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 Dear SmileyGael:

I am not Shari, but I wanted to warn you of something - before you go ahead and get WLS.  If you do that, you will be permanently altered, and there is a better way.

I belong to Overeaters Anonymous, and since I've done the 12 Steps out of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous by going to a Back to Basics group (did it in 5 weeks), my recovery from food addiction and compulsive overeating has been amazing.  I once considered WLS too, but got too scared, because of the terrible risk of surgery.

I eat just like a normal person - without trying!  I eat between 1500 and 1600 calories a day, and am losing, because I eat vegetarian food, mostly, with just a little bit of meat.  I will give you the website where I get my recipes and ideas:

http://drmcdougall.com/free_3.html

Please try that website and tell me what you think.  Also, I'd suggest working the 12 Steps of OA, as well as getting a good psychologist who will help you deal with your food issues - one who deals with clients who have eating disorders.  This is helping me, as well.

Good luck, whatever you decide to do!

Denise Phares/highpow

Dear SmileyGael:

I am sorry that nobody cared when you went.  I've had trouble with sponsors who don't care, either.  One lady I had claimed that sponsoring people in OA was her "calling".  Then she proceeded to talk with me five minutes a day, when she had time.  She put her family first, and not me.  I'm currently looking for another sponsor, one who cares.

If I had 90 days (3 months) of continuous abstinence, I'd sponsor you by e-mail.  I will be at ninety days by December 2, 2009.  Will you wait for me, and do you have the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.

I worked the 12 Steps that way back in early September, and I've had perfect abstinence ever since.  Don't need WLS or diets, either.  I'm losing weight easily, WITHOUT TRYING.

While it's true I'm seeing a psychologist, it's only secondary to my OA program.  I have a conscious contact with God (my higher power), and he tells me everyday what His Will is for me, and helps me to be a much better person than I've ever been in the past.  THIS IS ALL REAL, FOR ME!

I didn't get any recovery doing the steps by the OA 12 & 12 or any other OA books.  I only got this through doing it the AA way, as adapted by OA Back to Basics groups.  For me, it is saving my life.

I know I cannot force you to do anything.  I won't even try.  If you don't want me to sponsor you in December, I won't.  Good luck however you want to get your weight and life under control.  I wish you well!

Sincerely,
Denise Phares/highpow

Well...I *am* Shari and I'd like to warn YOU of something:

I am permanently altered. And because of that alteration I am not incessantly posting here about my abstinence and perpetual struggle over a three year period as it waxes and wanes, but instead, enjoying the benefits of a healthy life: one free of diabetes, immobility, and a host of medical concerns I carried with me for life. I have no regrets in that regard. I got exactly what i needed and expected.

When someone asks for something after years of research, as Gael did, and you respond with your own agenda, it smacks of evangelism and frankly is rude to both of us.

lol...Shari, you are funny, and correct!  Geez, all I wuz doin...trying to find YOU! lol...

Thanks for the email chat!  

I guess when I have my gallbladder removed (during WLS or SOON!) I'll be surgically altered twice! No, wait, I'm a gonna have the girls lifted, and de tummy tucked, suck a lil fat out, oh and don't forget those bat wings! Hmmm.... altered yet again...Geeezz...

BTW "Hipow", I've had, and continue to have a higher power (JC) ok?

Lookin' good there Shari. :)