Local woman drops nearly 170 pounds without surgery or diet pills. How you can too

Mt. Washington - It's a tiara Billie York wears proudly.  After all she earned it.

 "I've had a long life time journey of gaining weight, loosing weight, gaining more weight."

 Gaining until she reached a high of 375 pounds in 1999.

 "The doctor’s scale couldn't weigh me without the extra weights to balance it out."

 York started loosing when she gained momentum with TOPS.  That stands for, taking off pounds sensibly.  It's a non profit weight loss support group.

 "I started going to the meetings and it was a lot of fun.  There were games and prizes and great support."

 There are TOPS chapters all over the country and in Canada.  York joined in North Carolina, and continued her membership when she moved to Maryland.

 "Being in TOPS since for 25 years, I slowly but surely since 2003 was on a downward decline in my weight."

And she's got bling to prove it.  Charms marking every weight loss milestone..  Not a bracelet but a whole necklace full.  Oh did I mention, Billie York has lost 170 pounds.

 "It's just a whole different life.  It's busy and it's full of energy and hope."

 And TOPS is celebrating York's success.  She really did earn this tiara.

 "Out of all the people in Maryland they choose me, to be the queen, I was honored."

 Not only has she lost the weight by eating healthy..  She's kept it off.  Her crown says KOPS, keeping off pounds sensibly.  ....it's been two years.  She hopes to eventually loose another 15 but she's in no rush.

She's thrilled to share the secrets of her success.

 "First forgive yourself and then get started.  Take it day by and don't give up because everybody is worth the effort it it takes to lose weight and be healthy."