Overeaters An.?

Has anybody ever gone to Overeaters annonymus? I ask becasue, I am still doing some research on WLS. And I have come to accept that I am an emotional eater...as are many of us...but, I fear that as much as I'd love to have surgery and become healthier and look better....that I will also still overeat when I get stressed out. I go to counselling and that helps quite a bit. I am also on medication for anxiety and depression. This website had been a Godsend. It has been a great source of support and education. I just wonder if anybody has gone to any of the OA meetings and if so, what you thought? Also, for anybody who goes to AA...do you think that it would help me? I very rarely drink, and highly doubt I would turn to it as an addiction after surgery. But, I know it's an awesome resource. Thanks! Dena

Dena, I started going to OA back in 1989, and they are a terrific 12 step group for people who eat compulsively. They teach how to use the 12 steps, originally from AA, replacing the word food for alcohol. The people are very loving and caring, as the OH family is. They love to hug, and will give phone numbers to share and help each other between meetings. The reason I came to WLS was being that I am also an alcoholic, I was never able to put the food down and gained weight constantly because of the stress in my life. It was either eat or drink, and I chose food. (I will have 5 years without alcohol on the 25th of this month.) Hope this helps. Hugs, Trish

Trish, Thank you so much. I just know that if I go through with WLS that I'm going to need alot of support. I am going to try and find a group here in my area. My husband is in the USAF and deployed for another 5 months. So, this actually would be a good time for me to try and get into a group. Congrats to you! Anybody fighting an addiction is to be commended! Have a great day! Dena

Good luck. The groups on the East Coast have been wonderful, and I am sure you will find the same where you are. Hugs, Trish

I am a firm believer in OA. I believe that I am a compulsive overeater - eating when I am sad/mad/bored, etc... I know that since my GB surgery over three months ago, I have been really struggling with the blues and I think it is because I can no longer eat to feed my feelings and instead, I have to face them head on - which I am unaccustomed to doing. The GB surgery is just a tool, but I think we as post-ops need to do everything we can to change our lifestyles - which also addresses why/how we got into our situation in the first place. How do I assure that I don't return to my old eating habits in a year? How do I assure that in a year or so, that I don't begin to graze/eating all day and regain my weight. OA or another support group will be really essential to my success. Good luck to you.

Boog-a-Lou, First, gotta say I love your screen name. I call my husband Boog and my dog is Lou I understand your situation. I can relate. I know I have to face the emotional aspects of why I overeat, why I turn to food and quit trying to stuff my feelings down with food. I have a feeling I'm going to become much more vocal! I am going to have to start sharing my feelings more often. I am a "pleaser" I try to make everybody happy and don't want to hurt anybody's feelings. When inside I'm screaming, "you moron...you bleepity bleepin bleeeeeep" Take care of yourself and congrats on having the courage to post your thoughts. Thanks, Dena

Like many other programs, the value of OA is hard to evaluate. Many people who attend OA meetings go for the emotional support they offer. I went to OA for over 20 years and gained weight over time. I was willing to work the steps, but I wasn't honest with myself in asking a higher power to take control of my life. Well, I asked, but I didn't trust my higher power because I didn't trust myself. I've been through years of therapy for my bi-polar condition (along with meds) and reaching those deep reasons for overeating or compulsive behavior are sometimes frightening. Despite my experiences, I do recommend OA.

Sj Bob, Thanks for your honest reply. I too battle with being bi-polar (type 2). Just got the diagnosis this year. FINALLY! Very frustrating to think you are loosing your mind, and come to find out there is an actual diagnosis that isn't curable, but treatable. Part of my being addicted to food I think stems from being bi-polar. It's a vicious cycle. If I'm manic...I eat, if I'm depressed I eat. So, with therapy and medications, I've come quite a ways from where I was a couple of years ago. But, I also know myself well enough to know that if I am going to do this, I have to be completely honest with myself, even if I don't want to and even if the truth hurts. I'm searching the web as I type looking for a group in my area. Best of luck to you!

I had been looking into OA as well-actually thats why I just looked at this addictions board. I am definitely an addict. My MAIN addiction is pop-my diet dew. its BAD. I know that doesnt sound like much to some people with other addictions, but it is severe for me. But my second addiction is food. Chocalate, cake, any of that stuff. I can eat it like its going out of style, but most "good" foods, I can barely eat-it makes me so sick! its crazy! I have regained so much weight lately, taking a sitting job, and being depressed because I have been fighting to get my thighplasty for almost a year now. its probably my own fault though I am sure. but, I was never given any counseling before hand on the surgery! I wish I was! Judi

If you Google Overeaters Anonymous, you'll find that they now have an online chatroom. It operates is sessions,i.e., in time blocks. I don't do chat rooms and I don't understand it. However, it is good to know that you can now reach OA online.