Question:
Will going to OA help after WLS?

I am about 6 weeks post op. I feel like I am so focused on food and what I am not suppose to be eating. I feel deprived and I even sometimes have these foods- I don't get sick or dump- I feel like I need some support here so please do not lecture me. I am unable to go to the support meetings with the surgeons office (100 miles away- and once a month only). I want to know if going to OA will help with this. Can a post op WLS patient go to OA and get the benefits of a non-WLS patient? I really do not know where to turn. Any suggestions! I do not think my insurance will pay for this type of counseling so that is kinda out of the questions and I can't afford it. PS already read all posts in library- all kind of old so any new input would be appreciated.    — Jan S. (posted on May 15, 2003)

May 15, 2003
Its been a while since Ive been to OA; but what I remember is anyone can 'go'.. As far as benifits they always said 'use what you can and leave the rest'. Also, there is TOPS - that doesnt matter what diet you use. you might also go to yahoo egroups.. this is online posting - might help tooo.
   — star .

May 15, 2003
I can't see how it could hurt to go - WLS works on our bodies and OA or TOPS for that matter works on our brains...helps us to learn why we eat and deal with the emotional issues involved. Great groups!
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 15, 2003
Hello...I go to both TOPS and OA. I have since before I considered surgery as an option. My advice is that these can be very good support groups. But, I would keep the info about WLS to myself...best wishes!
   — Linda B.

May 16, 2003
I think whatever support you can get that helps you is fine. There are a bunch of options like OA, TOPS, Weight Watchers and WLS support groups. If OA is helpful to you, why not go? As many have said before me, this surgery changes you stomach, not your head. The 'head' issues can still exist post-WLS and getting whatever support you can for those is important.
   — garw

May 21, 2003
Jan, and the previous other posties: I also had thoughts of going to one of these additional groups. Not Weight Watchers, but TOPS or OA. Please listen up for a moment. I faithfully attended the support group of Dr. Dr. Champion EVERY 2nd Thursday of the month (and still do). I just NEED to be around others like me (the only thing is having been morbidly obese-ethnicity is really not important here as far as I'm concerned) I need these type of "meetings" more than just once a month. I can hardly wait until 2nd Thursday comes every month...That's another reason I'm on here for the most part-sharing with everyone here with my .02 cents worth...I lost a very dear friend, FOOD!! It's not totally out of my system, but I KNOW that from here on out I HAVE to take care of myself. I have committed to MYSELF that I WILL NOT gain the weight back that I've lost and will make myself accountable to somebody..Whether it's the AMOS community, a few of you that would like to be my pen pal, anybody what has SUCCESS on their mind and determination~that's who I want to be accountable to. It was suggested that I keep a journal with me at all times to write how I feel and what I've eaten. I did it for a while, then "backslid". Needless to say, that I'm going to start again, and then if I have something (like I did yesterday, a small bag of Lay's potato chips-and not the baked ones either), then I'll 'fess up and write it down and keep my conscious(sp?) clear and my heart right. I want to do this and feel that I have too. I think the benefits of the additional support would be great as far as OA, TOPS or other groups that deal with eating disorders of sorts. Anyone interested?
   — yourdivaness