[MonkeyMama]

Hello, all!

I am desperately in need of some change in my life. I have always been fat, my entire life (less Sr. year of high school), and I cannot seem to stop the weight from climbing. I have tried many diets, but I cannot seem to stick with a single one. I have always chosen diets that allow me to "cheat" (such as one that allows you to save room for a binge at the end of the week) or I just plain cheat. I am a nursing student, and I understand what constitues a healthy diet and how weight loss actually works within the body, but for the life of me, I just can't do it. While searching the internet, I stumbled across OA, and when I read the list of possible signs that you could benefit from OA, all but 2 of the statements applied to me. So I'm thinking that maybe I should pop in on a meeting. I don't know what else to do. I seem to be healthy, being that I'm only 27, but I won't be healthy forever, and besides, I feel like I"m wasting my twenties (and thirties, and forties, and fifties...)

Anyways, enough blabber. It's 12:15 AM and I'm exhausted but sleepless, and my spilling of emotions may be a little lengthy!

[startanew]

Hi!
I'm new here too, so I'm going through the same feelings right now. Welcome!

[PudgieMom]

Monkey Mama:

I am 46 years old and am just now starting to figure myself out and to admit I am a compulsive overeater. I applaud you for having the insight so much earlier in the game! I was absolutely terrified to try OA, but it is already changing my life and the ways that I view food, my health and my sanity! Let us know if you decide to take the plunge!

Jenny

[Frizzy McGee]

MonkeyMama,

Welcome! I am new here too and looking for support as well. I am a 26 year old stay at home mom (recently due to construction downfalls). I was looking into OA as well, but when I looked at their step program there was a lot of "God" being inserted in each statement. I am uncomfortable with using a program with such a strong devotion to one religion. Another post mentioned the TOPS program so I have emailed the head of the chapter in my area for more information. It seems like our stories are the same! I too have always been a bigger girl with the exception of my junior and senior years of high school. At that point I was battling anorexia and I am deathly afraid of my brain turning back to that mindset. I don't classify myself as "fat" although western medicine says i'm obese. Currently I am 197 lbs and I only want to get down to 150. I really would much rather be comfortable in my clothes than focus on my pant size so that is my first goal. I don't mind being bigger. I always tell myself that Marilyn Monroe was a size 13 and she was a major sex symbol (what a change from today huh??)! Anyways, I hope to talk with you more during our little journey! Much luck!

[Magic Flute]

Hello Frizzy McGee,
Welcome to this site.
If it's ok I would like to clarify that although at first blush it may appear that OA is religious it is actually a Spiritural Program.
This spiritual program helps you mend and heal using the guidance, love and support of a Higher Power which is defined only by you.
There is a difference between organized religion and a program based on spirtituality. My Higher Power is God, but for some of my OA friends their Higher Power can be the earth, moon, nature anything in your world that gives you love and warmth that is more powerful than you.
In OA we learn we are powerless over our eating disorder and only a power greater than ourselves can return us to sanity.
Food addiction and compulsive overeating is a very cunning desease and the process of defining your Higher Power is well...amazing and filled with joy and wonder.
Maybe look a little deeper into OA and see if it fits for you.
Good luck,
Bumps

[tvalle]

Monkey,

I just joined. It's great!!! I really hope you give it a try. Maybe just decide to try it for one month. Good luck!!

T

[marny]

Welcome tvalle!