***( The audio quality is not up to par. But it did make me pay  closer attention for a powerful message - Recorder )***

Stats - I joined in 2011. 32 years old and 0ver 300 lbs and lost and maintained  150 lb weight loss. 

I dabbled with a diets which yielded intermittent results in time and pounds. as is is said,

When I got to OA I heard my story but they were older,

As before my self will got me marginal results.

I took 3.5years to do the 12 step.

Phone meetings became my community.

We read from the big book of AA but I did not get the relationship between us. until really completed the steps from the Big Book.

I have lost 100 lbs twice before I came  to OA.

I was an only child and in my family and my friends houses everything was about the food.

I was the biggest my entire school experience. Never thought of myself as dainty.

I had no clue what an appropriate amount of food was.

My husband and I became eating buddies until I did the protein shake diet. At the the end I went back to my old ways.

Hypnosis worked . . . for a minute.

I came into program at 61 years old.

At my first OA meeting everyone looked normal. But was as they shared I realized they were like me.

In a short time the voices in my head, telling me what to eat, went away.

I continue to learn about my disease and myself.

I LOVE THIS PROGRAM! 

I always want to be profound but I have to remember it is not about me.

 I came in in 2003 after weight  loss surgery. Since I was already loosing weight I did not embrace OA right away. Half measures at best.

After 7 months I started gaining.  Then I became desperate and honestly worked the steps. I got into service bit if you called me at home I wouldn't answer.

It did not hold and I eventually went into relapse until 2021.

I heard the BAA Big book should be read like a text book. My recovery really started when I embraced that. 

My mother was a huge part of my recovery, 4th, 8th, 9th steps were transformational.

Going from I cannot stop, 

I was an exercise  bulimic before I knew what it was and still gained weight.

Found OA went to a few meetings and decided to do it myself which failed miserably. 

I have been abstinent for 22 years and still call y sponsor every day (I am on my third sponsor).

I sponsored early and it worked great. I stayed abstinent and so did some of them .

Started with pictures. Young pictures don't indicate major  problem yet.

Got dismissed from Marine Corp because I could not maintain the weight standard.

By 2007 many areas of my life were out of control

Came into OA over 300 lbs 

Today I stay under 200 with my doctor acknowledging my program and results.

I can have a 'gutter ball day' but a 10th step puts me back on track.

Came in over 500 Lbs

My portion was bag box and carton or more.

My problem was my bondage of self.  Food wasn't my problem, it was my solution.

I was the result of what happened to me as a shild which I cannot change I can change how I react.

Taking the next right action was/is My form of willingness.

I didn't believe it could work for me but I did it anyway.

At 419 I was in the hospital being told I HAD to loose weight or die think giving up my 'friend' was that same as death.

The moment I was willing to ask for real help, that I could not do it alone was the beginning or the relief from the bondage of self.

OA in not a program of learning. it is unlearning my way.

Diabetic, fatty liver disease and less than 30 years old.

Finally got it in 2008 after my third son. In until 2012 and not back until 2021

Started sneak eating around 8 years old. It didn't stop.

I reset my time over a year ago because I was eating abstinent food compulsively.

I am honest about my food. It may nor be perfect but I tell the truth

Now I have a service position at every one of my regular meetings.

My marriage was in danger when I came into the program. Working MY programs helps my marriage.

My friends in the program tell me the truth especially when I don't want to hear it.

Maintaining 70 LB weight loss for 17 years.

I was a sugar addict as long as I can remember.

My first diet at 11 years old and it never ended Thin, fat, thin, fat, thin, fat ........ every diet worked for a minute.

After multiple diets my food plan became 'I'll eat whsaever I want' up to 185.

My first OA meeting was a sugar addict abstinent fro 22 years. That got my attention.

I just kept going understanding little. It was a service position that changed it for me. People got to know me, I fell a part of.

I know from experience the first bite of sugar will take me out.

Today I have a great life because my daily routine is based on this program from before I get out of bed until I fall asleep with another day of abstinence.

My favorite prayer is 'God please help me.' Great for anytime.

I was 250 feeling different and alone.

I thought all sorts of crazy things would be a good idea. all looking for the right diet.

Today I no longer have to kill myself from the inside any more.

While in my weight uncomfortable is a major understatement.

I had been able to get thin . . . for a minute.

I never forget the humiliation of needing a seat belt extender.

I have yet to do a perfect say and it is reflected with my nightly 10th step.

The steps were transformational. not easy or fast but I followed directions and it changed my world . for the better.

I was 'chubby' by 10.

As I got older I got heavier and lonlier.

I lost my first 100 pounds early in high school. But I was still discontent and drooped out in 10th grade.

20 - 30 yrs old - Loose weight, get job, gain weight, loose job  and blamed the world.

In 1999 I ended in CA, lost 150 on my own and I had arrived . for a minute.

I ended in OA, was loosing weight and I was my God.

I got a sponsor, followed Direction, did the steps, had appropriate results and ended up employed.

My recovery is dependent upon by being honest and I have proved the difference.

My relationship with my higher power is my lifeline which I hold dearly and daily,