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Conference rocks::weight_control

Title: Weight Loss and Maintenance
Notice:**PLEASE** enter notes in mixed case (CAPS ARE SHOUTING)!
Moderator:ASICS::LESLIE
Created:Tue Jul 10 1990
Last Modified:Tue Jun 03 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:933
Total number of notes:9931

576.0. "Nothing fits" by MSDOA::MCMULLIN () Fri Apr 13 1990 19:25

    Well, I just had a depressing experience.  I went out at lunch and was
    going to buy a new pair of jeans as all my old size 12's, 14's, 16's
    were all too tight.  So, I went and tried on a size 18.  Guess what? 
    They're too tight, too!!  I was nearly in tears as I walked through the
    store.  I ended up not buying any.  Why can't I get myself under
    control and start losing weight?  I'm hoping this will finally do it. 
    If I continue to eat, I won't be able to wear anything I own and I
    can't afford a new wardrobe.  I wore a size 9 5 years ago.  Now I'm
    double that size.  Please let this be the end!!  The really bad part is
    that I'm not even real crazy about a lot of food.  Chocolate gives me
    heart burn so I hardly ever eat it.  I usually don't ever have donuts
    or sweet rolls, etc.  I try to eat healthy because I don't want a high
    cholesterol level.  I need to start planning out EVERYTHING.  From my
    meals to my exercising.  It seems like if I've got a plan I can stick
    to it.  I think I need somebody to really chew me out and tell me how
    harmful I am being to myself, but I already know that.  I try to scare
    myself by saying, "If you eat that you're going to get fatter and die
    of a heart attack."  That doesn't even work.  I've really been
    considering going to OA.  I know there's a meeting at 9:30 tomorrow
    morning, but I don't know if I've got the courage to go.  I guess it
    couldn't hurt (that's an under statement).  It's just like I'm growing
    numb, like I'm beginning to get use to the idea that I'm fat and I
    don't want to do that.  I want to be thin.  I want to be able to wear
    my old clothes and go out in public in a bathing suit.  
    
    Thanks for listening.
    
    Virginia

T.RTitleUserPersonal
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576.1You're part way thereCSC32::WILCOXBack in the High Life, AgainMon Apr 16 1990 13:2810
Virginia,

It took you a great deal of courage to write your note here.  I don't
have any experience with OA, but from what others have written here
I would guess you would find that you could be safe with them as
you are here with us.  Give yourself a huge hug for recognizing that
you have a problem and give yourself permission to seek help for it.

Liz

576.2PlumpFROSTY::SHIELDSMon Apr 16 1990 14:5133
    VIRGINIA:
    
    It did take a great deal of courage to write, and you are not alone!
    I was out of work Friday, April 13, my dad was having major surgery.
     When I got home I collapsed in front of the tv and put on Donahue.
     There were 4 men on the panel from OA and they all had success
    stories.  One person had not regained any of his weight in 2 years.
     I have been feeling down as well lately due to the same reason
    as you and it does get discouraging.  I always wear a jacket to
    try and hide.  I feel on the verge of tears so often that I keep
    joking around with everyone to keep myself sane.  
    
    To get back to the matter of OA, what is tempting to me is the fact
    they don't want $1,000 just to get you going.  It's free.  I've
    spent so much money on diets, only to regain the weight again, that
    I'm ashamed to tell my husband that I'm going to try a new program.
    I'm so afraid that one day he sees me as ugly.  Let's face it when
    you feel ugly 105% of the time, it's bound to rub off.  
    
    What also drives me crazy is I have a sister who is 10 years my
    senior and she's as slim as a carrot.  Prettier, skinnier, and much
    richer than I am.  Don't get me wrong.  I'm very happy for her;
    I would just like to be skinnier than she for ONCE in my life.
    
    Let's give ourselves a hug and try again.  I've written to OA for
    a list of their meetings.  I know if I get the courage to walk through
    their door I'll get going again.
    
    Good luck to us!
    
    Tired of being plump!
    

576.3MSDOA::MCMULLINMon Apr 16 1990 15:3330
    Well, I didn't go to OA Saturday morning.  They didn't have their
    regular meeting, because it was at a church and the church was having
    something special for Easter.  They said next Saturday they would have
    it again.
    
    But, I did make out a list of what I am going to eat for every day this
    week.  It averages between 1000 and 1100 calories a day.  I AM going to
    stick to it.  It's not "I'm going to TRY to stick to it," I AM going to
    stick to it.  I will keep you posted on my progress.
    
    Thanks to both of you that replied and gave me encouragement.  It helps
    to know that I am not alone.  Also, thanks to the ones that wrote to me
    off line.  
    
    I think I've "hit bottom" so to speak and now I've got to start trying
    to make it back to the top.  It has taken me 3 years to get to where
    I'm at and see that I've really got a problem.  I have joined Weight
    Watchers 3 or 4 times in the past 2 years.  I've always lost about 10
    lbs and then lost interest and gained it back plus some.  I see now
    that I'll probably have to plan my meals for every day of my life to
    stay "on program".  I've got to learn how to live right; eat right,
    exercise, drink water, get plenty of sleep or I'll never get anywhere
    except bigger and bigger.  I know that it won't be easy, but once I get
    in the habit of doing everything, it will get easier.
    
    I want to wish everyone luck in what ever program you are doing.  You
    can do it, even though it is hard.  Just hang in there.
    
    Virginia

576.4FIRST OA MEETING IS A GIANT STEP TO BETTER HEALTHOFFPLS::DESHARNAISThu Apr 19 1990 16:1622
    Hi Virginia,
    
    Congratulations on taking the first step to permenant weight loss! IT
    IS scary to go to your first OA meeting. I did that 15 months ago and
    it was the best thing I have ever done for myself.   When you hear and
    see testimony from people just like yourself who have no control over
    food, you see a light at the end of the tunnel.  I too have joined
    every weightloss program and read all the books, to fail again and
    again and get heavier each time.   Planning one day at a time is really
    a necessity. Writing down the days food really helps you keep in line.
    One can go off and eat on the spur of the moment. Believe me I know
    that just defeats the purpose of losing weight.  You feel so in control
    when you plan.  There is a say  "If you fail to plan, then you plan
    to fail!"    So true.  I sometimes get lazy and don't plan and I end up
    in trouble with my food.     The commraderie at OA meetings is a
    wonderful part of the program and best of all it is free.   OA is
    usually listed in the black and white pages in most phone books. That
    is how I found them.   You're on your way! Good luck!
    
    Barbara
    

576.5How do I find OA in my area?WMOIS::L_HOWARDTue Apr 24 1990 13:509
    Virginia,
    
    I live in the Gardener area.  Do you know how I caould find the OA in my
    area?  I looked in the phone book and didn't find a listing.  I have
    heard great things about OA.  Good luck with your great loss.
    
    Linda
                               

576.6GARDNER, MA OA MEETINGSOFFPLS::DESHARNAISWed May 30 1990 17:1311
    I just read your note and if you haven't been noified, there is an OA
    meeting in Gardner Mass at 6:30PM on Tuesdays at Eastwood Pines Nursing
    Home, Eastwood Circle.
    
    What other towns are near you?  I could look them up on the list and
    let you know. Good luck Linda.
    
    Regards,
    Barbara
    

576.7Looking for OA MeetingsWMOIS::BARDSLEYWed Jun 27 1990 12:1615
    
    Barb,
    
    Linda and I were looking for some meeting in the Gardner Area.  Do you
    know if they have any in Athol to Greenfield, Ma.?   We have to do
    something quick want to start right afteer the 4th of July.  Best time
    of the year to diet is when all thee fresh veggies are ready.  If you
    could let me know about other meets locally. 
    
    You can reach me on WMOIS::Bardsley
    
    Thanks, 
    Sandi