Healthy Weight, Healthy Ways

Overeaters Anonymous worked when many other attempts to control my eating did not. The proof for me is that I have maintained a healthy body weight for over twenty-two years. My previous diets always resulted in a food celebration and a return to compulsive overeating. I couldn’t successfully reach a goal weight and maintain it for more than a few hours.

What happened to me as a result of taking all Twelve Steps, living by the Traditions, and using the Tools of recovery is nothing short of miraculous. Recovery gave me the opportunity to look at myself for the first time. Seeing my part in life’s challenges allowed me to change the behaviors that always led to binges and eventually to morbid obesity.

It hasn’t always been easy to stay at a healthy body weight. For a time, I experienced some health problems that required medication, and the medicine slowed my metabolism. Rather than allowing weight gain to become a runaway train, I sought help from professionals. My plan of eating was adjusted, and I increased exercise, which minimized the damage. As my health improved and I discontinued the medications, my weight slowly dropped to a comfortable range.

Over the years, my thyroid hormones have continued to swing from too much to too little, which has played havoc with my weight. I’ve learned that acceptance of this condition is paramount to my serenity. I do the best I can with what I have to work with. I am grateful I am not alone and can share my struggles and solution to help another compulsive overeater.

Age has also made changes to my body that are not exactly exciting to me. Losing over 100 pounds (45 kg) results in some extra skin. As I get older, my excess skin seems to have a mind of its own. Expensive surgery would remove this problem, but the Serenity Prayer has helped me to accept the things I cannot change. Unnecessary operations are a health risk. I’m not inclined to put myself under the knife when it’s not required for health reasons. Besides, most people at my age have saggy skin and haven’t lost large amounts of weight. It’s a rite of passage!

I’ve learned to dress becomingly. I shop for nice clothing that is on sale and doesn’t break my budget. The clothing selection at my new recovery size is amazing. I love trying on new dresses and coming up with outfits that complement my style and figure.

I carry a “before” picture to show that Overeaters Anonymous works for the long haul. I have changed the “after” picture a few times to be in harmony with my age, and remain grateful that my size stays about the same in each new picture.

Having a good plan of eating is very helpful for maintaining my healthy body weight, but without the rest of the program, it would just be another diet. I start out every day with prayer, meditation, journaling, and thanking God for my recovery. OA works.

— Gerri H., Titusville, Florida USA