Has anyone tried OA after surgery?
I'm struggling with "old" pre-surgery food obsession! I haven't really gained much, but it's inevitable that I will, and I dont want to fall back into those bad behaviors. I went to the OA website and did the questions, and it was all me. I plan to attend a meeting this weekend and just wondered if anyone had experience with OA. Thanks!
I tried OA many years ago, trying to lose weight before my wedding. It was good, but it didn't really address MY issues - which I sincerely believe were more biological than psychological. One of the top reasons I decided on WLS in the first place, to tweak my innards so they don't work against me.
If you seem to fit their profile, then go for it! I really don't think it could hurt, and any support you can find for YOUR issues has got to be a good thing!
Imperfect does not = unsuccessful
I tried OA-HOW last summer and was really turned off by it, but that was my experience. I also got a really negative vibe from them about WLS. I did not attend any regular OA meetings so they might be better I am not sure. The deal with the HOW program in OA is that you absolutely can not deviate from your doctor/dietician prescribed diet, not even to lick the spoon or have an extra nut. You must call your sponsor each day and let them know your meal plan for the day and then you are not allowed to change your meal plan unless you call your sponsor and approve it ahead of time (even this is not encouraged). You must also call and check in with 3 other OA-HOW members each day along with doing a reading and writing assignment and then you discuss these with your sponsor. They are really hard-core and if you mess up 3 times your sponsor can dump you. For me it was too rigid, but then again that is just me, maybe it is what you want/need. I do hope you are able to find something to help you!
"When you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."
I attended OA meetings for 2 years.... I agree with Darla --- I didn't have a lot of food issues -- more so biological... but what really mattered for me was the weekly support! That's why I still pay for Weigh****chers now. OA was a good time to talk about your stresses and how it related to food.
If you're not used to "Anonymous" meetings....it can get a little cheesy at first with the "Hi my name is Elena, and I am a compulsive overeater" and the little prayer sayings they have, but it's just fine. The program is obviously based on a "higher power" than yourself....but if you don't believe in a god that higher power can even mean the power of OA or the group... it's just a way to get outside yourself.
The 12 steps can be rough because you really have to open yourself up...but it was well worth it for me. A lot of the material is free if you can't afford it sometimes..but it's not expensive either. And yeah, a lot of the steps spoke to me.... as they would for most anyone.
But let me warn you though.. as NicoleLynn mentioned... there is such a thing as OA-HOW. This is kind of a separate branch of OA and often looked down upon by other members of OA.... with that said, OA-HOW is more strict... you have a sponsor and you have to call at least 3 people from the group daily to keep accountable... you measure everything, you call your sponsor to tell them what you are going to eat that day.... OA has those ideas, but does not force you to follow them. The pros of OA-HOW? People are big losers there. It's a stricter program idea that often brings better results. Do beware though.... the OA-HOW people often get very animated, lol.
I hope that helps. If you're scared, we could maybe go to one together some day -- OA or OA-HOW. Good luck!
Renee - and if you're looking for something more one-on-one, I HIGHLY recommend Lana Boutacoff. You'll find her just by doing a google search, or calling your insurance and seeing if she's in network for you.
There is also a group through Unity's bariatric program I believe (or Allina's) that is geared towards what you're talking about I think...the name escapes me right now but maybe check Unity's site.
www.allinaunity.org/ahs/unity.nsf/page/bariatric_center
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