[Rondakay]

Ok I am A posting fool today but I have another question has anyone tried Food addicts in Recovery program my therapist suggested since I am doing great witht he weight loss but OMG the emotional is totaly diffrent and there is still the food issues there its like the took my (Crack away) Food was my drug of choice So I was just wordering thanks

[MichelleA]

I've not tried it, but for the last 23 years, I have been a member of another 12-step group -- and have attended numerous others, including Overeaters Anonymous -- and have found such groups to be immensely helpful.

The first thing is the one step at a time model. There is no other way to approach losing weight, eating healthy, or overcoming any large problem.

Secondly, such groups are a great outlet for emotions and a learning tool. When you listen to others talk about their issues and how they handle them, things begin to make sense. (One of those things is the epiphany of "I'm NOT the only one!")

Thirdly, the steps themselves allow those of us with addictive personalities to find a way to live life on life's terms and to practice those principles in all our affairs. And that was a biggie for me.

And you will be amazed at the insightful things that will fall from your own lips in such an environment! I can't tell you how many times I have had an issue, and when I begin to speak in such a group, I speak exactly what they problem is/was, as well as what I thought it was.

I would encourage you to go, particularly because of the advice you've been given.

I am lucky because my nutritionist is also a counselor and holds monthly groups with between 8 and 12 WLS patients. I am also able to address my food issues in my unrelated 12-step group.

But were that not the case, I would seek out a FAIR group.

[Rondakay]

Thanks for the adivice

[Perfesser]

Michelle, everything you said about a 12-step group could be said for this group too. This is my support group. I never have to schedule around an appointment, I don't have to travel to get here, and there's the best bunch of folks here going through either the exact same things I have or the things I will be going through.

I live in a rural area, and access to formal groups like FAIR is restricted. But RR is plenty good enough to meet my needs!

CT

[Dr. Mel]

Can someone tell me what FAIR stands for please?

[mangomelon]

I am not familiar with Food Addicts in Recovery. I group therapy can be very helpful, and if it is lead by a mental health professional, it is even more encouraging to me - the therapist can provide a level of emotional protection to the process.

Many people find 12-step to be very helpful - obviously, considering how popular they are! But they aren't for everyone and that's ok.

[MichelleA]

Originally Posted by Perfesser

Michelle, everything you said about a 12-step group could be said for this group too. This is my support group...But RR is plenty good enough to meet my needs!

Perfessor, I count this as my support group as well, but there are some things I can get here that I can't get in 12 steps, and there are things that are in the 12 step programs that aren't available here.

Specifically, the 12 steps, which leans heavily on the spiritual component and a program of personal growth that can't be done easily online.

I have never thought it was a good idea to have only one support group, and this issue is no different. I say get all the help you feel you need, and if that means two or three different things, so be it.

It's good you only need one support system. Unfortunately, that cannot be said for all of us, and since Rondakay's therapist suggested it, it probably isn't a bad idea in any event.

[Perfesser]

Michelle, I'm not trying to downplay the importance of whatever balanced approach works for a person, and as I wrote my earlier post, I remember thinking "I hope this isn't taken wrong!" This is my weight loss support group. I also have a strong support group for the spiritual side of my being. I have other support groups for various aspects of my life too.

We all need what we need. I'm just glad that this wonderful resource is available for those like me who don't have access to a variety of face-to-face programs. The town 30 miles away has WW. Have to go a lot farther to find anything resembling a WLS support group. So RR fills my need perfectly.

Whatever resources are available to a person ought to be considered as part of a potential strategy for long-term success. I am glad you have found what works for you. I am glad I have found what works for me. We're old-timers with years of post-op experiments and successes. Others, newer on this path, should be actively considering what best fills their needs.



CT

[DocSanae]

12 steps groups are structured program groups This board isn't, it's rambling rather than structured. There are a lot of things you have to take step by step, and if you haven't done it before, which step to take first can be very confusing. So, working out your issues with such structured programs are useful. Of couse, one style does not fit all, so, you may need to shop around some, before you find one that you feel comfortable with.

[gail1011]

Recovery groups can be powerful--give it a try! i am not familiar with that particular group but like Michelle and i am very familiar with recovery programs and have found them helpful.