Hi everyone! My name is Jenn and I am new to OA. I've joined the newcomers loop and hope to attend my first online meeting very soon.
I've known for a long time that I have a problem with food. I always said I was a "stress eater". Truth is, I'm addicted. Wow, that's hard to write.
I guess it's been my drug of choice so that I don't have to feel anything else. I have major attachment/abandonment issues so I guess it's also helped me keep those walls up around myself. It's so scary that thought of living without this problem, but it's too sad and depressing to think about going on like this. I have to do something....I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired.
I have two wonderful children and I don't want them to be ashamed of their mommy.
I used to think if I could just lose weight I'd be fine. I've come to the realization that the weight is a side effect of the disease...not a stand alone issue. In some ways that has eased the burden a little, but in other ways it makes it worse. I know that there is no pill or gym or "diet" plan that will take care of this for me.
I can tell that there is a lot of support here...and for that I am grateful. No one close to me has this problem, so they don't understand. If I was an alcoholic they would "get it"...but they don't.
Thank you for listening!
Jenn

jenn, hugs .......

sometimes we need hit rock bottom to make a good choice....

for me it happened 2 years ago when i weighed myself and i was at 278lbs..... i darn near fell of a heart attack then, as i was never that weight..... so since then i have changed my thinking, and made a choice for me and my family, that i had to start a new life style, and that would be a healthy one..... for me too i never wanted my son to be embarassed of me being fat.... so since then i have lost 50 lbs... lots to go.... but my whole way of living and thinking is changed, and that is great...... it is hard at times... but once you see results...... it is so all worth it.

you can do this, please continue to come here for support....

Jenn, welcome. Everything you said struck a chord.
You're so right... people don't take eating disorders seriously unless they've "been there". It's the same with mental illnesses. They can't relate, so they don't believe in it.
We're here for you with any support you may need. If you want to join us in some of the "challenges", please do! http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=64
We have an exercise thread, a no-binging challenge, and just some plain old chat stuff.

Gloria, congratulations to you on your 50 pounds! Keep it up, girl!
Hey... 17.5 great years here, too!

Hi Jenn!
Welcome! It takes a lot of guts to admit and face the problem. It's also incredibly freeing. I recommend the book: Overeaters Anonymous if you don't have it already. We're here for you--we understand, we suffer too, and we're seeking healing and sanity right along side you.

Gloria--Wow! 50 lbs! You are amazing!

Marny