When I saw this chess term, I was not sure how it would fit in this blog series. FORCED in a chess game refers to a move or several moves that are needed to avoid a bad result.
Reading recent letters received at TOPS and further refraction on my journey, it all fell into place. When I turned 45 years old, my health was in crisis. So, in reality, I was truly FORCED to make a move. I was fortunate that the right move was with TOPS.
Not making the move when I did could have had the effect of a “bad result,” possibly even a permanent one. This is a pivotal point that I and others tend to gloss over.
Being obese with all its co-morbidities is a matter of life and death. Tending to the crisis late in life can lead to needing to make a FORCED move.
I consider myself fortunate that with portion control, eliminating some bad habits and using some of the TOPS lessons, I was able to lose weight. Had I not made progress, my healthcare provider was going to suggest some other moves.
In my capacity as a TOPS member, a Coordinator and then President of TOPS, I am aware that some are FORCED to make drastic moves. There may be no other choices…remember, these are life and death decisions.
There are no shortcuts in combating obesity. Someone who is FORCED to have surgery or take approved medications to lose weight does not have an easier path. I suspect that they wish their situation could be different and could need even more support.
Can we agree that life is not fair? If someone under the direction of a healthcare provider is FORCED to make several moves to avoid a bad result, they are doing it sensibly. Ignoring the advice is not a true option for them.
Suggesting that someone who has had weight loss surgery or needs medications to save their life has an advantage in a contest is not true support. Mrs. Manz stated in TOPS early years her desire to educate the public on weight imbalances and emphasized the need for a member (and TOPS) to be connected to the medical community.
Acknowledging the importance of making an OPENING, no matter what move is needed, will allow members to be candid about the type of support they need. I am in no position to judge how someone conducts their journey. I am simply happy to support them.
TOPS’ POSITION is that all of our members need support. That is one thing we all have in common. We came to TOPS because we needed help, not a ribbon.
