Negative Reaction from OA about Surgery?

I'm having surgery 12/17/07.  I was very active in OA until a few years ago but have continued to go to meetings sporadically.  In researching WLS I got the clear message that I NEED a 12-step program and therapist to help me with my food issues/addition and help me sort out my past and teach me how to deal with feelings (starting with identifying them! ) However, I have to admit that I have first hand experience with my particular OA community (intergroup and most meetings) being very judgmental and snarky.  At one meeting if you're not abstinent for 90 days, you're not allowed to talk and you HAVE to be on their food plan.  At another meeting I've witnessed a new-comer who unknowingly broke a tradition be humiliated and ridiculed IN THE MEETING by a old-timer.  I have, over the years, heard that having surgery is the "easy way" out, blah, blah, blah.  Just this month's Lifeline (or maybe on the Website) has a question concerning someone having surgery and losing a lot of weight and now running for an office and the poster thinks that having surgery is "cheating" and should the person run for office even though she lost weight by having surgery? The answer was WLS is an outside issue and OA has no opinions about outside issues HOWEVER when you cast your vote for anyone, you are free to judge them whatever way you want to.  Maybe this is why OA, at least here, has a difficult time attracting new members and I'm not seeing ANY WLS people there. So my question is for those of you who go to OA, are you open about having surgery?  Was there a negative reaction to your choice?  How did you handle your OA community? Thanks Jana

Hi Jana, I'm new here, but I can really relate to your strugle.  I wish I had been to OA presurgery, but I never thought about it as an addiction. only as a physical problem. I make this pledge to you, you will never hear (read) me be nasty to you.  I wish I'd know that this was an addiction to food, as I would have sought help and perhaps never become cross-addicted to alcohol...no way to know that now. Thank you for sharing and keep coming back....I'm thinking about doing 90 and 90 on this board. Jacob

Don't sound like much of a support group to me. Plus 90 days of abstinence from what??

If OA meetings offer ridicule and narrow minded tunnel visioned people, I have to say I'm glad I never went. Food didn't become an addiction for me unitl after I stopped drinking and then smoking. This community is non-judgmental from what I've seen. I'ts COMFY for me. 

I have told everyone about my surgery and DO get mixed reactions. I've explained that it's not done for cosmetic reasons. I have more than one chronic issue, and this is my tool to extend my life. So far, I"m happy to say, I'm still waking up on the RIGHT side of the dirt!  Life is good. Try not to let the negative viewpoints and nasty attitudes of a few stubborn people get you down. They're not worth you feeling bad. Marie

In situations such as these, I have to remember one of the most valuable lessons my sponsor taught me: 

IT'S NONE OF MY BUSINESS WHAT OTHERS THINK ABOUT ME  (or anything else).

     Just my    worth!

Karen