I have been a long-time OA member - since 1986 with a 9 year absence in the middle. The first time around I lost 120 pounds and maintained 100 of that (plus or minus) for 7 years. Had big relapse in 1995, eventually gained all the weight back, and never have been able to get in the groove again - even though I came back in 2004. I have lost 60 pounds, gained 35 and now am considering the lap-band®®®®. But I am scared silly on many levels, and having a lot of OA anxiety (easier, softer way) even though I know rationally that I shouldn't.

I am having a good period of abstinence, but *losing* abstinence for me at this age (50) is 1200-1300 calories per day which is hard for me to maintain long-term. I find I am hungry and less able to tolerate it than I used to be. I am having knee problems and really, really want to be smaller. Nothing unrealistic. Really working my program is energy intensive, but I have learned that WLS is too. On the plus side is that I have been off sugar since 2004, which is a very huge trigger food for me. My problems now relate primarily to portion control.

I would be interested in hearing from an OA'ers that had WLS and how that has affected their program. I know no one in our f2f meetings that has had WLS and those that come and say they have had surgery usually don't end up staying. I don't think we've been unwelcoming, most newcomers don't stay. It's sure not for everyone.

I have been a long-time OA member - since 1986 with a 9 year absence in the middle. The first time around I lost 120 pounds and maintained 100 of that (plus or minus) for 7 years. Had big relapse in 1995, eventually gained all the weight back, and never have been able to get in the groove again - even though I came back in 2004. I have lost 60 pounds, gained 35 and now am considering the lap-band®®®®®. But I am scared silly on many levels, and having a lot of OA anxiety (easier, softer way) even though I know rationally that I shouldn't.

I am having a good period of abstinence, but *losing* abstinence for me at this age (50) is 1200-1300 calories per day which is hard for me to maintain long-term. I find I am hungry and less able to tolerate it than I used to be. I am having knee problems and really, really want to be smaller. Nothing unrealistic. Really working my program is energy intensive, but I have learned that WLS is too. On the plus side is that I have been off sugar since 2004, which is a very huge trigger food for me. My problems now relate primarily to portion control.

I would be interested in hearing from an OA'ers that had WLS and how that has affected their program. I know no one in our f2f meetings that has had WLS and those that come and say they have had surgery usually don't end up staying. I don't think we've been unwelcoming, most newcomers don't stay. It's sure not for everyone.

Well, I have not personally been in OA, but my sister is and has done very well. Sometimes it's just a matter of finding the right group, or chapter of OA. That is what makes a difference for her. She also considered lapband surgery but as of yet has not done it. I did. I last 125 pounds now,more or less. I feel that the band has finally given me control over my eating. I just couldn't ever wrestle the weight off any other way. Am I still a food addict? Yes. I always will be probably. But, for me, lap band has given me a fighting chance against the constant failures of so many diets and healthy eating plans. Ultimately, you will have to make that decision for yourself. My sister is still about 80 - 100 lbs overweight. She exercises regularly and tries to eat right and has the great support of her OA group and of course God. But she still can shovel the food in when she is stressed out.So maybe go to a few informational meetings for lap band. Yes it is a drastic move but for me, that is the only way I could have a chance at any hope of being healthy. Sorry I didn't have any real answers for you. With things like these you can't worry about anybody else except what is right for you. Not whether it will work into how a group views you. You know, lap band also has many support groups, not just on line. Well good luck in whatever you decide.

I am in OA and have had lap band surgery. I also joined weight loss support group for people in OA through therecoverygroup.org they have online meetings Sundays at 5pm. They are great!

Try one you may find what you need

Gen

Well, I have not personally been in OA, but my sister is and has done very well. Sometimes it's just a matter of finding the right group, or chapter of OA. That is what makes a difference for her. She also considered lapband surgery but as of yet has not done it. I did. I last 125 pounds now,more or less. I feel that the band has finally given me control over my eating. I just couldn't ever wrestle the weight off any other way. Am I still a food addict? Yes. I always will be probably. But, for me, lap band has given me a fighting chance against the constant failures of so many diets and healthy eating plans. Ultimately, you will have to make that decision for yourself. My sister is still about 80 - 100 lbs overweight. She exercises regularly and tries to eat right and has the great support of her OA group and of course God. But she still can shovel the food in when she is stressed out.So maybe go to a few informational meetings for lap band. Yes it is a drastic move but for me, that is the only way I could have a chance at any hope of being healthy. Sorry I didn't have any real answers for you. With things like these you can't worry about anybody else except what is right for you. Not whether it will work into how a group views you. You know, lap band also has many support groups, not just on line. Well good luck in whatever you decide.

I know this msg is from 2010, but this msg expresses exactly how I felt & how banding has also helped me. I have an internal tool now that helps me so much in saying No to foods. I don't eat @ night now, I don't crave foods nearly as much and so many foods I used to binge on have been removed. It was easy before banding to feel like a failure on diets and in OA, but now its like I have gotten the right medicine for my addiction to food, banding. I lost weight in OA and gained it back 7 yrs later. I lost on diets out of OA and gained it back. Not until banding have I felt like its my choice what I eat. I was never a failure, I know that now, I just needed more help & banding has been that help. Easier softer way? Nope, just the realistic way for my food addiction as I see it. I know God approves too. Thanks.

I had vsg. I felt like it was going to be the only tool that would stop me from binging. I'm very fresh post op and am having small binges but they stop at two or three bites and I can drive by fast food places without even considering it because I know I just can't even. But I'm still an addict and will always be.

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I have been wishing I could find an OA group for people with wls. Is there such a thing? It's been a while since I attended an OA meeting but I don't remember ever hearing anyone mention having had surgery. Most of the recovery I saw was emotional/spiritual. I did not see a lot of long term weight loss.

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