Maintaining 120 lb weight loss, 36 years abstinent 

Born in rural PA. Dad a coal miner. Grew up doing farm work. I was always fat.

Gained and lost over 700 lbs prior to QA, down 30 up 50, down 40 up 70 on and on.

I had a lucrative job allowing me to seek the answer to my compulsive eating. I could change my food, for a while. size 4 to 22.

I was the same miserable woman with my nose in everyone's business regardless of my weight. I could manage my weight (for a while) but never my life.

I ended up in OA and it was incredibly rigid. I got a sponsor and did what they said, did the steps, got into service and immersed myself into this program of action.. and it worked one day at a time.

 
Being skinny does not treat the disease.  I have a daily routine that includes all 3 legs of this program.

Over my time in program I have had joy and loss all with my weight fluctuating no more than 2 lbs in 36 years.

My sponsor gets me to take actions I don't believe in, until I do.,

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.

(Missing first couple of minutes due to technical issues)

My issues caused me to lie and turn to food early on

I did not gt to my top weight by eating appropriately. I ate like an alcoholic."

"Half measures availed us naught". That was for others, not me.

My mom called the doctor when I was 6 months old because I would not stop wanting the bottle

I was sneaking food al long as I can remember. 

Over 200 LBS by the time I was 13.

At 14 I was homeless and I kept growing.

By 24 over 500 lbs I had a stroke. and hit 571 in a nursing home.

I thought cancer would take me but that was not to be.

I ended at OA where I met a guy who said he was over 600 lbs. I would not believe him until I saw pictures.  I went all in.

I have rediscovered my personal hygiene.

Today my abstinence is a rule, not a wish.

I have a sponsor with a sponsor and I am a sponsor.

I became diabetic because I want what I wanted with my food.

I successfully dieted . . for a minute - topped out at 325.

The enemy of wisdom isn't stupidity, it is rationalization. I rationalized everything I ate.

I finally realized that my allergy and compulsion was out of my control forever. I had to follow the steps in the big book to really recover.

I remember to do the opposite of my impulsive actions and leave the results to God.

Food is no longer a reward, my relationship with God is the reward.

Topped out at 485.

Even though I was in recovery over 25 years but the earlier recovery I was not. I always ran part of my program.

You don't get to 485 from a few cheat days

I don't have the compulsive eating a 'little bit' I cannot live on a 'Little bit' of recovery.

Today was another opportunity to get out of self.

I have been high and low but never this healthy. I am not the same guy I was in my disease.

The life I have today always goes back to the third step- Turning MY will over.

My recovery is important but what keeps it going is helping another.

My relationship with my Higher power and people takes time and effort., It is worth it. 

Came in 2104 eating and purging at 280 lbs

Before OA I was a physical, emotional and financial wreck 

I went to Grad school but remember only a little since my real commitment was to my food.

I had weight loss surgery and still came intro OA 30 lbs up from the surgery.

I came to OA not to change my body, just not top hate me.

I had no idea feelings were normal and did not have to be avoided at all costs.

Today I have a clear abstinence and clear food plan. I have identified my alcoholic foods and behaviors.

I have a relationship with a husband and kids that would not exist without my program.

I didn't need any power outside of me when I had food. Today without the food I need my Higher Power all the time.

I loose weight But not for long

I just surrendered to being 'husky' 

Once woman who said I was handsome so of course I ate over that too.

Married a woman who was a great cook. 

Went to a doctor who gave me a food plan which I gave to my wife to cook and it worked. Had to do it for another month. Holiday party for a cheat day did not end.

I heard about weight watchers and OA. OA was free.  a bunch of women who were nice to me.

Followed the program. lost 130 lbs in 1 year and ended up with a big book, 

After a relapse I came back and started a men's step study - for me.

As soon as I thought of food I would have to eat.

I was compulsive eating or not eating.

I could not loose weight eating a pound of bacon a day.

My way was not working until I found OA at 65 years old.

I was amazed when I found out there were other people who wanted to stop but could not. 

I developed a relationship with a God of my 'not' understanding.

I have a morning and evening ritual to keep me on the recovery path and in relationship with my HP.

Every step has special value for more me. 

Hiding food at early age. 

Always was the biggest in my class.

Middle school the space from when I got home and mom got home was my binge time. Exercizing when she actually got home 

I really knew about the hole is my sou I was filling with food but did not know what to do.

At 16 I was baby siitting for money and driving for food.

My first examination of eating over feelings did not work because I by the time I asked the feelings were gone.

Lots and lots of diets worked. . for a minute.

My bothered ( who was over 500) joined OA  and I listened to a zoom meeting. HOW COULD THEY SAY THAT OUT LOUD. and I was not alone.

I still have to trick my disease by by telling it I was only done for today.

I found another level of acceptance in a gym. 

Start every day with thanks to my higher power. 

I am not recovered but I AM Free.

I didn't want to change how I ate, just did not want the consequences.

I believe I was born a compulsive eater, Over or under did not matter. 

I came to OA In 2016 because I wanted a diet for free with group support. planning to leave once I got what I wanted.

I had not moral compass. The only reason I didn't steal food was because I was afraid of getting caught. 

 Food was my anesthesia for my life. 

Diets made me think had power which I did not have. I am a compulsive eater.

I had an image of how I wanted to be and I was not. That was unacceptable on so many levels.

In the disease I was overworking or unemployable. No middle ground

My home groups a 100 Pounder Meeting. 

I resonate with those at the bottom who continue to eat.

I I thought my clothes would trick you when my face didn't

I never knew what a "Normal" body size was. 

I lied to myself everyday about what I would eat.

I have been in the program for about 20 years.  however 

3 years ago I was deep into a relapse, waking up in the middle of the night sick.

The day I got abstinent the change was so dramatic it affected me negatively physically and emotionally for weeks.

One day of abstinence is a miracle. 

Abstinence is scary, joyful, amazing and everything in between.

I continue to grow and change, make mistakes, work the steps and still looking for a way around it.

A Leap of Faith

Topped out at more than 285 LBs

Kept asking myself questions about how to fix my body paired with ongoing self deprecation.

I got exhausted from malnutrition. 

I gained weight on the injection program.

I little voice reminded me I had heard of something like Overeaters Anonymous. So found it online and  went to a meeting.

At first I was drawn to the pain of others because i felt I was not alone.

I had analyzed the problem and finally heard about ' the solution' in the Big Book - The Steps. and got a sponsor.

My disease fought for its survival but I followed the direction I was given.

My leaps of faith were when I trusted what I heard could happen IF I followed the program of OA.

My body is a miracle.

My family was in the food business. I had access to all foods anytime.

I was bullied in Jr and Sr High school.

4 months before I came into OA I had a dream about my death and my daughter's pain.

I did ultra sports at 385 lbs. It allowed me to load up with food. 

Focus on recovery - loose weight. Focus on weight - loose recovery.

Bariatric rules  were similar to OA  food plan. OA was cheaper.

Got a sponsor followed direction, lost 190 lbs in 15 months.

I can play with my grandkids on the floor. . and get up on my own.

My heart function improved over 40%

I was never regular size. Over 500 lbs when I got out of high school.

Could never get under 300 before program. OK at 350. 

2019 over 500 and smoking crack.  Not a happy camper..

Sober the to OA. . Lost a bunch of weight. and then took my will back.

I was  given direction to pray which was not he kind of direction I thought I needed but I did it anyway.

My life was changing but really kicked into gear when I really did the steps with a sponsor.

I have a list of alcoholic foods I do not touch however I also have no craving.

Today I do daily program work and I get nuts if I don't.

I still get resentful I have to work a spiritual program around food. 

In program for 47.5 years.  Currently 4.5 years continuous abstinence.

Talking today about Emotional sobriety. Recovery is not just abstinence.

For 43 years I would turn it over and take it back but never left.

The steps as written in the Big Book of AA have brought me emotional sobriety.

Today I can go down any aisle in the grocery store. Previously I would avoid aisle based on who was shopping. I now experience personal neutrality.

My mother was gorgeous but had mental issues. My dad was hugely racist. My role models was badly skewed.

I had major feeling with no appropriate way to handle them. I was a mean nasty kid.

I tried everything but fit nowhere. Drugs alcohol, spiritual practices and 2 steps programs. 

I had been sober over 30 years when I was 12 stepped back into OA.

Call or text my sponsor with my food almost every day.

Today I go to 3 OA meetings a weeks ,Sponsor and stick close to my food plan.

Came in @ 280 

I have generations  before and current with compulsive behaviors. 

I had original escape mechanisms of reading and fantasizing.

In 7th grade I learned to tools of compulsive eating.

I felt I never got got Life's Rule Book until I came into program.

I began my journey of recovery- wanting a change. I did not get to OA until My way yielded a 3rd plateau.

I learned of OA but I needed AA which had stronger recovery to help me to work my OA program.

I had to completely rewire my brain, A psychic change.

I have a food plan that works for me. It has changed overtime but not by me alone.

Top weight over 400 (when I came into program)

@400 I was always hot and did not realize it had anything to do with my weight.

I used to send fake pictures of my food. No clue about rigorous honesty.

Not a fat kid but always obsessed with food. 

I always thought could stop, I just changed my mind. . daily

I same in from another program but couldn't accept food was that bad. 

I had to try every diet, every food plan thinking I could handle it, I was unique. Eventually I accepted I really needed help.

Half in sucks. Never as much as I wanted or as little as I should.

Something happened, A called my sponsor and came all in, did what he said and got a day of solid abstinence, Repeat.

I was a taker on OA. when it shifted to a giver my recovery got more solid,

I actually like people in OA, I have  friends all over the US as a result of being ALL IN and sharing it, daily.

Introduced to OA in 83 - worked well as a diet- a couple of times 

in 1999 I was over 300LBS. 

I In high school I started gaining weight and had no idea why. It went from a choice to an obsession. 

I got a sponsor who introduced e to all the tools to use for one day .

I made calls, went to meetings, did as my sponsor suggested.

Anonymity remains in the forefront of my relationships

I still have a sponsor who has a sponsor. I sponsor as well and love to do service. 

Today I have a clear food plan that works for me. 

My life is wonderful. i am married, with grand kids and full of abstinent days.

As a sponsor I can share how I live abstenentley

Just so you know  - This program works!

Picture 1 - 420 Lbs and lots of heath issues.

Picture 2  -3.5 years later in healthy body.

Today I have freedom from the bondage of self. Freedom to live a quality life and way more.

I was always 'Husky' and had an addiction to sugar and flour but didn't know it at the time.

I have found that when I fully work the program, follow suggestions. and avoid opinions about an experience I have NOT had, I am no longer obsessed with food and my life goes well.

I binged with food and alcohol and both worked . .for a while.

at 49 I needed triple bypass from damage from alcohol, then proceeded to put on 160 lbs. 

I was 12 stepped for OA at an AA Convention.

I had a one day slip in 2020 when I got bad health news.  Hmmmm.   Since then total every day abstinence. 

***( 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,

Compulsive overeater shares experience.

I was not a fat kid but was still obsessed with food.

Unhealthy childhood led to a plethora of issues arriving over the years.

I used a complicated plan of compulsive eating, drugging, exersizing to maintain what I wanted.

I came into OA relatively small and put on all my weight in programs. 

I put on 100 lbs with my first pregnancy and I was sober.

Steps 1-3 getting right with god, 4-9 getting right with people, 10-12 rocketed into the 4th dimension.

Things I have learned, Crisis thoughts pass. So I wait.

An abstinent member of OA shares her journey or recovey

Lynette 

AN Abstinent member shares her story.

In OA 18 Years, Up and down 100 multiple times in and out of OA.  Currently 4 years.

I used to think food was my problem. Life was my problem. Food was my solution.

I was sure being overweight I would get Covid and die but it did not stop me.c

In all `18 years I never left OA but i definitely hopped around meetings, sponsors, food plans.

I knew I could not do it alone, but I kept trying and THAT failed.

Behind a picture at an OA birthday I heard what I needed to jump back into the program for real.

Staying in the chair is not enough. I needed a sponsor and to work the steps and to do service.

Missed 1st 30 Seconds - Dow Compulsive over eater also celebrating 38 years sober.

I first got abstinent through HOW program.

In abstinence I remembered things I had suppressed.

I got sober at 31, quit smoking and ate to stuff all the feeling and it worked.

I was not willing to give up the food. 

No wonder I couldn't connect with God, I was worshiping my refrigerator.

Maintaining my abstinence is related to my being of service.

Feb 20, 2025 =8 years

I grew up in dysfunctional family like so many others. 

Food felt like an escape.

The voice of my disease told me I needed a smaller body. what ever it was.

I knew the squeaky tiles in my house so I could sneak to the fridge.

I became completely obsessed with food and my body.

I cried a LOT in the beginning. 

Now,  for me, it is OK to be vulnerable, I realize I am not the center of the universe. Living in the grey area is equivalent to being right sized.

My criticism of me can be as damaging as the food.

Today working my program includes sponsoring and being sponsored, being of service and living the principles in all my affairs

From Early childhood always full plates. Both parents were compulsive eaters. 

I learned how to sneak food without being heard or discovered.

I was the only kids in the point system program with my mom. I did not get it and hated it.

i went to college at about 300 lbs. I learned all about nutrition but it didn't help me.

My parents encouraged me to try OA. Much of my life was working but not my food.

I did my first meeting on Zoom and cried and still felt at home.

In the beginning is was all about the weight and I did not embrace all the work

The steps helped me to acknowledge I was perfectly imperfect.

The concept of a higher power did not come easily but it has come to me.

Even if I don't enjoy me feelings I allow them without turning to the food one day at a time.

Very active childhood. Family outdoor activities. 

I was driven to seek attention and approval. so I excelled.

It was a slow weight gain spanning 30 years, 2 kids 

Occasional diets led to a short term dip but adding more eventually.

I was led to the 15 questions and passed. I belonged.

There 5 OA Actions that worked for me.

Compulsive Overeater shares her journey of recovery.