Narrative by Jane Zuehlsdorff

I first joined TOPS in 2019 with high hopes that it would be the last time I lost weight. I had lost 100 pounds twice before and gained it all back. I was determined that the third time would be the charm. I did well until the pandemic hit. I had lost about 30 lbs. I gained 13 back while we weren’t meeting but had managed to take it back off before the meetings resumed. In 2021, I decided I could lose weight on my own—I knew what to do! I had gotten used to staying home during the pandemic, and I kind of liked it. I didn’t want to attend meetings.

Jane Zuehlsdorff Before Weight Loss treatment

Jane Zuehlsdorff After Weight Loss treatment

Well, that didn’t work at all. I gained most of the weight back. Then, towards the end of 2022, I had some health problems, and I gained more weight and surpassed the original weight at TOPS. In February of 2023, I ended up hospitalized, and surgery was pending. That was probably when I had my “Ah Ha” moment, a huge wake-up call.

Hospitals do a great job of taking care of extremely obese people, but it can be humiliating. Bigger cuffs, bigger wheelchairs, extra help getting up, etc. Did I want to live the rest of my life like this? After surgery, I got the first 30-plus pounds off by myself, but then I hit a roadblock and knew I needed help. I had thought about returning to TOPS but was embarrassed. I just happened to get an email with the offer of being reinstated by paying the renewal amount instead of rejoining. I decided it must be a sign that it was time. I was welcomed by old friends and new faces who have become friends, and the work began.

I struggled with finally committing to lose weight. I was afraid it would be like the other times, and I would gain it back. That is my biggest fear right now, and I plan to stay active in my TOPS Chapter for the accountability and support of the members. I am currently the Weight Recorder, and I look forward to our weekly meetings. I enjoy encouraging all our members and brainstorming if they’re having trouble. I like to tell them that if they’re having a good week, we need them, and if they’re having a bad week, they need us.

My family has always been behind me. My husband is my biggest cheerleader. He has had to do without my baking and cooking old favorites. I also work with my doctor and nutritionists, who keep me on track or suggest changes when I’m having trouble or my bloodwork changes.
I wasn’t physically active during the time of my weight loss. I had two knee replacements in the past year, and the therapy that went with them. As soon as I could, I started walking the dog with my husband, and I continue that now. We walk two to three miles per day. It’s great to spend time with him and be outside. I also have a machine that I ride if the weather is bad. Our leader even encouraged me to get a weighted hula hoop. I can’t keep up with her, but a few minutes a day has been great for me, as it gets my heart rate up and has helped with balance. My husband and I even did the 5K Heart Walk in February, and I wasn’t the last one done!

There are so many things I can do now that I couldn’t do before. I think the best way to put it, though, is I’m living and participating in life now instead of being an observer. I can be out in the desert with my husband and see the wildflowers and animals instead of seeing the pictures he brings back. The same goes for scenic hikes and being out on our side by side. I can get out and see things instead of waiting in the car for pictures. When we went to our grandson’s baseball games last spring, I didn’t have to sit on the bottom bench with people standing in front of me. I could walk around the field or climb higher so I could see him instead of waiting for one of the kids to show me a video.

My confidence level has increased. Between weight loss and new knees, I’m not afraid to do things that sidelined me before. Like I said before, I can participate instead of just observing. I’m also not embarrassed to be seen in public. I’m much more apt to participate in outings that I would have made up excuses not to attend before. I’m not so self-conscious about people staring at me or snickering, though most people are not that rude, I thought it was happening.

My Chapter is paramount in keeping me motivated. The members have become like family members. They’ve seen me at my worst and most vulnerable and didn’t judge me. They’ve seen me discouraged and were there to get me back on track. They celebrated with me when I  reached my goal and became a KOPS. I’m also counting on them for help as I enter the unknown territory called maintenance. I hope I can help others like they have helped me.

My best advice for someone just starting their weight loss program is to figure out why you want to lose weight and commit to it. It might be health reasons, better movement and mobility, more energy, and the biggest one to me now is better mental health. Then write down your goals. Make sure they are attainable. After that, figure out a program that works for you. The TOPS meetings will help you with that. Keep an open mind and try different things. Track everything that goes into your mouth. I still do this. I can go back later and see what worked and what didn’t. I also notice when snacking is out of control, or all the BLTs (bites, licks, and tastes) are mounting up. If you get discouraged, ask for help!

Ask other members, ask your close friends, ask your family for support, ask a nutritionist, or ask your doctor. There are so many tools and programs available—you just need to find the sensible, healthy one that works for you. Remember, though, that they are tools and not magic wands. You’ll have to work your program, but it is so worth it in the end. Just don’t quit.