Abstinence Adjustments

I joined OA in 1978 when I was 51 years old. In the beginning, my abstinence adhered to a strict, weighed and measured, very low carbohydrate plan. One extra green bean and I started over. I had a sponsor and was blessed with willingness from the beginning. I attended meetings and went to coffee afterward to share and learn. I started working the Steps. I depended on Alcoholics Anonymous and the AA Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions books along with the great OA literature we have today.

I lost about 100 pounds (45 kg), but I cannot be accurate because I quit weighing when I went over 226 pounds (103 kg). My weight went down as far as 136 pounds (62 kg), which was too thin, and so with the help of my sponsor, other OA members, and my Higher Power (whom I call God), I gradually and carefully increased my weight to 155 pounds (70 kg). I was almost 5 feet 9 inches tall (175 cm).

I stayed within five pounds (2 kg) on either side of that weight until recently. My food plan became less rigid as the years passed. I was blessed with the removal of the compulsion to overeat.

The Twelve Steps, the OA program, its members, and God have supported me through so much: retirement, children’s marriages, arrivals of grandchildren, the death of my husband, and learning to take care of my properties and handle finances. I had a grandchild live with me for seven years, and only with God and OA did I survive those years.

OA helped me three years ago when I had my entire large intestine removed. I had to change my food plan. Normal, abstinent foods were off the list—I had lived on salads and vegetables and fruit and protein for thirty-five years—and now had to adjust to white, starchy foods. It was crazy-making.

After the surgery, I lost too much weight, so now I work the program like an anorexic. Hungry or not, I eat three meals and give them to my sponsor. I weigh approximately 133 pounds (60 kg), and I’m trying to gain some weight. It is a strange place for a compulsive overeater to be.

Programs help me stay active and involved with life. I keep busy at church, book club, and the pool. I exercise (I used to ride my bike one hundred miles in a day when I was 65 years old—that was a gift). I make myself available for people in and out of program. It is all aimed at keeping this body moving and this mind functioning. I attribute my enjoyment of life and ability to be with people to OA. The greatest blessing is the peace I feel.

My experience is it works. My strength is the Twelve Steps and fellow OA members. My hope is in my God.

— Edith H., Orange, California USA