Question:
What is the TOPS diet program?

A few of you have mentioned that you are on TOPS and that they are going to start a program just for WLS early next year. Could someone please provide some details for the rest of us? Thanks...    — Cindy R. (posted on November 5, 2003)

November 5, 2003
TOPS stands for Taking Off Pounds Sensibly and is more of a support group than a specific diet although they do offer a book that has a diet in it. You get weighed once a week just like you do a Weight Watchers.
   — livnliter

November 5, 2003
The TOPS book has an exchange plan in it similar to diabetic exchange diet.
   — anapple4theteacher

November 6, 2003
Cindy, please let me know when you obtain this information. I stopped going to TOPS because I hated having to stand up in front of a crowd and publicly state my weight gain. Not only was it humiliating, it did not motivate me to lose weight. Good luck.
   — carpediem

November 6, 2003
I belonged to TOPS back in the mid-70s and lost 50 pounds. At that time they did not have anything that resembled a diet plan and you used whatever plan you chose and went to the meetings for support and accountability. I tried to join them again a few years ago and quit because I came face to face with what I really did not like about them. They basically use "Public Humiliation" as a way to keep you accountable. You state how much weight you have lost or gained to the group. Part of their membership verse is "what a fool I've been" and darn it that is not what it is about when you have a weight problem. It is especially not a productive line of thought when you reach the point where you seriously consider WLS as your way to a healthier body. I will never go anywhere near a TOPS meeting again in my life. There are better ways to get support and for a WLS person the best thing is to find a support group that consists of people who have had WLS. Just my $0.02 worth. Sandra
   — Arizona_Sun