Other LAIG Speakers Links
  L.A. Event Speakers   Classic Virtual Speakers
Other OA Speakers Links
  Boston Speakers   Kansas Speakers
  Mill Creek (Orange County, CA) Speakers   Region 7 Speakers
  Omaha Speakers   Inland Empire Speakers
  Sacramento Valley Speakers   Northern Virginia Speakers
Mill Creek OA 100 Pounder Speaker Meeting
Speakers who have lost 100 pounds tell their stories.

Merry Belated Christmas!

Doug shared with us his story of recovery as a young person.  He hit his first bottom young at 16 and now has a little under 2.5 years of abstinence with about 150 pound weight loss at 24 years old.  There were many struggles, but Doug is recovering and learning how to live life while finding out who he is.

Direct download: DougB_2011_12_25.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 5:23pm PDT

Victor describes to us how from the very first time he had real food, he knew he was a compulsive oereater.  Food was always readily available and it wasn't frowned upon.  When he hit his bottom and finally came to OA, he realized that he needed to let go of his punishing Higher Power and find one that worked for him if he was to find recovery.  He did find that power greater than himself and has found spiritual, physical and emotional recovery.  Even with long term abstinence, he still has to work the program just as hard if not harder than when he first came in, but he is willing and does it on a daily basis.

Direct download: VictorS_2011_12_18.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 11:01pm PDT

Marla shares with us her story of recovery over the past two years.  She realized she had a problem with food from a young age and has finally found her solution.

Direct download: MarlaB_2011_12_11.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 10:16pm PDT

Ken shares with us his story of recovery over the past 30 years.  He came in at over 300 pounds and is now maintaining around a 170 pound weight today.  His story is one of isolation, depression and anger, which he says depression is anger without enthusiasm.  He was very ambivalent about working the program and only worked it so he could prove it didn't work and move on with his life.  The program worked, however, and it got him through some very tough times in his life.  He is proof that we can stay in recovery and keep coming back no matter what!

Direct download: KenG_2011_12_04.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 10:45pm PDT

Daniel shares with us his story of long term recovery as a 100 pounder.  His humor and wit, combined with the devastating nature of the disease before program puts a nice twist on his message of recovery.  Without surrendering completely to step one, he would not be where he is today.

Direct download: DanielC_2011_11_27.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 5:43pm PDT

Michael shares his experience with the steps and breaks them down with a fervor and excitement for the way they were outlined by our mother program's founders-Bill and Bob.  He struggled with all forms of compulsive eating and finally came to the program after reaching over 300 pounds.  He gets to practice these principles in all his affairs, especially work life, and continues to carry the message.

Direct download: MichaelD_2011_11_20.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 10:59pm PDT

Violet shares with us her journey of recovery through the program.  With the help of the fellowship, she has been able to admit powerlessness over the food and has attained long-term abstinence and weigh-loss as a result.  She emphasizes that it's not all about the weight, however, and she has been shown how to apply the principles of the steps in her daily affairs.

Direct download: VioletP_2011_11_13.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 9:27am PDT

Robin shares with us his journey in OA as a long-term abstinence maintaining 100 pounder.  He has had ups and downs, but with the program he has become spiritually connected and has been able to share that with others.

Direct download: RobinT_2011_11_06.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 9:09am PDT

Bob came into the program after a run in with some other 12 step programs.  His sponsor told him that he needed to make amends to himself for the weight he carried his whole life.  He came into OA at 340 pounds, and over the years his recovery hasn't been perfect, but he's kept coming back to carry the message and is now maintaining close to a normal body weight.

Direct download: BobH_2011_10_30.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 8:31am PDT

Elle shared with us her story of recovery.  Since she has been abstinent, she has lost 80 pounds and came in willing to work the program as suggested because she had nowhere else to turn for recovery from compulsive overeating.  She had ran out of options.  Growing up, she used outside issues instead of food, and was even able to keep the weight off due to her active lifestyle after giving up those outside issues.  Eventually, she started justifying excess food and couldn't keep up anymore.  Her higher power intervened and brought her to program instead of having her get a gastric bypass.  She resented being powerless, but kept coming back, and eventually the program worked for her.

Direct download: Elle_2011_10_23.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 8:27am PDT

Sharon celebrated 4 years of rededicated abstinence with us tonight.  She has been around the program for over 35 years which shows her persistence and intent to recover in this program.  She struggled with her weight since she was about 5 years old and started going to diet doctors and taking diet pills at a fairly young age. After the diet pills stopped working as a barrier between the food, she tried commercial weight loss programs for many years and never found much success.  She always struggled with self-esteem and wanted to be something that she wasn't.  Eventually, she came to the program and has not left, even among moving to 3 different states.  Over the course of her recovery, she has realized that she has something valuable to offer those around her.  In addition, she now knows that the program is about the physical, emotional and spiritual recovery.  To this day, she keeps at the forefront of her mind that her 4 priorities are Abstinence, Fellowship, Service, and Faith in her Higher Power.

Direct download: SharonP_2011_10_16.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 11:20pm PDT

This past Sunday was really a treat from Nancy J.  As of October 5th, she has 38 years abstinent and had a lot of recovery to share with us as a result of that.  When she got to program, she weighed 325 pounds and today she is at a normal bodyweight.  After growing up in an abusive home where food was her comfort, and after surrendering to her drug and alcohol addiction, she made it to OA.  In OA, she became aware that nothing could ever satisfy her and that she had a distorted self perception.  After 4 months of coming in and out of program, she finally let go of the punitive God she grew up with and found a Higher Power  that worked for her.  This concept blossomed out of the simple fact that God existed and she wasn't it.  Gradually, by taking the hand of those who came before her in the fellowship, she found her voice and a strong recovery.

Direct download: NancyJ_2011_10_09.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 2:13pm PDT

Ron shares his journey over the course of the past 9 years of abstinence and his 97 pound weight loss.  He had struggled with drugs and compulsive exercise before he came to OA, but once he put both of those down, with some help from another fellowship, he delved really heavily into the food.  He now knows that certain foods, like white flour and sugar, cause an allergic reaction in him, and when he starts eating those foods, he cannot stop.  When he finally surrendered in OA, his Higher Power put a sponsor in his life and gave him a regimented way of living, so that he could not find the loopholes at first.  He reads from the big book, does the steps, and stays committed to the program.  Along the road of abstinence, he has had to fine tune his food plan to keep his maintenance, but as long as he is spiritually connected, the physical aspect always seems to work itself out.

Direct download: RonH_2011_10_02.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 9:11am PDT

Ira shares the recovery he has experienced as a result of his 28 years of abstinence and 140-144 pound weight loss.  He tells the group to take what we like and file the rest away for later use, because we will never know when it will come in handy. He struggled with weight his whole life, and knew that he was hurting himself, but continued eating until the pain endured was great enough to spark willingness in him to work the program.  In OA, he has never been without a sponsor, and has received a spiritual experience that changed his personality so that he could refrain from compulsive overeating, make amends to those around him, and live a happier life.

Direct download: IraH_2011_09_25.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 3:56pm PDT

Jim shares how the disease crippled his body to the point of heart issues and Type II Diabetes as an adult.  He had experience with other programs and luckily his doctor (also his sponsor) encouraged him to come to OA.  After 13 years of abstinence, he doesn't struggle with the food like its a tiger 3 times a day.  He developed a relationship with his Higher Power and grew to be able to leave the weight in his Higher Power's hands. OA Overhauled Jim's Attitude, and as long as he does the footwork, his Higher Power takes care of the rest of his life.

Direct download: JimF_2011_09_18.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 3:46pm PDT

Steve came from Long Beach tonight to share his story of honesty and self-discovery.

His top weight was 335 pounds and in 2.5 years of abstinence, he has lost 115 pounds from that top weight.

As a child, he knew he was different from his fellows and had resigned himself to a compulsive overeating death after he got out of high school.  His Higher Power stepped in, however, and brought him around Overeaters Anonymous until Steve finally took hold of the program.

His abstinence is not strict like a lot of other 100 pounders, but he knows today what does and doesn't work.  In addition, the way he works his program helps him to stay out comparison with others and allows him to focus on his program and his spiritual growth.

Direct download: SteveF_2011_09_11.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 9:29pm PDT

Domingo has wrestled with Compulsive Overeating since childhood but it wasn't until he joined OA and threw 'all in' that he became a winner in recovery

Direct download: Domingo_2011_09_04.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 1:14am PDT

Long term sobtriety, more than 2 years abstinant, more than 100 lbs down and super grateful. This is a great pitch.

Direct download: NormB_2011_08_28.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 1:08am PDT

Gary, with 23 months abstinent and 106 pounds of weight loss, shares his lifelong struggle with compulsive overeating, exercise builimia and weight loss and the success he has obtained as a result of working the program.  He came to OA many times in the past, but pride and ego led him back out.  His final wakeup call before his current abstinence was triggered by the death of his father, kidney cancer, and atrial fibrillation.  He recovered from all of these complications and knew that it was only by God that he was still alive. In his current abstinence, he focuses on his spiritual connection and on being of service to others.

Direct download: GaryD_2011_08_21.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 7:30pm PDT

Justin, from Santa Monica, CA, shares with us his story of recovery. He first came around in 2006 and is now 13 months abstinent and 140 pounds down from his top weight. He knew that his behavior around food was not normal from the time he was 5 years old.  He felt like no one could relate to the experiences he was having, so he hid the behaviors so common among compulsive overeaters and got really active in sports.  Eventually, he came into the program and lost weight, but did not focus enough on the spirituality and ended up relapsing.  This time around, he worked the program and has been able to build genuine relationships with family and friends while maintaining a sense of sanity around the food.

Direct download: JustinA_2011_08_14.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 11:41am PDT

Thier individual recovery stories are inspiring on their own. Together theyare revealing 'How it works.' A relationship in the program brings a whole new dimension. Tom and Stephanie reveal their personal stories of how they got from Compusive Overeating to a working marriage as they share a life beyond their imagination.

Direct download: Tom_and_StephanieL_2011_08_07.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 11:31pm PDT

Evelyn came down all the way from the San Fernando Valley to share with us her story of recovery.  She is 24 years abstinent and has been maintaining a 115 pound weight loss for 23 of those years.  Her story shows the process she went through to learn how to enjoy the world and the relationships around her without being obsessed about the food.  She wanted happiness and was determined to work the program and follow direction (out of spite, if necessary) in order to achieve that goal.  Today, she is happy and she is comfortable in her own skin.

Direct download: EvelynR_2011_07_24.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 11:45pm PDT

Joe shares his amazing story of how he got out of the isolation and self-destruction of compulsive overeating.  He knew that he was different from his peers with regards to food at an early age and turned to food as comfort.  His top weight was 550 pounds and he has an abstinence date of 2/14/2009.  Through his recovery, he has given away 225 pounds.  He finally found the willingness to embrace OA and follow a sponsor's direction.  Although there have been many painful moments, he persevered with the help of the fellowship and his Higher Power.

Direct download: JoeB_2011_07_17.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 1:43am PDT

Alma shares with us her journey of spiritual growth in recovery.  20 years ago, she came in, but her busy life led her back out and the shame kept her from coming back.  Today, she is stronger than ever in her recovery, and she is letting her Higher Power lead the way.

Direct download: AlmaM_2011_07_10.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 11:08am PDT

Cindy's recovery from the lifelong devesation imposed by her disease has brought a hightened self esteem, a true sense of purpose and a 237 pound weight loss. This is what OA is all about!

Direct download: CindyW_2011_06_26.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 12:05am PDT

Loni G from LA had a deep understanding of HER diesease that allows her to share her very serious commitment to her recovery and OA in a lighthearted and heartfelt manner which touches everone who hears this pitch

Direct download: LoniG_2011_06_19.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 12:58am PDT

Tony P From LA - 24 Years abstinent - wears his recovery like a loose garment. With humor and humility, well actually more humor, he shares his experience so you can believe that the program can work for anyone. 

Direct download: TonyP_2011_06_12.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 12:51am PDT

Icomprehensible demoralization to unbeleiveable joy in 24 short years.  A heartfelt story of love and recovery  which is possible for all of us.

Direct download: RozB_2011_06_05.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 11:34pm PDT

22 years in OA, Carl K from West LA details his daily relationship with his Higher Power, his sponsor, his food and his recovery. He has paid attention to the details one day at a time and it shows.

Direct download: CarlK_2011_05_29.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

OA is not just for Jews. This is just one of the tidbits Rochelle has learned on her path to a lighthearted AND rock solid, well rounded recovery. Her example can inspire everyone who hears it.

Direct download: RochelleP_2011_05_22.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 11:55pm PDT

Marcy came down from LA to inspire and remind us that recovery is available to everyone. We have already paid the price. Recovery is the reward.

Direct download: MarcyM_2011_05_15.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 1:14am PDT

The path of recovery is not always smooth OR easy. Susan's journey has now brought her to a renewed gratitude for the program and her life.

Direct download: Susan_2011_05_08.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 1:15am PDT

Hank from Tarzana shares his story from the deep self destructive pain of compulsive overeating to a life beyond his wildest drerams. Somthing for everyone who wants a deeper connection with thier own recovery.

Direct download: HankN_2011_05_01.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 11:41pm PDT

Shari B from LA  reveals with clear precision both the physical and emotional aspects of her struggle with compulsive overeating and her current tools for a strong and lasting recovery.

Direct download: ShariB_2011_04_24.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 12:00am PDT

Ira reveals that his passion for OA has kept him gratefully abstenant one day at a time. The big book holds the same core truths for him today as it did in 1983. 

Direct download: Ira_2011_04_17.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 10:32pm PDT

Wanting to die in the disease, desparate to live in recovery, Ben's lighthearted style of story telling underlies a remarkable journey  from a seemingly hopeless state of incomprehensible demorlaization to a life beyond his wildest dreams.

Direct download: Ben_2011_04_10.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:32am PDT

Loraine A from San Pedro reveals that for 37 years she has experienced and seen a multitude of miracles. She shares how it has impacted her with an honesty that comes shining through her every word.

Direct download: LoraineA_2011_03_27.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 10:42pm PDT

24 years abstinent, his message of recovery is an example or how it really can work and reminds us that we can have a life beyond our wildest dreams.

Direct download: HowardS_2011_03_20.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 12:33am PDT

Eda shares 35 years of continuous abstinance offering a  wealth of practical experience with clarity, compassion and humor.

Direct download: EdaS_2011_03_13.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 9:48pm PDT

Adam, from Sherman Oaks shared the painful feelings of his compulsive overeating and his uplifting feelings for his recovery so we all 'Got it'.

Direct download: AdamS_2011_03_06.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 12:43am PDT

Victor S from Southgate. His softpoken manner underlies a passionate commitment to his program, spirituality, sponsorship  and service. It has worked for 16 years and continues strong.

Direct download: VictorS_2011_02_27.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 10:55pm PDT

Nathan humbly reveals how a progressive disease was transformed into progressive recovery with his commitment to OA.

Direct download: Nathan_2011_02_20.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 11:33pm PDT

San Clemente resident explains in comprehensible detail how the tools offer him a great life on a daily basis.

Direct download: RichH_2011_02_13.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 11:46pm PDT

Jim F acknowledges it is his higher power and spiritual conditioning that has helped him maintain his abstenance for 12 continuous years.

Direct download: JimF_2011_02_06.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 11:00pm PDT

Holly G never gave up. Tells how you can get through your life AND stay abstinent.

Direct download: HollyG_2011_01_23.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 9:40pm PDT

Long term abstenance and solid recovery. A living example of the Big book and how it works for her.

Direct download: HelenT_2011_01_16.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 11:30pm PDT

Don brings a lighthearted clarity on recovery matched with a humble gratitude and compelling story.

Direct download: DON_2011_01_09.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 1:52am PDT

TamaronG, Originally from LA Tells the story how her life just keeps getting better as she maintains a working relationship with OA.

Direct download: TamaronG_2011_01_02.mp3
Category:speaker -- posted at: 1:07am PDT