In OA since 1987

I got a sponsor right away. I was happy a higher power worked for them but it couldn't for me.

I have lots or sponsors and each gave me something I still carry.

My first inventory was through OA HOW. all 170 questions. I Since then I have done the steps lots of times and lots of different ways.

2017 I was sure I had it down and did not need the program so I stopped listening for about a year and a half.

I found I have to find at what really works for ME and then do that, no matter what!

In HOW I was sponsoring in 30 days but you could only teach what you have,. It kept me moving forward so I wouldn't have to give them up.

Meditation was always guided, not just me.

Writing was the best tool for me.

Grew up where food was love.

At 8-9 I was eating noticbley more than others, My being active helped it stay 'manageable'

In my teens I thought 'they were out to get me' and rejected any suggestion of moderation.

I ended in OA directed from another 12 step program. I got a sponsor but I knew better than him.

I started doing it my way with the expected outcome.

When I came back with more issues I didn't trust anyone, did it my way to 300 lbs. The shame kept me away.

10 years on my own, Back to OA I was so done. Got a sponsor who is still my sponsor today.

I embraced the steps for real and I started to really recover.

Every step was a revelation day by day.

Today I have a daily morning and evening ritual which support my recovery.

I didn't fit in the world or in my clothes

How can I get it, hide it, eat it, get more?

Even at 11 I had stretch marks

I lost my first 100 in weight watchers became a poster child for the program but my life was still lacking and finally the yop yo began for the next 20 years.

At rock bottom my higher power slipped me into OA and I was relieved of the obsession. I stopped fighting everyone and everything.

I had a couple of periods of relapse I had to white knuckle it - - like a dry drunk.

I was in denial of my compulsive eater all my life. My dad committed suicide wen I was 8 and blamed God and everyone else.

Today I have freedom from the bondage of food.

I would measure every part of my body and it was depressing.

I have relapsed many times but never left the program.

The steps are the foundation of my program.

Making amends was super important (details in talk_)

I do service when I am asked.

My mom thought her value was based on her cooking and our enjoying it.

I was a body builder and could eat alot - always wanted more than my share.

I had a black hole in me I was trying to fill with food.

I can into OA and wanted to get by.

My men's group has been my foundation for 12 years. I never experienced the honesty I heard there.

I surrendered to the 'fact' I was a regular compulsive eater and did what was required to handle it (recover) and started using the tools of OA as suggested.

A gratitude list helps me get back on tack.

Lost and gained 100 lbs twice and 60 once.

I binged, staved, pills and laxatives just to be attractive to men.

Entered OA in 1993. and knew I was home.

Got a sponsor but did not get abstinent for years because I wanted sugar.

I had 9 years of abstinence and decided I could got off plan slightly only when I at out. So I started going out more not believing I was powerless over food.

after 9 months and an extra 100 lbs I went to a treatment center. and eventually dropped the 100.

I now have 20 months, The program and my higher power are the foundation of my life.

My abstinence insures I can take care of my 92 year old dad,

Started with 'Set Aside Prayer'

In 2006 I was over 600 Lbs

I did not care about drugs or alcohol. I judged them not realizing I had found my drug of choice.

I came into OA and just ate 3 meals a day, lost weight and figured ' I got this' until I didn't.

I kept separate based on how big I was.

I finally found someone who was abstinent and was willing to do whatever he asked. I ended up 'Telling the truth about me food' and everything changed.

It was months of withdrawal but I did not eat.

This thing saved my life. I owe OA everything.

Topped @ 296 - Now 146 I see the difference every day in the mirror.

Complete abstinence for almost 3 years

People noticing my weight loss was very disconcerting.

Came to OA 9 years ago, heard the word God and did not come back for a year.

I recognized I had some compulsive behaviors but I could not embrace the seeming rigidity of abstinence.

In 2022 I watched people come in and recover following the program I was unwilling to follow.

In Jan 23 all the pieces fell into place for me to attend the OA birthday in LA, get a sponsor and throw myself into the program worked the steps as if my life depended on it.

Today I have a life beyond my wildest imagination.

Stats -pic @ 330 a little less than my 360 top weight.

As I grew up the was no eating restriction.

My dad dieted annually and I learned that was the way.

Not the freshman 15 but freshman 50 and kept going.

I went to an OA meeting early, thought 'I'm not heat bad' and tried to diet on my own.

In sobriety I was eating alcoholically and went back to OA pretty quickly. Lasted until I had a piece of cake at an AA meeting.

I considered Surgery and lost so much in OA I didn't qualify for the surgery.

During Covid I ended up in a phone meeting I really heard recovery through the Big Book.

Everything I have learned has been through the 12 steps.

Topped out at 248 lbs. and 30 years sober. Now at healthy body weight.

After dinner my kitchen is closed!!!

In 6th grade I turned to food for comfort and got all the pain that goes with that.

I had been angry at God and threw myself into multiple vices.

I knew the 12 steps could work for food if I worked it. and I did.

Got sober, got married and good things were happening . .; so I ate my way up and doubled my weight in my marriage.

I know that to drink/eat is to die.

I left a class in college when I found I had to speak in front of the class. Today I share whenever asked. . Just one of the gifts of my program.

Commitments help me participate beyond what's convenient.