Question:
Has anyone gone to OA pre-op and continuted post op or started post-op?

I went to OA almost 15 years ago and it helped me so much in regards to my obsession with food (sugar in general). I lost over 90 lbs in the years I attended. Have since found it and 100 more. I'm wondering if attending meetings is beneficial after surgery. Seems it wouldn't hurt but wondering if anyone has any experience.    — Kelly H. (posted on July 9, 2001)

July 9, 2001
I have been successful in OA in the past. I even returned during the last year in a desperate attempt to stop my weight gain but it just wasn't enough. I do plan to return after surgery because the plan of eating many in OA use is the same as that of post-surgery. (Low sugar, low fat, no bingeing). They are wonderful and supportive people who recognize that, for some of us, eating was just the symptom of a deeper wound. Good luck! Thanks for the excellent question.
   — Karen R.

July 9, 2001
I've been wondering the same thing. I've been to OA a few times over the past couple of years, and while the ideas were appealing, they didn't seem to be enough for me. I was hoping to go back because their eating habits and messages really do seem to support successful post-op behavior. I was concerned about the reaction from other members though. Will they be resentful or question my motives if they found out I've had surgery? Will they think I took "the easy way out"? I want to go there for support, but I fear judgement and a feeling of not belonging.
   — Claire P.

July 9, 2001
Hi... I was a devoted member of OA for 11 years. I mean REALLY, really into it. I lost 100 lbs my first year, then spent the next 10 trying to lose it again, over and over. I never really did, after that first time. So here I am about to have RNY next week. To be honest, I hate to admit it, but Yes, I think OA people would NOT really welcome a WLS person. Yes , overall, they DO think it's the easy way out, or at least the 'not-spiritual' way out. I myself was against surgery for that very reason: I would say, "they might be able to cut out my stomach, but no one can cut the addict out of me. That chore is left to the higher power -- ONLY." I haven't been to OA since I started this journey, and i do miss the people... I haven't decided if i'll ever go back, or what I'll say if I do. I can't lie, or imply, that OA helped me lose all my weight, but if I tell, I know I will be silently scorned. This is MY opinion; it hurts to admit it, because OA saved my very life about a million times over; the only thing it couldn't do was help me lose weight. In fact, it was slowly, blasphemously dawning on me that actually NO ONE had managed to lose weight AND keep it off the entire time I went to 3 to 5 meetings every single week for over a decade. That's when I opened my mind to WLS. I truly wish that WLS people would be accepted in OA, but while few people would actually SAY anything bad, I know they would all (almost) think it.
   — Veronica D.

July 9, 2001
I decided I would go back to OA after my surgery, which was 4-23-01. So far I haven't. I do fear the possible judgement I could face. As I write this I'm telling myself maybe OA and all who follor in the future could use some "out" wls members. I lost over 100lbs. twice through OA. I was the happiest and most balanced I ever was. The 12 step program is a great way to live life. I think so many people fail in OA because it is impossible to be perfect with your food. There will always be slip-ups because we are human and culture is centered on food. Its not like a drug or alcohol that you never have to touch again. Imagine what the success rate of AA would be if they had to have a certain type of alcohol and a measured portion 3x's a day and that is all. I told myself before my surgery (4-23-01) that I would use this as a tool and go back to OA. Why am I so scared? That 1st step to the door is always the hardest. May we all be guided by our inner voice of truth.
   — KATIE B.

July 9, 2001
I guess OA is one of the few things I didn't try so I can't really comment about them specifically, but I think your best bet is to get into a local Support Group either through your surgeon or the hospital where you surgery will be. I attend these meetings prior and after my surgery and have found them to be very beneficial. The people attending those meetings are not only losing weight, but doing it the same way that you are so you can relate and often experience the same thing. It's kind of like this website only you get the support in person.
   — Liz G.

July 9, 2001
I too was a member of OA for many many years. In fact I believe that's where I learned ALOT of worse behavior with food! I had alot of success my first year and spent the next several years trying to "get back" that first year's 'abstinence'. I have found OA to be full of people that hang on to the belief that there is one right way to overcome this disease, despite the fact that most of us in OA and out fail to lose and keep the weight off. I found alot of OA people to be non-judgmental, but even more to be judgmental about what other people eat, the amounts they eat, etc. I can only imagine what they think about WLS. I agree with others here who have encouraged you to go to WLS support groups. I do know that the 12 steps are a great way to live life and think there are other 12 step groups you can find that will be helpful. But I'd be careful about going to OA so soon after surgery. I'd wait until I was pretty confident about my new lifestyle. I don't live in the same state that I attended OA. I have told some of my old OA friends in Texas about my WLS. The people who have not been able to maintain success in OA or with their weight have expressed interest in the surgery; the others who are still very involved in OA are a bit standoffish. Ultimately, I guess it's like the phrase that's on the 12 step "desire chip": "To thine own self be true"! I hope this hasn't sounded too down on OA, I just had a few bad experiences there and found other 12 step groups to be a bit more helpful.
   — [Anonymous]

July 9, 2001
I have been a sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous for over 10 years. During that time, I tried to use the steps to work on my food addiction, too, by attending OA. I agree wit the previous poster who said that, by and large, the OA folks tend to believe their way is the right way. And, it's funny, I've attended different groups - and they each have their own way!! I pre-op with a date scheduled and have attended WLS meetings. My experience: I'll be going to WLS support group meetings, reading this web site, and corresponding with other WLS folks. After all I have been through in my life, I do not need anyone (or group) giving me grief about WLS. If OA had worked for me (and I did lose some weight - I just gained it all back) I would still be doing it. Same for weight watchers, Jenny Craig, diet pills, etc., etc., etc., ad nauseum! PLEASE, original poster, be very careful about your emotions during the critical time after surgery. Our hormones are high, anyway, and some of us suffer depression after sugery. The LAST thing we need is anything exacerbating the condition. If you find it helps you - great. Please just be kind to yourself.
   — [Anonymous]

July 9, 2001
I joined OA groups at least 5 or 6 times. Usually I did lose some weight but of course never kept it off. I found some very nice people at those meetings, but I did also experience alot of very judgemental attitudes about any methods besides their own. My last experience with OA was over 5 years ago when I was pregnant with twins. I had a horrible time eating, just had no appetite whatsoever for my abstinence foods. I was counseled by my sponsor and several other woman that my abstinence was the most important thing in my life and I had to stay with my plan. Finally my doctor convinced me to eat what I needed to in order to get the nutrients I and my babies needed. Sadly I ended up losing one of the babies and though I've been told it wasnt my fault, I always felt that my lack of nutrition in the early months contributed to that loss. Thankfully, the other baby survived and is a happy and healthy 5 year old. I feel so blessed to have her but often wonder about our "angel baby" and if things could have been different. I'm pre-op but have no plans to attend OA in the future, I think any resentment I may subconciously feel towards the group may sabatoge my weight loss goals.
   — [Anonymous]