm married, live near Atlanta, and

> have one kid and 3 cats. I was diagnosed with fibroids

> about five years ago. My doc took a wait-and-see

> approach at the time, and had me come back in every

> six months or so for an ultrasound to check on their

> size (as well as the size of an ovarian cyst).

>

> A year ago this month, I had laparascopic surgery to

> remove the ovarian cyst, and also a hysteroscopical

> exam to check on the fibroids. I had an ultrasound

> that showed they were fairly numerous and

> medium-sized, although I don't remember specifics. My

> doc said she would do a D & C while I was there so she

> could see the fibroids better, and remove any of them

> that she could.

>

> After the surgery (which was successful for the

> ovarian stuff) my doc said she'd found a small amount

> of endometriosis on the outside of my uterus, which

> she removed. But she said that all of the fibroids

> were too deep in the uterine muscle to remove. She put

> me on the Pill for birth control and also to help

> prevent recurrence of the ovarian cysts (I had one

> ovary removed back in 1985, so there's just the one

> left). I had to have my dosage adjusted a few times

> because I was spotting mid-month. Finally we found a

> Pill that seemed to work without spotting or giving me

> headaches.

>

> Now, though, something's not working well any more.

> I'n not just spotting midcycle, it's progressively

> worsened to the point where I'm having 2-week periods

> (on the Pill, that means I'm bleeding 2 weeks out of

> every four). The bleeding is not nearly as heavy as

> some of you have described, but it's heavier than

> before and unpredictable as hell (some weird gushing -

> soaking a tampon in an hour as opposed to the usual

> 3-4). The last time that happened, I was in a meeting

> and it soaked all the way thru my pants before I could

> do anything about it. When I made it to the loo, I

> found a clot about the size of my thumb - which is a

> first for me.

>

> At that point it occurred to me that it could be

> fibroid-related, so I did some research. It turns out

> that I have every one of the usual symptoms - I've

> simply had them for so long that I just thought it was

> part of life. Lower backache, pelvic fullness, bladder

> pressure, constipation, pants not fitting, pain during

> sex...it all fits.

>

> So, I know you're all saying, why don't you call your

> doc?

>

> I will. But since I had surgery right before Xmas last

> year I'm hesitant to do it soon - I don't want to

> repeat that. I am due for my annual exam in a couple

> of months anyway. I can medicate myself with ibuprofen

> when it gets really uncomfortable. And, since this is

> more a quality-of-life thing than a life-or-death

> issue, it shouldn't hurt to wait a little. Right? Or

> am I hiding my head in the sand?

>

> Thanks,

> Cat

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

I am also new. I haven't purchased the book - I'm doing the program

through the website.

My name is . I'm 34, married with 2 daughters - ages 13 and 9.

I haven't been able to get below 145 consistently since my youngest was

born. I was 168 at my heaviest about 3 years ago. I did Weight

Watchers and lost 28 pounds. Then I gained 5 back, lost it again,

gained it back, etc. I got on the scales day before yesterday and was

at 148. I'm looking for something that I will be able to stick with for

the rest of my life. With Weight Watchers, I continued to crave sweets;

I'm hoping that the sweet cravings will go away with the SBD.

Today is day 2 for me on the program.

Blessings,

~Sharon wrote:

> Hi, List Mom Jo & Everyone!

> After struggling with an increased middle aged spread for the last 10

> yrs & unable to maintain good, healthy eating habits... here I am! I

> want to lost 30lbs and reduce my BMI from 28.2

>

> After talking to my doctor about a few dietary programs, I just

> bought the South Beach Diet book online. The best price was as

> amazon.com I'm supposed to get it between 9/26-10/2 and I can hardly

> wait! Oh hey, I really don't have to wait. List Mom did put a lot of

> wonderful information in the archive. hmmm..

>

> I'm wondering if I should just give up the coffee now. I don't really

> like artificial sweeteners anyway. I drink 2-3 cups before lunch, but

> it's 1/2 caffeinated and 1/2 regular. What do you think?

>

> ~Sharon

>

> P.S. I'm dragging the hubby along on this... although more willingly

> than I anticipated. We'll see.......

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sharon -

I haven't given up my coffee, I use 50/50 caffeine coffee also. I just have my two cups every morning and I don't think it has affected my weight loss. I've lost 14 lbs over the last 5 weeks.

Dr. A does say you don't HAVE to give it up.

a

Age has given me what I have been looking for my entire life - it has given me me.

[Guest guest]

Thanks, a. I had 1 cup this morning. It was a definitely different

taste without milk or sugar. If I can push past long enough & not use

a sugar substitute, I may stop drinking coffee without withdrawals!

~Sharon

PS Love your sig line!

> Sharon -

>

> I haven't given up my coffee, I use 50/50 caffeine coffee also. I

just have my two cups every morning and I don't think it has affected

my weight loss. I've lost 14 lbs over the last 5 weeks. Dr. A does

say you don't HAVE to give it up.

>

> a

>

> Age has given me what I have been looking for my entire life - it

has given me me.

[Guest guest]

I'm struggling with the grocery strike too (in San Diego). What a pain! The stores that aren't striking are all out of food!

Robin

Intro

Hi...I've been on SBD since August, and am down 20 lbs, and have decided to kick back in on phase 1 for two weeks. I'm a 44 year old sahm, and have the extra challenge of living where we're having a grocery strike, so getting the "right" foods can be tricky!I look forward to seeing posts from the group...LC in Sunny So CalReminder: The South Beach Diet is not low-carb. Nor is it low-fat. The South Beach Diet teaches you to rely on the right carbs and the right fats-the good ones-and enables you to live quite happily without the bad carbs and bad fats. For more on this WOE please read "The South Beach Diet" by Arthur Agatston, MD. ISBN 1-57954-814-8

[Guest guest]

I was wondering if you would give me some details about this strike.

I live in Logan Utah and we don't have T.V. by personal choice. Thanks

Tawnya

> I'm struggling with the grocery strike too (in San Diego). What a

pain! The stores that aren't striking are all out of food!

>

> Robin

> Intro

>

>

> Hi...I've been on SBD since August, and am down 20 lbs, and have

> decided to kick back in on phase 1 for two weeks. I'm a 44 year

old

> sahm, and have the extra challenge of living where we're having a

> grocery strike, so getting the " right " foods can be tricky!

>

> I look forward to seeing posts from the group...

>

> LC in Sunny So Cal

>

>

>

> Reminder: The South Beach Diet is not low-carb. Nor is it low-

fat. The South Beach Diet teaches you to rely on the right carbs and

the right fats-the good ones-and enables you to live quite happily

without the bad carbs and bad fats.

>

> For more on this WOE please read " The South Beach Diet " by Arthur

Agatston, MD. ISBN 1-57954-814-8

>

>

>

> --------------------------------------------------------------------

----------

>

[Guest guest]

> I'm struggling with the grocery strike too (in San Diego). What a

pain! The stores that aren't striking are all out of food!

>

> Robin

Hi Robin. I live in San Diego too and while I can shop at the

commissary because I'm military I have found Henry's Marketplace to

be a Godsend! They have wonderful produce that is cheap (its cheaper

than shopping at the commissary too) and I can usually stock up on

fruits and veggies for about $25 a week. They also have a reduced fat

cheddar cheese that is to die for. I found it over Xmas and I have

been using it ever since. Its Henry's Marketplace brand (I think) and

its just wrapped in plastic wrap with a Henry's sticker on it. For a

HUGE block of it, it was about $4.

So where in San Diego do you live?

Kristi

[Guest guest]

Well, It's been going on since October, I think and from what I can understand, it's related to the rising costs of health care. The stores want employees to pay more and the employees say that they can't afford too. I'm sure there's a lot more to it than that, but that's the basic disagreement. Three major grocery store chains are involved in the strike. At least that's my understanding of it.

Robin

Intro> > > Hi...I've been on SBD since August, and am down 20 lbs, and have > decided to kick back in on phase 1 for two weeks. I'm a 44 year old > sahm, and have the extra challenge of living where we're having a > grocery strike, so getting the "right" foods can be tricky!> > I look forward to seeing posts from the group...> > LC in Sunny So Cal> > > > Reminder: The South Beach Diet is not low-carb. Nor is it low-fat. The South Beach Diet teaches you to rely on the right carbs and the right fats-the good ones-and enables you to live quite happily without the bad carbs and bad fats. > > For more on this WOE please read "The South Beach Diet" by Arthur Agatston, MD. ISBN 1-57954-814-8 > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------>

[Guest guest]

Well, It's been going on since October, I think and from what I can understand, it's related to the rising costs of health care. The stores want employees to pay more and the employees say that they can't afford too. I'm sure there's a lot more to it than that, but that's the basic disagreement. Three major grocery store chains are involved in the strike. At least that's my understanding of it.

Robin

Intro> > > Hi...I've been on SBD since August, and am down 20 lbs, and have > decided to kick back in on phase 1 for two weeks. I'm a 44 year old > sahm, and have the extra challenge of living where we're having a > grocery strike, so getting the "right" foods can be tricky!> > I look forward to seeing posts from the group...> > LC in Sunny So Cal> > > > Reminder: The South Beach Diet is not low-carb. Nor is it low-fat. The South Beach Diet teaches you to rely on the right carbs and the right fats-the good ones-and enables you to live quite happily without the bad carbs and bad fats. > > For more on this WOE please read "The South Beach Diet" by Arthur Agatston, MD. ISBN 1-57954-814-8 > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------>

[Guest guest]

Wow! Sounds great. Thanks for the info. I live in Rancho Penasquitos. There's a Stater Bros. within walking distance (which is how I get there now since it's so busy I can't even park!), but their produce section is pretty small and they don't have a lot of variety either. I will definitly try Henry's.

Robin

Re: Intro

> I'm struggling with the grocery strike too (in San Diego). What a pain! The stores that aren't striking are all out of food!> > RobinHi Robin. I live in San Diego too and while I can shop at the commissary because I'm military I have found Henry's Marketplace to be a Godsend! They have wonderful produce that is cheap (its cheaper than shopping at the commissary too) and I can usually stock up on fruits and veggies for about $25 a week. They also have a reduced fat cheddar cheese that is to die for. I found it over Xmas and I have been using it ever since. Its Henry's Marketplace brand (I think) and its just wrapped in plastic wrap with a Henry's sticker on it. For a HUGE block of it, it was about $4.So where in San Diego do you live?KristiReminder: The South Beach Diet is not low-carb. Nor is it low-fat. The South Beach Diet teaches you to rely on the right carbs and the right fats-the good ones-and enables you to live quite happily without the bad carbs and bad fats. For more on this WOE please read "The South Beach Diet" by Arthur Agatston, MD. ISBN 1-57954-814-8

[Guest guest]

Wow! Sounds great. Thanks for the info. I live in Rancho Penasquitos. There's a Stater Bros. within walking distance (which is how I get there now since it's so busy I can't even park!), but their produce section is pretty small and they don't have a lot of variety either. I will definitly try Henry's.

Robin

Re: Intro

> I'm struggling with the grocery strike too (in San Diego). What a pain! The stores that aren't striking are all out of food!> > RobinHi Robin. I live in San Diego too and while I can shop at the commissary because I'm military I have found Henry's Marketplace to be a Godsend! They have wonderful produce that is cheap (its cheaper than shopping at the commissary too) and I can usually stock up on fruits and veggies for about $25 a week. They also have a reduced fat cheddar cheese that is to die for. I found it over Xmas and I have been using it ever since. Its Henry's Marketplace brand (I think) and its just wrapped in plastic wrap with a Henry's sticker on it. For a HUGE block of it, it was about $4.So where in San Diego do you live?KristiReminder: The South Beach Diet is not low-carb. Nor is it low-fat. The South Beach Diet teaches you to rely on the right carbs and the right fats-the good ones-and enables you to live quite happily without the bad carbs and bad fats. For more on this WOE please read "The South Beach Diet" by Arthur Agatston, MD. ISBN 1-57954-814-8

[Guest guest]

Wow! Sounds great. Thanks for the info. I live in Rancho Penasquitos. There's a Stater Bros. within walking distance (which is how I get there now since it's so busy I can't even park!), but their produce section is pretty small and they don't have a lot of variety either. I will definitly try Henry's.

Robin

Re: Intro

> I'm struggling with the grocery strike too (in San Diego). What a pain! The stores that aren't striking are all out of food!> > RobinHi Robin. I live in San Diego too and while I can shop at the commissary because I'm military I have found Henry's Marketplace to be a Godsend! They have wonderful produce that is cheap (its cheaper than shopping at the commissary too) and I can usually stock up on fruits and veggies for about $25 a week. They also have a reduced fat cheddar cheese that is to die for. I found it over Xmas and I have been using it ever since. Its Henry's Marketplace brand (I think) and its just wrapped in plastic wrap with a Henry's sticker on it. For a HUGE block of it, it was about $4.So where in San Diego do you live?KristiReminder: The South Beach Diet is not low-carb. Nor is it low-fat. The South Beach Diet teaches you to rely on the right carbs and the right fats-the good ones-and enables you to live quite happily without the bad carbs and bad fats. For more on this WOE please read "The South Beach Diet" by Arthur Agatston, MD. ISBN 1-57954-814-8

[Guest guest]

-Thanks Robin

Tawnya in UT

-- In South-Beach-Diet-Getting-It-Right , " Robin

Schleicher " <purplesky012501@h...> wrote:

> Well, It's been going on since October, I think and from what I can

understand, it's related to the rising costs of health care. The

stores want employees to pay more and the employees say that they

can't afford too. I'm sure there's a lot more to it than that, but

that's the basic disagreement. Three major grocery store chains are

involved in the strike. At least that's my understanding of it.

>

> Robin

> Intro

> >

> >

> > Hi...I've been on SBD since August, and am down 20 lbs, and

have

> > decided to kick back in on phase 1 for two weeks. I'm a 44

year

> old

> > sahm, and have the extra challenge of living where we're

having a

> > grocery strike, so getting the " right " foods can be tricky!

> >

> > I look forward to seeing posts from the group...

> >

> > LC in Sunny So Cal

> >

> >

> >

> > Reminder: The South Beach Diet is not low-carb. Nor is it

low-

> fat. The South Beach Diet teaches you to rely on the right carbs

and

> the right fats-the good ones-and enables you to live quite

happily

> without the bad carbs and bad fats.

> >

> > For more on this WOE please read " The South Beach Diet " by

Arthur

> Agatston, MD. ISBN 1-57954-814-8

> >

> >

> >

> > ----------------------------------------------------------------

----

> ----------

> >

[Guest guest]

-Thanks Robin

Tawnya in UT

-- In South-Beach-Diet-Getting-It-Right , " Robin

Schleicher " <purplesky012501@h...> wrote:

> Well, It's been going on since October, I think and from what I can

understand, it's related to the rising costs of health care. The

stores want employees to pay more and the employees say that they

can't afford too. I'm sure there's a lot more to it than that, but

that's the basic disagreement. Three major grocery store chains are

involved in the strike. At least that's my understanding of it.

>

> Robin

> Intro

> >

> >

> > Hi...I've been on SBD since August, and am down 20 lbs, and

have

> > decided to kick back in on phase 1 for two weeks. I'm a 44

year

> old

> > sahm, and have the extra challenge of living where we're

having a

> > grocery strike, so getting the " right " foods can be tricky!

> >

> > I look forward to seeing posts from the group...

> >

> > LC in Sunny So Cal

> >

> >

> >

> > Reminder: The South Beach Diet is not low-carb. Nor is it

low-

> fat. The South Beach Diet teaches you to rely on the right carbs

and

> the right fats-the good ones-and enables you to live quite

happily

> without the bad carbs and bad fats.

> >

> > For more on this WOE please read " The South Beach Diet " by

Arthur

> Agatston, MD. ISBN 1-57954-814-8

> >

> >

> >

> > ----------------------------------------------------------------

----

> ----------

> >

[Guest guest]

-Thanks Robin

Tawnya in UT

-- In South-Beach-Diet-Getting-It-Right , " Robin

Schleicher " <purplesky012501@h...> wrote:

> Well, It's been going on since October, I think and from what I can

understand, it's related to the rising costs of health care. The

stores want employees to pay more and the employees say that they

can't afford too. I'm sure there's a lot more to it than that, but

that's the basic disagreement. Three major grocery store chains are

involved in the strike. At least that's my understanding of it.

>

> Robin

> Intro

> >

> >

> > Hi...I've been on SBD since August, and am down 20 lbs, and

have

> > decided to kick back in on phase 1 for two weeks. I'm a 44

year

> old

> > sahm, and have the extra challenge of living where we're

having a

> > grocery strike, so getting the " right " foods can be tricky!

> >

> > I look forward to seeing posts from the group...

> >

> > LC in Sunny So Cal

> >

> >

> >

> > Reminder: The South Beach Diet is not low-carb. Nor is it

low-

> fat. The South Beach Diet teaches you to rely on the right carbs

and

> the right fats-the good ones-and enables you to live quite

happily

> without the bad carbs and bad fats.

> >

> > For more on this WOE please read " The South Beach Diet " by

Arthur

> Agatston, MD. ISBN 1-57954-814-8

> >

> >

> >

> > ----------------------------------------------------------------

----

> ----------

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie,

I have done WW in the past and agree that it makes you constantly hungry. At

the end of the day, I was way over in points but still super hungry. At the

time, I was also aggressively working out. I adjusted my eating points to

accommodate the " earned " points from working out & was still hungry. I had a

hard time losing inches & pounds. I was cycling 1-2 hours a few times a week

all summer and only lost a few pounds total. With that kind of exercise &

watching my points, I should have lost way more.

I am starting my 4th week on the beach today. I am down about 6 pounds & my

clothes don't fit anymore. I didn't measure, but I remember these pants

almost not fitting before SBD & now I need to dig out that belt. I am not

sad about 2 lbs. a week & I have not felt hungry or deprived in anyway. I

sometimes feel like I am eating too much. But if I track my calories, I am

on target. Almost too good to be true!

To be honest, I have not also not been 100% good and it is still working. I

am mostly good, but cheat (that was my Valentine's disaster email!). That

tells me that this is a forgiving plan. I am 28 & still like to go out and

drink every once in a while & I can't give up chocolate! I also blew it

super bowl for the whole weekend, and it did not set me back a ton.

This board has been a great source of support & inspiration even if you

don't post. It is good to see other people going through the same successes

and hard times you are. We are all in this together & we can do it! I like

what a lot of people say: you didn't put it on in a week, so I am not

expecting it all to come off that fast either. By even trying, you are doing

a world of good for your health. So even if you don't stick 100% to the plan

every day, it is better than not doing anything. (Like if I ate all those

turtles, followed by cereal, then a sub, chips, & soda for lunch & pasta or

beer & pizza for dinner as I would have done pre-SBD!)

Best of Luck!

> I'm not expecting the 8-13 pound loss the first two weeks since I've already

> lost a lot of weight, but would be thrilled with 3-4 pounds or even some

> movement with the tape measurer. Anyone else switch to SBD to bust a plateau?

> I'd love to hear your results.

[Guest guest]

I wanted to introduce myself, I joined the group last

night. My name is Debbie and I live in Massachusetts. Tomorrow I begin week two of South Beach. I have to

say this weekend was the absolutely worst for me. I

work during the week, so I can pack my breakfast and

lunch and not have a problem, but when it came to

Saturday, being home and having all the food in front

of me was really hard. Today went a bit easier

because I kept very busy with the kids and house

cleaning. Now I am completely exhausted.

Hi Debbie and welcome - I am from NJ. I knwo what you eman abotu being at work although its much easier if I eat in the teacher's workroom than sit in the faculty cafeteria where there are too many temptations.

This weekend wasn't too good for me either. We celebrated my MIL's birthday yesterday and she had the choice of where to eat. She selelcted a Chinese buffet and I was find with all of the fishes- broiled slamon, broiled flounder, raw shrimp and roast beef. But the desserts king of did me in - I knew I shouldnt' have tasted anything but one little piece led to another and today I am a bit up on the scale. So its back to sqaure 1 today - for breakfast I had two slices of boiled ham and a Light Laughing Cow Cheese - deelish and I am full now.

I suggest going through your pantry and refrigerator and getting rid of the culprits.

~~ in NJ~~ So Many Books, So Little Time

Currently Reading:September by munde Pilcher

and Fear of Frying by Jill Churchill Just Finished: The South Beach Diet Book By Arthur Agastson (

3rd Degree by ©

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie,

Welcome! I started off lifting weights and threw in some running

(use to do this), but then I had a week where I felt rather weak,

then I came down with a head cold that turned into a sinus infection,

so my exercise sort of went kaput. I am finally feeling better, but

I've been reading this rather interesting book that's somewhat

influencing my outlook on exercise. I'll share more about it when

I'm finished reading it. I have decided that I will at least go for

a walk after dinner (did this last night).

Vie

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie,

Welcome! I started off lifting weights and threw in some running

(use to do this), but then I had a week where I felt rather weak,

then I came down with a head cold that turned into a sinus infection,

so my exercise sort of went kaput. I am finally feeling better, but

I've been reading this rather interesting book that's somewhat

influencing my outlook on exercise. I'll share more about it when

I'm finished reading it. I have decided that I will at least go for

a walk after dinner (did this last night).

Vie

[Guest guest]

Ellen,

Could be you are not eating enough. 900 calories is awfully low. Our bodies have the unique ability of going into survival mode when faced with too few calories. Try upping the amount you eat closer to 1200 cals and see if that doesn't make a difference.

in Atlanta

----- Original Message -----

I am a bit disappointed because I have only lost 5 pounds. I have been really good and have not "cheated" even once from the Phase I list of allowed foods. I can't figure why I haven't lost more. I have been using FitDay and can see that I haven't been eating more than 1000 calories daily. (usually less, I average about 900 calories/day for the past week). I don't add salt, so I don't think I am holding water, and I have been exercising. I do not feel hungry and find it easy to follow, but I wish I would lose more.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Ellen

[Guest guest]

Kathleen, where is your chapter located (city)? Welcome to the group. There is a lot of information being passed along to help out just as I know you can pass info along to us. BarbieKathleen wrote:

Hi,I joined the group this week and thought I'd introduce myself as I'm sure I'll be asking lots of questions. I hope to learn a lot in a very short period of time.Our chapter was formed in January, the same month I re-joined TOPS after a 30 year absence. They had met for about 3 weeks before I came.Our leader said she didn't know there would be so much paperwork involved and didn't have time for it. Many of the members evidently didn't realize what it meant to be a member of TOPS. It sounds like no one reviewed the rules or concepts with the members. We weren't doing very well as a chapter as you can imagine. There was talk in June as to whether to disband entirely (after only 6 months!) or whether to continue somehow. Some wanted to disband and form an "informal" group where they met once in a while, weighed in and just

talked with no paperwork. With that mood, our chapter voted to come for weigh-ins only in the summer months with a full meeting in the middle week of those months. I knew that the "informal" group wouldn't work for me. I was devastated at the thought of disbanding since there isn't another group nearby that I can attend. I knew how much TOPS had helped me years ago and need that support now even more! I talked with the leader and told her I'd do whatever it took to keep the chapter alive. She asked if I'd be willing to be leader. I said I would...she resigned that week and I was elected leader.Our treasurer is strong and I'm grateful that we have her. If it weren't for her faithfulness and knowledge of TOPS, I don't think I'd be trying to be leader.The leader gave me some files that she had. The treasurer and I reviewed them. They are by no means complete. We will meet with our area captain when she gets back from vacation.

She'll be able to tell us what we need. In the meantime I gathered lots of good program ideas from the Texastops website.Both the treasurer and I are detailed oriented so I think we'll be able to pull this off. Our weight recorder comes every week and is good at her job. We need a secretary, but that is a small worry at this point.So here I am. Fill my brain! :)KathleenEMAIL TEXAS-STYLE!!

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathleen,

Welcome to the loop. Just ask away and there will be someone here that can help. I joined TOPS for the first time in January also. I love it. I became Co-Leader of our goup soon after that so I have learned a lot but still have a lot to learn. My leader if great and we have a really great group. Good luck to you and your group. We will do what we can to help.

Levona , Co-Leader

TOPS #TX 1454, Pleasanton

Intro

Hi,I joined the group this week and thought I'd introduce myself as I'm sure I'll be asking lots of questions. I hope to learn a lot in a very short period of time.Our chapter was formed in January, the same month I re-joined TOPS after a 30 year absence. They had met for about 3 weeks before I came.Our leader said she didn't know there would be so much paperwork involved and didn't have time for it. Many of the members evidently didn't realize what it meant to be a member of TOPS. It sounds like no one reviewed the rules or concepts with the members. We weren't doing very well as a chapter as you can imagine. There was talk in June as to whether to disband entirely (after only 6 months!) or whether to continue somehow. Some wanted to disband and form an "informal" group where they met once in a while, weighed in and just talked with no paperwork. With that mood, our chapter voted to come for weigh-ins only in the summer months with a full meeting in the middle week of those months. I knew that the "informal" group wouldn't work for me. I was devastated at the thought of disbanding since there isn't another group nearby that I can attend. I knew how much TOPS had helped me years ago and need that support now even more! I talked with the leader and told her I'd do whatever it took to keep the chapter alive. She asked if I'd be willing to be leader. I said I would...she resigned that week and I was elected leader.Our treasurer is strong and I'm grateful that we have her. If it weren't for her faithfulness and knowledge of TOPS, I don't think I'd be trying to be leader.The leader gave me some files that she had. The treasurer and I reviewed them. They are by no means complete. We will meet with our area captain when she gets back from vacation. She'll be able to tell us what we need. In the meantime I gathered lots of good program ideas from the Texastops website.Both the treasurer and I are detailed oriented so I think we'll be able to pull this off. Our weight recorder comes every week and is good at her job. We need a secretary, but that is a small worry at this point.So here I am. Fill my brain! :)KathleenEMAIL TEXAS-STYLE!!

[Guest guest]

Kathleen,

It is great to have you here at Texastops and to see such a dedicated new leader too! Thank you for sharing with us!

I want to applaud your determination and love for TOPS to take charge and keep TOPS ALIVE and WELL in your city!!!

TOPS LOVE,

TOPS Area CaptainElaine LuceSouth Texas AreaServing Atascosa, Bexar, Frio, Guadalupe,Karnes, Medina, Uvalde & counties

Intro

Hi,I joined the group this week and thought I'd introduce myself as I'm sure I'll be asking lots of questions. I hope to learn a lot in a very short period of time.Our chapter was formed in January, the same month I re-joined TOPS after a 30 year absence. They had met for about 3 weeks before I came.Our leader said she didn't know there would be so much paperwork involved and didn't have time for it. Many of the members evidently didn't realize what it meant to be a member of TOPS. It sounds like no one reviewed the rules or concepts with the members. We weren't doing very well as a chapter as you can imagine. There was talk in June as to whether to disband entirely (after only 6 months!) or whether to continue somehow. Some wanted to disband and form an "informal" group where they met once in a while, weighed in and just talked with no paperwork. With that mood, our chapter voted to come for weigh-ins only in the summer months with a full meeting in the middle week of those months. I knew that the "informal" group wouldn't work for me. I was devastated at the thought of disbanding since there isn't another group nearby that I can attend. I knew how much TOPS had helped me years ago and need that support now even more! I talked with the leader and told her I'd do whatever it took to keep the chapter alive. She asked if I'd be willing to be leader. I said I would...she resigned that week and I was elected leader.Our treasurer is strong and I'm grateful that we have her. If it weren't for her faithfulness and knowledge of TOPS, I don't think I'd be trying to be leader.The leader gave me some files that she had. The treasurer and I reviewed them. They are by no means complete. We will meet with our area captain when she gets back from vacation. She'll be able to tell us what we need. In the meantime I gathered lots of good program ideas from the Texastops website.Both the treasurer and I are detailed oriented so I think we'll be able to pull this off. Our weight recorder comes every week and is good at her job. We need a secretary, but that is a small worry at this point.So here I am. Fill my brain! :)KathleenEMAIL TEXAS-STYLE!!

[Guest guest]

After I posted I realized that I hadn't identified my chapter. We are TOPS #TX

1811,

Harlingen. A great group!

Thank you for the warm welcome.

Kathleen

> Kathleen, where is your chapter located (city)? Welcome to the group.

> There is a lot of information being passed along to help out just as I

> know you can pass info along to us. Barbie

[Guest guest]

Hello Kathleen and welcome,

(Gosh I love that name - it was my mother's name)

I would personnally like to thank you for your gift to others by giving of yourself and your time to keep your chapter open.

"We are someone's hope" and we never know who that someone is going to be.

Your determination and care will make you a great leader.

Carolyn Wilkerson

TX TOPS #1807 Houston

Intro

Hi,I joined the group this week and thought I'd introduce myself as I'm sure I'll be asking lots of questions. I hope to learn a lot in a very short period of time.Our chapter was formed in January, the same month I re-joined TOPS after a 30 year absence. They had met for about 3 weeks before I came.Our leader said she didn't know there would be so much paperwork involved and didn't have time for it. Many of the members evidently didn't realize what it meant to be a member of TOPS. It sounds like no one reviewed the rules or concepts with the members. We weren't doing very well as a chapter as you can imagine. There was talk in June as to whether to disband entirely (after only 6 months!) or whether to continue somehow. Some wanted to disband and form an "informal" group where they met once in a while, weighed in and just talked with no paperwork. With that mood, our chapter voted to come for weigh-ins only in the summer months with a full meeting in the middle week of those months. I knew that the "informal" group wouldn't work for me. I was devastated at the thought of disbanding since there isn't another group nearby that I can attend. I knew how much TOPS had helped me years ago and need that support now even more! I talked with the leader and told her I'd do whatever it took to keep the chapter alive. She asked if I'd be willing to be leader. I said I would...she resigned that week and I was elected leader.Our treasurer is strong and I'm grateful that we have her. If it weren't for her faithfulness and knowledge of TOPS, I don't think I'd be trying to be leader.The leader gave me some files that she had. The treasurer and I reviewed them. They are by no means complete. We will meet with our area captain when she gets back from vacation. She'll be able to tell us what we need. In the meantime I gathered lots of good program ideas from the Texastops website.Both the treasurer and I are detailed oriented so I think we'll be able to pull this off. Our weight recorder comes every week and is good at her job. We need a secretary, but that is a small worry at this point.So here I am. Fill my brain! :)KathleenEMAIL TEXAS-STYLE!!