Question:
Do any of you that have had RNY attend OA just to keep your food issues under control

I had my surgery on April 22,2008 and have lost a total of 50lbs since April 7, 2008. Even though my new tool is working well, I am still dealing with "head hunger" issues. I do go to therapy regularly, but am scared that once I am able to begin eating more I will return to my old habits. I have never gone to OA meetings, but want to make sure I do everything I can to be successful and get help with my issues with food. Can anybody tell me if they've experienced this and if they think OA could help?    — ShannyM (posted on June 6, 2008)

June 5, 2008
I don't think it will hurt you to go. The most therapy you can get think it would be better to figure out what your head hunger isssue are..Have you been going to OH peer groups ? I think they are better and your peers could help tou figure out why you have these head hunger isures thats what I think you might try. These are just my opinion's. Dawn
   — [Deactivated Member]

June 5, 2008
I personally dont like oz because they follow the 12 step program and I dont like that. But I do still go to weight watchers for that weekly check-in
   — jmas24

June 5, 2008
I would strongly urge you to attend regular support group meetings for weigh loss surgery patients. This site, as well as your surgeon should be able to find a local support group for you. At these meetings you'll be able to discuss your issues after WLS with other patients who have either experienced your problem in the past or are currently in the same situation. I've found this the best asset to continued weight loss from my RNY surgery, and I'm 2 years post op. I attend 1 to 3 support meetings monthly, usually 2-3. DAVE
   — Dave Chambers

June 6, 2008
I also attended OA a number of years ago. I didn't mind the 12 steps, but we met in a church and the language of some who spoke to voice an opinion or ask a question was not conducive to a church location. I was so embarrassed by the trashy language that I told them I was leaving, and got up and left immediately. Perhaps many or even most groups are not like that. Good luck finding one that fits your needs. I did get some positive help for my eating for the few times I was able to wade through the language. Lyn
   — SkinnyLynni2B

June 6, 2008
Try to find a support group for baratrics. My group was 7 of us, and today we have over 100 members. We go to the surgeons lectures and recrute new members before they have surgery, so it gives us the encourgement to know those people are going to come back before their surgery and see how well we are doing. I now belong to 3 support groups just for WLS patients, and enjoy them all except the drive to the meetings. Best of success to you.
   — William (Bill) wmil

June 6, 2008
Fabulous idea. You might as well deal with all the issues at once. Then you will have a much more successful WLS journey. You are on the right path, tummy hunger is not the only thing we need to control. It's the head hunger that comes back to haunt us, unless we deal with it. Good luck!
   — bariatricdivalatina

June 6, 2008
I think it's great that you want to deal with those issues! And I honestly do not know enough about Overeater's Anon toform an opinion of their program...But I can say from experience this...NON WLS people DO NOT understand our struggles and our anatomy and dieting advice could head you in the wrong direction. I would find a local bariatric support group if I were going to get that kind of support. You might get hung out to dry too if they find you have any restriction because of sugery and tey to make you feel bad about that. That's also been my experience! People can be cruel to us MO and after WLS. That's just my opinion. If you are getting anything out of it...go for it. But your best support will come from people who have been what you have been thru. Good luck...Head hunger is hard to distinguish between real hunger...and at least you've identified it! So that's have the battle! Good for you! Hugs and much luck
   — .Anita R.

June 7, 2008
I personally think that any support is a type of help- Going to OA meetings will not hurt you so why not try it out?? Ana
   — Ana Ortiz