Thursday, April 24, 2008

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous

I've attended my second meeting last night. The group reads from the AA big book but has its own pamphlets. Since I never do anything halfway I decided to get a sponsor, attend 4 meetings a week, and place myself squarely in their food plan of 3 measured meals a day with no snacks in between or after dinner. It is more food than I've eaten these past few weeks. There is no calorie counting or Fitday madness.

Today is my first day on the plan and I've been very involved with the stress of work. There is no desire to eat.

My sponsor, a young lady, named Mara is very strict and said the only way I can get her to help me is attend meetings, call her every day at 6am, as well as a few others on the phone list, and more importantly to have faith in His will.

Right now, I'm 135lbs. and my height is 5'6". Once a week I will have to weigh myself and see if the plan works and to adjust accordingly.

Also, it is killing two birds with one stone by also removing myself from alcohol.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

How did things go for you after your enthusiastic beginning? Twice I've felt great with no sugar/white foods but I've never weighed, planned menus in advance, or committed my food to a sporsor. Not sure I want that much regimentation. Would really like to see a new entry detailing your later experiences.

Heidi said...

How did the program work for you? I had incredible success with FA. See my blog at www.heidinieman.blogspot.com

FA was andis the only program that did remove the cravings and allow me to shed all of my excess weight. A total of 176 pds gone. Take Care, Heidi

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

I was in FA for 2 years, lost 190 lbs, it works if you work it. I left the program, mainly because I didn't feel aligned with the belief that a "higher power" was solely responsible for my recovery. I believe I'm responsible for my own actions, and I tend to stray away from interpreting "God's will", as this becomes a tricky subject. Also, I documented in my journal 17 meetings I attended where I was told by long-term FA members that the program doesn't work if you don't believe in God. I'm not a believer or a non-believer, I simply don't concern myself with that question. I was very active in the program, doing service every day. I think it is a great food plan, and the structure and discipline are what helped me to my recovery. Staying connected is also crucial. I didn't agree with the practice of some sponsors getting involved in medical matters such as anti-depressant medications and other prescription drugs. The Big Book itself denounces this practice. I have kept my weight off for 3 years now, and I'm not in any program. My Buddhist practice has replaced FA, and I find that when I'm true to my personal spiritual path, my life is fulfilled and I'm able to stay on course. I stay connected with my spiritual community, and I do service in a variety of public venues. I wish everyone well in their efforts! Stay positive!

Anonymous said...

I lost a lot of weight in the program, but I left because I couldn't reconcile myself to some members offering bogus medical advice. E.g. Get off all phsychiatric drugs. Don't eat legumes. Bizarre.

Andrew said...

I found my way to my first FA meeting about 3-and-a-half weeks ago and, for the most part, I love it. There are some fairly ridged guidelines but I'm ok with that. When I did it my way, I became 100 lbs overweight. I've not been allowed to weigh myself yet but everything is fitting better. Clearly it is working. My sponsor is very kind and gentle but expects complete compliance with the program. I'm ok with that - it's what I need.
It's true, there are parts of the progam I can not participate in because I take anti-depressant meds. That's a little irritating but the program is working and I'm eating the healthiest diet of my life. Let me be clear: Noone has suggested that I stop taking my meds. I can look past the irritation. Nothing has worked for me. This is working. I recommend it.

Anonymous said...

I've been attending FA meetings for two weeks. The first night there someome intoduced me to a woman and said "she'll sponsor you" My sponsors pretty mean. I really don't like her but if she can help me lose 100+ pounds, I'll put up with her.

Extenze said...

I want to bookmark the page so I can return here from you that you have done a fantastic job.

Emma77 said...

I am currently attending FAIRA meetings and really want to leave but have made some friends in the room who are encouraging me to stay. My reason is simple: They reject obese and anorexic people. If you were 200lbs and 5'9 and lost 60lbs, now placing you at 140lbs, most likely a size 6or 8, they will let you "qualify." However, if you were 360lbs and lost 60lbs you are not asked to qualify because this is a program of attraction and 300lbs is not attracted. Society already dismisses us because of our weight problems and I do not want to endorse a program that continues to degrade those of us who are still struggling with our obesity.

Anonymous said...

I've been with FA for a year now. There is an adjustment period, but if you step back and recognize that the guidelines are there to keep you safe, and you listen to the qualifications and hear the results of applying those same guidelines, you will quickly want to conform to the regimen in order to not only lose weight, but to be healthier mentally, spiritually, emotionally, as well as physically.

My blood pressure, my cholesterol and my blook sugar are all at normal levels now after losing just over 50 pounds. I'm feeling much more energetic, flexible and all round more "normal" than ever before. I feel like I've got a company of support and I'm not doing this journey of recovery alone. I've a much lighter spirit and I'm finding that people around me have taken on a new value. I no longer isolate as much. There's more gratitude coming out of my mouth than complaining. I'm experiencing a genuine sense of the joy of life. Who would ever have imagined it could be like this!

If you have started FA or are thinking of beginning, persevere. It's well worth taking on a bit of discipline about your life. And you do not do it alone!

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