Hi Kari....
First off...I want to say that you are an inspiration to me. Wow...keep up the good work on the weightloss. I am impressed. I was reading some of you journal...and it seems you have come a long way since that first journal entry
Well...I will try to answer some of your questions...I joined OA in the fall of 2001, about 9 months after my first son was born. Now...are you not still doing that weightloss plan anymore (I forget what it is called)? Because it really seems to be working for you? But anyways....let me start off by saying, I did not stay with my program. But, while I was on it...I did loose about 20 lbs. Anyways...you attend meetings in your area. They suggest 3x a week. They are FREE (which is nice for a change) ANd the meetings are set up like AA meetings, you know, the 12 steps of recovery. You find a sponsor...who you call every morning. She gives you a diet to follow..ooops, I mean meal plan. Typically, it follows a NO STARCH, NO SUGAR, NO FLOUR. It is not easy...but neither is loosing weight any way. They beleive that if you stay away from these things...you become abstinent.
Each meeting is about someones "journey" and it is very inspirational. They believe in a "higher Power" be it God, Buddah, Jehovah...whom ever. They beleive that weight loss is a mind, body and SOUL...thing, which it is. And they make it clear that you take what you need from these meetings. Anyways..I am sure everyones experience is different.... as I said, I had success...but found it difficult.
I did learn, however, that I do have a disease...and that is compulsive overeating. I also got a couple of great books...that have helped.
Anyways, good luck...and keep up the great work