I know O.A. works...pre-op issues

[khath0620 20]

Hi there,

I have been in O.A. for 10 months now. I know this program works! I have felt the support and relief from my food addiction at times but, to be honest, I haven't given my total attention to the program 100% of the time. I guess it is because I have difficulty with lack of time. Between parenting my 2 toddlers and working full time, I can only go to 1 meeting a week and try to do phone meetings when I can.

My issue right now is that I know that I am overeating because of a sense of "well, after I am banded I won't be able to have this". I know what I should be doing (calling my sponsor, getting to more meetings, journaling, etc) but need to find that willingness. I have a May 18th band date. I don't want to gain 20 pounds BEFORE surgery!

I know the band is only a tool in my recovery. I will always be a compulsive eater and, if I wasn't devoted to becoming healthier, I wouldn't keep coming back or even going through surgery to get there. I need OA for all the incredible support and guidance. Someone in another post said that having a food addiction is the hardest addiction possible because everyday our "drug" is triggered because we need food to survive.

Anyone have any words of wisdom or support?

Thanks,

:biggrin: Katie

[sharcorb 0]

I've only been banded a month, so am not the most experienced. However, I took the "final food tour" before banding thinking I couldn't have my favorites afterward only to find out that I CAN still have them, just in smaller amounts. So my advice is, don't feel like you are going to be deprived afterward. That just sets us up for failure, I think!

Good luck, Sharon

[Cocoabean 430]

Hi Katie,

Last Supper Syndrome is a common event around here. But please know that the band doesn't mean good-bye to food.

You can still eat all your favorites, just in smaller amounts, and less often on the treat type of foods. This statement, of course, doesn't address the addiction issue.

There are surgeons who will not do the surgery if you have gained during the pre-op phase. Mine is one of them.

You might ask around O.A. if there are any sponsors who've had WLS.

Keep working the steps. Keep working with your sponsor. That should help you with last supper sydrome! It truly isn't your last supper. Try not to think of it as such.