In the fall of 2007, I was advised, after testing in the Heart Institute, that I had had a heart attack.
When, nobody knew! My cardiologist said I should lose 50 pounds. I happened to read our local paper (EMC)
and there was an article by Jim Parker describing his weight loss of 72 lbs through the TOPS program.
I knew both Jim and Mamie from by curling days so I contacted Jim. After Christmas 2007, I joined my
local chapter of TOPS, #ON3620 in Richmond, Ontario, Canada. My first meeting was January 10, 2008
where I weighed in at 213 pounds. I had tried many diets in the past, including Weight Watchers and lost
weight but I seemed to never able to keep it off. At my chapter, I met new friends who were very supportive
from the start. Our chapter is small in numbers, which makes it easy to make friends.
Having survived prostate cancer and a heart attack, I was very motivation to lose weight and hopefully
enjoy my grandchildren as long as possible. As expected, I had my ups and downs but gradually the
pounds came off. I tried to maintain a food intake of 1500 calories, ensuring I included sufficient vegetables
and fruit. The other major factor was exercise. I was using weights and planned exercises at the
Cancer Clinic Gym. I continued this 3 days a week and also walked or used the treadmill 2 or 3 times a week.
As driving to the cancer clinic was a 40 km trek. I now do my exercises at my local Legion 3 days a week
and walk at least twice a week (30-60 minutes). For the year of 2008, I was awarded the Chapter Merit
Certificate with a weight loss of 21.5 pounds.
I want to acknowledge the help and support I have had along the way. My wife has always prepared healthy,
balanced meals and I thank her for her encouragement. Also my family physician, oncologist, and cardiologist
and colleagues at the Cancer Clinic and the Richmond Legion Seniors Exercise class for their ongoing
support. Jim Parker, our chapter leader, has been an inspiration to me. He is very upbeat and makes the
weekly meetings enjoyable.
I reached my goal of 175 pounds on October 15, 2009. Hopefully I can maintain this weight through
proper eating and exercise while attending meetings and keeping within my KOPS margins.
When, nobody knew! My cardiologist said I should lose 50 pounds. I happened to read our local paper (EMC)
and there was an article by Jim Parker describing his weight loss of 72 lbs through the TOPS program.
I knew both Jim and Mamie from by curling days so I contacted Jim. After Christmas 2007, I joined my
local chapter of TOPS, #ON3620 in Richmond, Ontario, Canada. My first meeting was January 10, 2008
where I weighed in at 213 pounds. I had tried many diets in the past, including Weight Watchers and lost
weight but I seemed to never able to keep it off. At my chapter, I met new friends who were very supportive
from the start. Our chapter is small in numbers, which makes it easy to make friends.
Having survived prostate cancer and a heart attack, I was very motivation to lose weight and hopefully
enjoy my grandchildren as long as possible. As expected, I had my ups and downs but gradually the
pounds came off. I tried to maintain a food intake of 1500 calories, ensuring I included sufficient vegetables
and fruit. The other major factor was exercise. I was using weights and planned exercises at the
Cancer Clinic Gym. I continued this 3 days a week and also walked or used the treadmill 2 or 3 times a week.
As driving to the cancer clinic was a 40 km trek. I now do my exercises at my local Legion 3 days a week
and walk at least twice a week (30-60 minutes). For the year of 2008, I was awarded the Chapter Merit
Certificate with a weight loss of 21.5 pounds.
I want to acknowledge the help and support I have had along the way. My wife has always prepared healthy,
balanced meals and I thank her for her encouragement. Also my family physician, oncologist, and cardiologist
and colleagues at the Cancer Clinic and the Richmond Legion Seniors Exercise class for their ongoing
support. Jim Parker, our chapter leader, has been an inspiration to me. He is very upbeat and makes the
weekly meetings enjoyable.
I reached my goal of 175 pounds on October 15, 2009. Hopefully I can maintain this weight through
proper eating and exercise while attending meetings and keeping within my KOPS margins.
2009 Provincial King Runner up ~ Peter Mac Arthur
