was held April 23-25, 2009

Meet Our Winners!

VIRGINIA 2008 ROYALTY

2008 Virginia State King

James E. Lee, Sr.

TOPS  #VA 59, Orange

48.00 loss

 After 20+ years of being overweight, I had had enough.  I was starting to have health problems and was being medicated for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as having trouble with fluid on my knees.    I knew a lot about TOPS and what it was about because my wife and daughter had joined years ago.  After a lot of encouragement from my family, I joined TOPS #VA59, Orange on January 8, 2008 and weighed in at 248 pounds.  My goal was set at 200 and I began my journey.  I cut out sweets and fried food, and really began to use portion control.   I have learned that I can eat what I want, just not as much as I would have in the past.  I also joined my wife in her daily walks and we walk every day.  Some days we walk up to 3 or 4 miles.  After changing my lifestyle with new ways of eating and exercising, I lost those 48 pounds and went from a pants size of 46 to a 38.  I met my goal on December 22, 2008 and was awarded my KOPS status.  Now I feel much better and don’t have all those aches and pains.  I want to encourage all of you that if I can do it, YOU CAN TOO!!

2008 Virginia State Queen

Cindy Harrison

TOPS #VA 499, Vansant

157.00 loss

 “This time it will be different”…That is what I thought time and again, every time I started a “diet.”  On March 20, 2006, it became “different.”  I joined TOPS. I started out on the back row, saying nothing.  Week after week, I lost weight; it literally melted off.  Soon, I was elected secretary, so I realized that I would have to move to the front.  That was just the beginning.  I became much more confident, not just at meetings, but in my everyday life.  I applied for a job I never would have before TOPS.

            Later on, I became co-leader; this meant I had to stand in front of the whole room.  I thought I may just pass out, because I am (was) extremely shy.  Now, I am leader of TOPS #VA499, Vansant, a fabulous group of ladies and gentlemen.

            Losing weight is the most empowering and rewarding feeling anyone could ever hope for.  I always thought individuals who said, “If I can do it, anyone can” were so annoying.  After trying so many times and failing, I have reached that point.  I know if I can do it, anyone truly can.

            This was only possible because of TOPS and the wonderful, encouraging people in this group.  They are not only my support group, they are my friends.