Overeaters Anonymous Saved My Life..It is that simple

[Stuart G]

I started the program at about 215 pounds. Now I am about 150 to 145 pounds. I threw away the scale in the mid 80s.
(a few years into the program) The only time I get on the scale is at the doctor's office. I have lost over 60 pounds and
kept it off for over 40 years. I figure my weight out by my belt size and pant's size. Now, I am using the size pants I have not
used in forty years. Lowest wight I was a few years into the program. (those pants size) 32"inch waist, I once used 42" inch
size waist

...Why is this important? Don't ever give up. Keep going back, read more literature, go to another or different meeting.
Meet new people if it doesn't work out.

...Repeat: Don't Ever Give Up. If it takes a while, it takes a while.
...Repeat: Don't Ever Give UP. I AM ALIVE TODAY, BECAUSE OF 12 STEP PROGRAMS AND OA.

[Rhiannon12866]

1. I've also been to OA. When I first joined AA in 2008, my sponsor belonged so I went with her

We went to all the A's - AA, Alanon, CODA (Codependents Anonymous which my AA sponsor ran) and OA. My sponsor did have an overeating issue, but my problem was just the opposite. Back when I drank, I didn't eat, I weighed about the same as I had in junior high, all my clothes were too big and hospitalization had been suggested. And I really liked the group, we also read AA literature substituting the word "alcohol" with "food." And it helped me, too. Everything in moderation - except for alcohol, I know I can't drink safely. And you're right, it does take awhile, but I stuck with it and I'll have 14 years sober next month.

[LoisB]

2. Congratulations on 14 years. That is fantastic.

[Rhiannon12866]

7. I still have a month to go - April 30th.

And I share a sobriety date with an older gentleman whose year is 1976! He said "you had to finish out the month, didn't you?" I guess he did, too - back in the day...

[LoisB]

9. Remember to post your anniversary on April 30 so I can congratulate you again. 13 and 11/12ths

years "ain't" bad either.

[Rhiannon12866]

11. Awww, thanks!

I still go to two meetings a week, two of my home groups quit having meetings just before and during the pandemic, so now I have to drive up north a bit and there are a lot of beginners, but as long as I keep going somewhere and remember what my sponsor taught me, I know I can make it. She also taught me how to "give back" so that helps, too.

[orleans]

4. that's great!

congratulations

[Rhiannon12866]

8. Thanks! The key was finding the right sponsor, a wonderful lady who supported me and told me what to do

I met her at my second meeting and I don't know where I'd be without her.

[LoisB]

3. Good for you. Congratulations!

[orleans]

5. that's wonderful. i'm really happy for you.

[iluvtennis]

6. Congrats- that is hard to do. n/t

[bluboid]

10. wow - very impressive...

I worked in spin-off recovery programs for 10 years - never underestimate the power of those communities!!! they are off the charts brilliant & important.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

12. Sounds like you've absolutely done the right thing.

Personally, I weigh myself every single day, and have done for several decades now. Even when I was 50 pounds heavier than I wanted to be.

I realize that weighing every day is one strategy. Getting rid of the scales is another strategy. Do what works for you.