Overeaters Anonymous Anyone?

[lucky_mia]

I was thinking of joining. I'm at my wits end with my weight. I have successfully lost weight several times on Weight Watchers and once on Jenny Craig (about 30 lbs each time) but I feel like I need something different. Does anyone have experience with OA?

[phatchristy]

Have you heard of TOPS?

https://www.tops.org/default.aspx

I am a former tops leader, I did weight watchers myself (successful weight loser when I'm structured, etc.).

I have to say that what TOPS has that weight watchers doesn't is that you really build the relationships with other people. Having these relationships, having other incentives/contests, etc. that help you stay focused seems to really help immensely.

PLUS, TOPS is non-profit, and only has a yearly membership fee (it was $20 when I was there, don't know what it is now--that includes their magazine, etc.) and we had montly dues of $3 (it can be only $1...most are that inexpensive). All of the dues we took went back into our members, as awards for contests, charms, prizes, program materials, etc.

Our group was awesome. From what I know about overeaters anonomous it is about support as well, however it's not structured. It is focused more about food/weight loss as an addiction. As in, it is a 12 step group. No weighing in, etc. I think you have to decide what works for you. I knew that I needed the accountability of weighing in, and really benefitted from gaining friends from my group.

With TOPS you can also do whatever plan you wish, as long as it is healthy and acceptable with your physician. I actually stuck with my WW points, as did several other members. I already had been accustomed to using them and already had all of my materials at home.

Just another thought...

[sweetpeppers]

My mom is a big supporter of OA. You could go to a couple meetings and see for yourself. I've never been, but I think most of us are addicted to sugar and flour and fatty foods to one degree or another.

[Thalia]

I am thinking of joining a group because I am realizing that I really am a compulsive eater. The only two times I was able to stop the compulsive behavior were

1) when I was addicted to a different behavior: dancing, and doing WW at the same time. I think the dancing filled some kind of compulsive need, and was great exercise, too.

2). when I was recovering from a miscarriage, doing the Reality Diet, and working out with a personal trainer.

It seems like the only way I can make major changes are if I have the magic combination of structured healthy eating, lots of exercise, and very very strong motivation.

[umsami]

I tried it in the early 90s, but never really stayed with it.

You can find online meetings these days though.

In the olden days, you used to follow the Gray Sheet diet. Basically, you gave up all white stuff.... and had to tell your sponsor what you were going to eat the day before you ate it. Now, I believe any food plan is a go. You can find Graysheeters online too, if that interests you.

Oprah had an article a while back in her magazine by a woman who lost a lot with OA. She wrote a book... but I can't remember the title...

I think a lot depends on the group you end up with and your sponsor.

Good luck.

[Thalia]

Updating

I went to my first meeting at the end of May. I liked it, and kept coming until a second miscarriage in July sent me running right back to the compulsive eating. In October I started coming back again, and this time I got a sponsor and actually started working the steps. For me, I finally feel like I've found a program that fits me. I worked with a nutritionist to come up with a food plan that takes into account the fact that I'm nursing a toddler, plus one plan for when I'm pregnant and one for when I'm not.

I finally felt like I was around people who really understood my crazy relationship to food, and who don't think I'm nuts or weak for needing a lot of support to make it through each day. The steps are giving me a lot of insight into the way I think and respond to people, and although it involves hard work and some difficult realizations, it has made me a much happier person. And since October, I've lost 20 pounds.

The other thing I like about it is that is truly a not-for-profit organization. I've worked for Weight Watchers, and while it is a good program, it is a business first and foremost. OA has many traditions in place to keep it non-profit and focused on helping individuals.

I would encourage anyone who is thinking of trying OA to go to the website and find the section where they list 15 signs of being a compulsive eater. And if they apply to you, give it a try.