By Tim SchmidtRecord Managing EditorNo longer do Mike and Linda Daly huff and puff as they climb the steps of their three-floor home.No longer are they the couch potatoes they once were.Rather, the Warrenton couple can be found walking every day as well as participating in other exercises that have led to a much healthier lifestyle.“It’s been a complete life change,” Mike said.All because a neighbor coaxed Linda into attending the Wright City chapter of Taking Off Pounds Sensibly, or better known as TOPS.Linda joined in February 2013. Mike started attending in January 2014.Together, the Dalys have lost 150 pounds since transforming their once obese-lifestyle.“I have dieted my whole life, but I could never keep it off,” Linda said. “I have done fasting. I couldn’t tell you how many times I did Weight Watchers.”Earlier this year, the couple was named the king and queen of the TOPS chapter, an honor that is bestowed on the top male and female members who lost the most weight and met their goal.“It’s very unusual that a husband and wife make it in the same year,” Linda said.But the accolades did not stop there for Mike.While attending the state convention in Springfield in April, he was announced as the male winner in his weight division. Mike had lost around 50 pounds, the most weight of any other TOPS member in his division for males between 150 and 200 pounds.Mike also was recognized as the international winner, meaning he had shed more pounds than others across North America.In July, the couple received an all-expenses paid trip to Reno, Nev., where Mike was recognized along with 2,000 other TOPS members.“We were treated like royalty,” Linda said.The TOPS approach has worked well for both. Each Wednesday morning, they attend the weekly session at First Baptist Church in Wright City where they step on the scale and see how their weight compares to the week before and to their goal. They also take advantage of programs that tout the importance of living healthy.Most importantly is the camaraderie offered by the TOPS members.“I can’t go in and not be under my goal or be within my goals,” Mike said. “I don’t want to let these people down.”Besides exercise, they have surpassed their weight-loss goals with different diets. Linda is on a low-carb plan and eats lots of bacon, eggs and cheese.Mike on the other hand has meals heavy on fruits and eliminated pasta. He also gave up his nightly ritual of a couple of beers and ice cream.Linda has experienced the biggest weight loss. She has lost 100 pounds and traded in her 4XL clothes for a clothes now in the size 10 and 12 range.“It is doing whatever works for you,” Mike said.For over 40 years, Mike and Linda Daly lived in California until landing in the Midwest about nine years ago. The move has paid off on several accounts, none more noticeable than the extra pounds that have been kissed away.“It is the accountability,” Mike said. “I could pack it back on real easy. It’s not the scale, it’s the people. It’s TOPS that keeps you going.”Linda and Mike Daly, of Warrenton, pose together while attending the TOPS international convention held in Reno, Nev., in July. Together, the couple has lost 150 pounds since joining the local TOPS chapter.
