I see signs that provide INFORMATION on capacity limits for various things. There are WEIGHT LIMIT warnings on bridges, roads, elevators and shelving units. I admit that some of them I do not pay much attention to. For instance, shelving seems important, and I do not drive anything that heavy. However, I will admit that when I am in a crowded elevator, I do math really quickly to determine if the capacity has been exceeded.
Sorry, but that is where my refracted mind sometimes goes. However, in all seriousness, I should have paid attention to my own personal WEIGHT LIMIT long ago. Prior to TOPS, I was not aware of an ideal weight. I never heard of a “goal slip.” I was just traveling alone not paying attention to any signs.
Ignoring the DANGER AHEAD sign was foolhardy of me. I exceeded my capacity. According to the Body Mass Index (BMI), I was definitely too short for my weight.
But let us be serious about that number we see on the scale. My heaviest weight recorded at TOPS is 321 pounds. I know at times prior to joining, I was higher than that. When I shared that number with family and friends, often they commented they did not believe it. Why would I make up that number? I surmise they felt uncomfortable acknowledging it. Truthfully, I was overweight and very unhealthy. But I could have been closer to my WEIGHT LIMIT and still be unhealthy if I did not listen to the FLAGGER AHEAD signs.
Just as excess weight can do damage to roads and bridges, there is no doubt that excess weight causes stress on all parts of our body. But what is that ideal weight? Pushing forward without using the CROSSWALK, is not wise. My opinion is that an ideal weight may be different than a WEIGHT LIMIT. It may be where you are at your healthiest.
Again, I have made no secret I have re-gained half of the hundred pounds I lost with the support, accountability and education TOPS provides. However, I am not stressing the number. I have great discussions with my healthcare provider and we both focus on the totality of my health. Especially when you take into consideration the condition I would be in had I not sought ALTERNATE ROUTES and exited the ROUNDABOUT.
Determining a WEIGHT LIMIT is delicate. This is one of the main reasons it is mandatory for all members to consult with healthcare professionals. My WEIGHT LIMIT may not be your WEIGHT LIMIT. Also, it is just a goal that provides a direction we journey to. Even with the inconsistencies of the BMI charts, again it is just a focal point.
I have not given up on getting back to my WEIGHT LIMIT, after all I have done it six times. Each time I get a little more INFORMATION and gather more FUEL as I go. I just happen to be staying in the REST AREA a little longer than expected. However, I am very pleased that I made it to a REST AREA healthier than when I started and avoided FALLING ROCKS.
Special Note: Please look for a supplemental form soon to be released to help members with determining their WEIGHT LIMIT.
I agree that it is all about a healthy lifestyle. Weight will come off, but your health is extremely important. I want to take care of my body and live where I have less issues. It is a journey and i use the TOPS program as a tool. I need to make the choices.
We can’t stress this point enough. To me , this is one of the biggest differences between TOPS and Weight Watchers. It is another application of the word “SENSIBLY” in the TOPS name/branding. Thanks, Rick, for another invaluable blog and sharing your personal story with this topic. It makes the article authentic,
I just got my chapter program contribution for the near future all lined up and ready to present. This blog helped me stay in the “weight limit” of my current tasks to handle at this time. So grateful!
This is the best one yet! Great insight with the signs and so true. Thanks for your series – always great.