1 min read
February Member of the Month: Marie Soczynski
As a retired nurse, Marie Soczynski, TOPS OL 0001, brings nutrition knowledge to her TOPS chapter and her community....
Debra James-Nielson
Lost 110 lb. to goal with TOPS
For her weight loss, Debra is the 2024 TOPS Manitoba Queen. Our member testimonials are unpaid and unsolicited.
TOPS started for me in September 1998 in a church basement in Brandon, Manitoba. A friend invited me to join her, knowing that we both needed help with our weight. I was struggling, knowing that my goal would be to “never give up.”
In 2011, after many ups and downs, I was crowding 300 pounds and my knees were giving out. I needed to get the weight off, or I would be in a wheelchair. I had a great man in my life, my husband, Wayne, lots of friends and family, and I had TOPS, so I had the support that I needed.
I attended three TOPS Retreats, then used the knowledge that I gained to get the weight off. The Food Exchange System was essential. I made my own exchange book and have used it religiously. Healthy portions have been key to my success, especially for the final year of my weight-loss journey.
I reached my goal weight in December 2024, and feel like I have a whole new life. I can now go up and down stairs much easier. I feel amazing and I’m confident that I will be able to keep this weight off. It is easy to stay motivated when I walk by a mirror and see that I’m half of the size that I was a few years ago. That makes it much easier to walk by the fridge.
Alfred Belle
Lost 51 lb. to goal with TOPS
For his weight loss, Alfred is the 2024 TOPS Florida King. Our member testimonials are unpaid and unsolicited.
When I married in 1976, I stood 6-feet, 3-inches tall and weighed 195 pounds. Over time, I steadily gained weight. During those early years, our young children were always looking for a reason to celebrate, which generally included lots of food. I have always enjoyed spending time with my family and friends and eating with no limits. Eventually, those large Sunday dinners, family gatherings and birthday parties took their toll. As I grew older, the excess weight became a burden.
I weighed more than 300 pounds when I joined TOPS in 2012. I then became serious about losing weight and began eating healthier, which included reducing my consumption of sugar and bread. I started moving more, with bicycle riding as my exercise of choice. Thanks to the support of my wife and all the chapter members of TOPS FL 9575 Hawthorne, I reached my weight-loss goal last year.
Barbara Opoien
Lost 55.4 lb. to goal with TOPS
For her weight loss, Barbara is the 2024 TOPS North Dakota Queen. Our member testimonials are unpaid and unsolicited.
I joined TOPS in October 2023, following a visit with my primary care provider, where she informed me that I was prediabetic. To prevent diabetes, I decided to lose weight. I knew that I was carrying excess weight — I could feel it in my knees so much that I considered moving from my split-level home.
Becoming a TOPS member marked the start of a new relationship with food and living a healthy lifestyle. My theme of “Back to Basics” — increasing exercise, reducing carbs and overall healthier choices — soon began to show great results in both my physical and emotional health. For every 10 pounds that I lost, I purchased a new, better-fitting article of clothing! The encouragement from TOPS members, family and friends kept me on track. I became a KOPS in December 2024. I now navigate stairs with minimal discomfort, have improved my overall well-being and no diabetes!
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my chapter and applying the basics that TOPS provided for me. I learned to take small steps, focus on one day at a time, and not beat myself up. TOPS has helped me become my best self!
