Claresholm woman is the weight loss queen of Alberta

By Rob Vogt Local Press Writer
Although Velda Weisensel of Claresholm had lost an impressive 122.75 pounds, she did not think she would be the 2021 queen of Alberta, because that title was going to someone in Lethbridge.
However, when the final numbers were tallied, Weisensel was in fact the Taking Off Pounds Sensibly, or TOPS, 2021 Alberta Queen because she lost more weight than any other TOPS female member in the entire province and reached her goal weight.Claresholm Local
“I was so excited,” she said. “All my TOPS group were too.”
She attributes her weight loss to dieting and watching her calories.
“You have to watch your diet,” she said. “You have to know what to eat and what not to eat.”
All along the way she also received the support of her TOPS group which has five members.
They never criticized or judged, but encouraged her to do the best she can.
“They just keep me going,” Weisensel said. “They really helped me out.”
She joined TOPS 28 years ago and reflected back on that journey.
She said she knew she had a long, challenging journey ahead of her.
“My journey has been long and hard, but I was determined to reach my goal no matter what. My TOPS family has been there with every pound lost – cheering me on,” she said. “Some days were a total failure, but I kept reminding myself that tomorrow is another day. Don’t dwell on the bad day – look forward to the good day coming up.”
Weisensel is also a Keeping Off Pounds Sensibly members, which honours keeping off the weight she has lost.
“I am 88 years young and I know if I hadn’t taken the step to walk through those doors of TOPS, I would not be here today,” she said. “I want to encourage everyone to keep going. It is hard but so rewarding, and your TOPS family is there with you all the way.”
She also commended her family and friends for always being there, and most of all her TOPS chapter.
“They will always be in my heart and always be my special family,” she said.
That is also why Velda Weisensel has a simple answer when asked if she would recommend joining TOPS to anyone else.
“Of course,” she said, adding they are always welcoming new members.