Was a very active member until pandemic. President Rick said he was scientist and decided not to offer any support. Said they weren't in pandemic business. Fell down on job when members needed support most Would not return unless organization returned to supporting members

Jeristria

Novato ca

TOPS Club failed members during pandemic. They chose to ignore the stresses of a worldwide health crisis.

Jozzie

Novato CA

I went to the face to face meeting in my city (St Louis) and reached my goal weight. At first I liked the meeting, but then began to be harassed by 2 other members of the group who were jealous of my success. I felt like I was back in middle school. I couldn't believe the pettiness and cattiness in these "adults". I felt there was a competitive atmosphere where the KOPS members felt a bit superior to the others, and some of those who struggled with weight loss resented some of the KOPS members. There was too much emphasis on the number on the scale, and not on other facets of healthy living. I left that group and joined the online group, and it is 100% better. The leader is very kind and compassionate, and she actually says we should focus on other things besides the number on the scale. I agree.

natureluvr

Missouri

Tops vote for officers in the summer time, retired people often are gone during the summer, for three months a lot of times, and families take their kids on vacation in the summer. We do not have an absentee ballot like the United States of America has for our officials. It is discriminating against members from voting, we ended up with a treasurer in our group who is basically blind. A brand new member basically being co leader, even though she is okay. But we were not allowed to vote if we were on vacation. This is so wrong. Takes away rights just as a person.

GinnyPM

Las Vegas, Nevada

TOPS is making an effort to create some online space for members who are unable for whatever reason to make it to local chapter meetings or have been unable to find a chapter in their area. While I appreciate the effort to do so, I will review what I think they could do to improve their online offerings. First, take the forum for members off Facebook and make it be in the members area of the actual TOPS.org website. I had a fellow online member friend me on Facebook, and I accepted the request, and then this person was trying to get into ideological arguments with me over things I'd posted on my personal page. I decided to unfriend that person since I didn't know them in any capacity in real life. I know it was just the behavior of one member, but it created online social awkwardness for me, and I think it would be better for online TOPS interactions to happen in some kind of forum separate from social networking. I think it would be nice to still award online members something equivalent to KOPS (Keeping off pounds sensibly) status when they reach their goal weight. Currently there is no such offering. They have divisions and classes for different age groups and regions around the country - why not have an "online" division? One could scan and email a copy of a form from their physician verifying that they reached goal weight, making them eligible for KOPS status. That's my 2 cents for improving the online membership. As far as TOPS as an organization in general, I appreciate their moderate and balanced approach to weight loss and maintenance, the sentiment of creating a supportive atmosphere for members, and how they don't push their membership to buy special products for weight loss. They have the dietetic exchange cards you can buy, and a couple of books, but they are optional. A lot of the members are elderly. That wouldn't really deter me from joining necessarily, but it would be nicer if I could also find some 30-something members I might have a little bit more in common with, and it seems like most of them are at least in their 50's or older. Again, I appreciate the wisdom of people who are older than me, but most of them are already talking about their grandkids and such, and I'd love to have some people in my age group to talk to as well. I think it's more of a problem of people who are younger don't often know about TOPS, as TOPS doesn't do advertising. Overall, it's a good organization, and very affordable. If they could attract more younger members somehow, and improve the format of online membership, I'd give it a 10!

AmyS1214

USA

I have tried may weight loss plans ove rmany years. Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, The beverly Hills Diet, Atkin's Diet just to name a few. The problem with all  (except Weight Watcher's) is that they are all radical in one way or another. Sure, I lost weight with all of them, but as soon as I went back to "norlam eating" the weight came back, and usually more. I have been a member of TOPS, and though I have lost and gained some, the thing that makes this a wonderful choice is the support you get from fellow members. You do not get that kind of support from the more commercialized programs. If you are looking to have some success in this battle, TOPS is the right choice!

punchartqueene

Anaheim, CA

The "Support Group" here in San Antonio are real JERKS.  They took my membership money, took money that I helped fund raise for a convention in Dallas, took personal money from me.  Then when it was time for the convention I was informed that I was not going to be allowed to attend due to my service dog.  I had attended TOPS years ago, and decided to go back to TOPS for weight loss.  I am so sorry that I did.  I was so depressed by their attitude, that I gained about 50 pounds and did not go back to another group or other plan.  I was finally able to function outdoors with the use of my service dog and these JERKS made me feel horrible. 

bellanic

San Antonio, TX

Tops is a great support organization for people wanting to have support losing those extra pounds. They have been around for years and have been very successful. Though they do not have a specific weight loss plan - they offer much information for sensibly taking off those pounds. There meetings are usually not too lengthy - but the encouragement good. Weighing in once a week helps one be accountable. Also the cost is so everyone can afford it.

louagarn

Saint James, MN

Coping with obesity is an ongoing effort, not something for a few weeks. It is a journey, not a destination. Change in habits of a lifetime is often required. It isn't just about losing a few pounds by a certain date. Often, those pounds are regained plus more. Because it is so affordable, TOPS allows a person to learn, change and develope a new way of living among people who really understand and are there to encourage and support you throughout the entire journey. TOPS is are right on target on what works and what doesn't. It doesn't deal in gimmicks, fad or false promises. I like being able to work with my doctor on what is best and safest for me and then having the group support my best efforts. I love the feeling of acceptance, accountability, fellowship and friendship at the weekly meetings.

KDDID

Fairmont, WV

I've tried them all and TOPS is the best yet. It is very reasonable...these people are not out to make a buck, they're here to help and support you in your weight loss efforts. You choose how you want to lose weight, they supply information, support and encouragement along the way to your goal.

KeystoneGirl

Keystone Heights, FL