A Better Weigh

Merrill Werned lost 68 pounds on TOPS

TOPS Honors Three at State Conference

Written by Chris Jones

[dropcap]Everyone has a tipping point in his or her fight to lose unwanted weight. For some it’s failing health, for others it’s about self-esteem. But for Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) president Barb Caty, it was kids.[/dropcap]

“I joined TOPS to get pregnant,” laughs Barb Cady, president of weight support program. “I was so heavy as a young woman…that my doctor said if I ever wanted to successfully complete a pregnancy that I had to lose weight.”
 
After getting to a healthy weight, Cady delivered three boys over time and jokes that she’s not sure she made the right choice.
 
“Three sons later, I’m not so sure it was good decision, especially when they were teeneagers,” chuckles Caty.
 
TOPS, a weight loss support and accountability organization, is responsible for helping its members shed a collective 431 tons in 2012. If you’re into comparative measurement, that’s the equivalent of 171 Ford F-150 trucks.
 
The organization recently honored three Virginians at its annual state conference in Williamsburg, Va.—Merrill Werner of Virginia Beach, Judy Fisher of Nellysford and Stephen Ballard of King George.
 
The King 

Werner, 78 and a retired Navy veteran, once weighed 303 pounds. He wasn’t always a big man. Growing up in rural Ohio, he worked on his family’s farm until he enlisted.
 
“When I was young growing up on the farm, I had no problem staying thin. Then I joined the Navy. When I got out, I started putting on weight,” recounts Werner.
 
After serving 10 years, he went into the Reserves. Still, the Navy threatened to discharge him if he didn’t manage his weight. He eventually ended his stint with the military and settled into civilian work taking on employment in the railroad industry.
 
“Once I retired I started working for the railroads doing shift work working one day, one afternoon and two nights,” says Werner. “I just couldn’t eat right. You eat what you can when you work like that.”
 
Werner eventually retired from the railroads and became the grand sentinel for The Eastern Star, a position requiring him to travel. That’s when he ballooned to his heaviest—303 pounds.
 
“I gained quite a bit of weight then because when we traveled, all we did was eat, eat and eat. I hit 303.”
In 1987, his niece introduced him to TOPS.
 
He’s fallen off the wagon a few times, but was determined to succeed—and 25 years and 68.5 pounds later, he has. Werner is a slimmer 239 pounds. His success has earned him the title of King at this year’s conference.
 
And who might the queen be? Her name is Judy Fisher.
 
The Queen 

A self-proclaimed yo-yo dieter, Fisher struggled to maintain a healthy weight. After plateauing at 286 pounds, someone told her about TOPS.
 
Judy Fisher after“In July 2011, a lady was leaving a class early to attend a group called TOPS.  I asked [her] what TOPS was and she gave me a brochure. I attended the following week and I began this life-altering journey. Eight months later, I met my goal weight with 86.00 lost,” exclaims Fisher.
 
TOPS has not only helped her to change her body, but also her relationship with food.
 
“Initially, I measured portions and counted calories. I now serve my meals on a salad plate, and I put my fork down between small bites. I eat fresh fruits and vegetables daily, and I use low calorie foods like fat-free dressings. My husband cooks our dinners and rarely uses butter or high-calorie foods.
 
“During the winter, I attend an exercise class 3 days a week.  All other seasons I dig, plant, mulch, or crawl around in gardens—ours, our daughter’s or a friends,” she says.
 
She admits that keeping it off is a challenge, but employs a positive mindset, self-control and accountability through the organization.
 
“Much of this accomplishment is in my mind. When tempted to eat the wrong thing, I focus on my goal and stepping on that scale weekly reinforces accountability.  However, I am determined not to be a victim. On occasion, I have a second helping of a favorite entree or enjoy a dessert,” says Fisher. “Most valuable in this weight management journey is the support shared at TOPS meetings. Our leaders and fellow colleagues are valued allies and friends who support and care for me and for each other.”
 
The Teen 

Stephen Ballard of King George, 17, gained his weight from being immobilized by multiple knee surgeries and a full back surgery. His battle with obesity has also made him Type-2 diabetic. His grandparents and his mother, Melissa Ballard, introduced him to TOPS. He’s lost 30 pounds this year. His goal is 80.
 
“It’s been a struggle all together with surgeries and sickness,” says Ballard. He chose to stick with the program because of the support and encouragement. “I have a lot of friends [in TOPS] and we chat every Tuesday and I go to meetings and have a good time. It’s just support all around,” he explains.
 
He stays fit by walking his dogs and doing chores. He’s placed safeguards to keep him from overeating and nocturnal snacking.
 
“Not having sugar and candy in the house has helped. If I do have to eat it, it’s sugar free or carb free. We try to do the best we can,” Ballard states.
 
Since shedding the pounds, his diabetes requires less aggressive treatment.
[quote]“It’s just support all around.” — Stephen Ballard [/quote] 
Ballard hopes to become “an Italian healthy chef” because he loves to cook and wants to help others stay healthy.
 
“I think we need more cooks—healthy cooks—out there,” he says.
 
Ballard was honored at the conference as the biggest loser in his division.