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LAPLACE — Rather than focusing on dieting or a specific food plan, the Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) program focuses on lasting lifestyle changes with weekly check-ins and a steadfast support system among members who elevate each other physically, mentally and emotionally.

Community interest will determine whether a new TOPS chapter comes to St. John the Baptist Parish. An informational meeting on TOPS will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, September 18 at the LaPlace Library.

Only four members are needed to open a chapter in St. John Parish, according to TOPS Advocate Sandy Lindsey.

Lindsey lives in Paulina and works part-time as a wellness coach and fitness instructor. Her weight loss journey began in 2005, and she hit her goal weight in the same year, contributing her success to an in-person support group.

“Even after I achieved my goal weight, the group support was an important part of my journey to maintain my goal weight,” she said.

Lindsey opened a TOPS chapter in her community to fuel her passion of assisting others in establishing a healthier lifestyle. She also became a TOPS advocate to support a larger population of people looking to begin or resume their health journey. She looks forward to offering weight loss support within the St. John Parish community.

The St. James Parish TOPS chapter meets at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday at the Lutcher Library. Lindsey is the leader of that meeting and can be contacted at Sandylindsey2011@yahoo.com.

More information about the TOPS program, including healthy recipes, can be found at Tops.org.