Difference between OA and FAA?

[dbh]

Hello.

Okay, I have finally gotten to the point where I have to admit that I need help with my compulsive overeating and emotional eating.

I have continued to gain weight and my BMI has just entered the obese range!

In the past I have used Weight Watchers with some success. I can follow their program for awhile, but I always end up getting pulled back into emotional eating.

I think WW is great at teaching you about healthy eating, but the emotional side of my eating has never been truly addressed.

My background, I'm a forty-something adult child of an alcoholic who has been in recovery for about four years. I have addressed so many of my codependency and ACA issues, but I keep holding onto my food issues.

I'm at my max weight right now and need to loss 40-50 lbs.

Looking for a good place for meetings and/or support. I looked over the OA and FAA websites today and am not sure which would be a better fit. I'm also wondering whether I should go back into therapy.

Thank You,

db

[LifeRecovery]

I don't know about either OA or FAA, but I have been fortunate to have the experience of a counselor versed in 12 step work (Al-anon and AA) and worked in an eating disorder center.

It has made all the difference in the world...and I live in the middle of no where.

Eating by the Light of the Moon has been helpful also.

More will be along soon.

[dbh]

Originally Posted by LifeRecovery

I don't know about either OA or FAA, but I have been fortunate to have the experience of a counselor versed in 12 step work (Al-anon and AA) and worked in an eating disorder center.

It has made all the difference in the world...and I live in the middle of no where.

Eating by the Light of the Moon has been helpful also.

More will be along soon.

Thank you for your response.

I did recently purchase "Eating by the Light of the Moon". I'm haven't read too much yet, but was able to relate to much that was discussed so far. I love her use of analogies. I also started looking into Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ("The Beck Diet Solution").

I often thought about calling an eating disorder center, but I tell myself that "I'm not that bad."

This denial is so similar to how I was with my ACA traits 10+ years ago.

Thank you again.

db

[LifeRecovery]

When I started my recovery journey I did not have a DSM IV diagnosed eating disorder.

It did make me question if I was worth it for treatment. I have not done anything inpatient wise, but I finally decided that I was miserable and that for that alone I was worth it.

They have expanded criteria for eating disorders a lot over the years and one of the largest growing populations is those that are over the age of 35 woman struggling with this now.

I don't know much but I do know that just like working on your ACoA stuff you are worth this too. I did the journey in the opposite order but am so glad I took the first step. The eating disorder really helped me to look at my kid stuff (and I continue to do that), just think that part you have already worked on.....

[Lily]

OA (regular that is) is 3 moderate meals a day and no snacks, work w/ a sponsor. OA-90 is 3 commited to a sponsor weighed meals w/ NO flour, sugar or nutrasweet.

FAA is very very similar to OA-90 except minus a grain for women during the day, here is their website. FAA Online Their foodplan is a suggestion though and I belong to both OA-90 AND FAA. I love them both a lot. FAA uses the big book FA uses the Food addicts book, OA uses the overeaters anonymous book and OA-90 uses the Big book.

please ask any other questions you may have! I have been in OA-90 off and on now for 2 1/2 yrs and have 48 days of abstinence now and even successfully traveled this weekend! It can be done and I feel amazing!

Lily

[Lily]

PS I found my food sponsor on the 90 day phone meetings. You could always call in and just listen to a meeting. Tuesday evenings, wednesday eves, and thursday evening are my favorite! they are at 8:00 est.

Find a Meeting - Overeaters Anonymous