On October 18, 1976, I joined TOPS—a decision that ultimately changed not only my eating and exercise habits, but also my entire life.

Years of improper eating and “hit or miss” dieting caused me to have serious gallbladder problems. My doctor finally determined that my gallbladder had to be removed. I’ll never forget the expression on the surgeon’s face or his words the day after my surgery. He said, “I never realized I would be cutting through so many layers of fat to remove your gallbladder.” This shocking statement, along with many years of unsuccessful attempts to lose weight, made me decide to approach my problem in an entirely different way.

My new weight-loss strategy was to make small changes in my food choices to prevent my body from setting up its defenses for the “feast or famine” to which it had become accustomed. The strategy worked beautifully and I began having weekly weight losses. Better yet, my metabolism changed as a result of the gradual weight losses.

These days, my daily food plan consists of eating three low-carbohydrate meals, healthy snacks, and six to eight glasses of water. Each morning, I walk three to four miles on my treadmill, and I take aerobic/weight-lifting classes.

On December 30, 2008, I’ll celebrate my 22-consecutive-year KOPS anniversary. However, my success story is not mine alone. I thank God, my family, my chapter (TOPS #FL 189, Saint Cloud), and all the other friends I’ve met through TOPS for providing the loving encouragement and support I’ve needed.

Even though it is a thrill now to go to my closet every season and fit comfortably into my size 8 clothes, probably the biggest thrill I have as a TOPS member is when I see a fellow member fulfill his or her dream of becoming a KOPS. TOPS can make dreams come true, as it certainly has for me!