Overeaters Anonymous of San Francisco

Gail, member since 1999, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Gail’s share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: early days of OA • mom’s death • can’t eat your grief • hardened sugar junky • allergic to the fun stuff • sneaky with food • diet clubs • pregnancy: excuse to eat • 1st OA meeting • committee in my head • going back to school & attending fewer meetings • leaving OA & relapse • returning to OA • Steps & Tools • abstinence & HP give me piece of mind • literature & the telephone • I take this seriously • holiness in the rooms A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Katie, member since 2000, identifies as a compulsive overeater.  Katie's share from the Saturday morning Step, Speaker, Into Action meeting includes the following themes:  character defects stick around • keep coming back • knowing when food was an issue • hanging out at dessert table • seeing OA poster at school in 1990 • 1st OA meeting while in high school • losing weight as college freshman • life events leading to weight gain • trying to work program • stories for store clerks • another Bozo on the bus • god • 18+ years of abstinence

Morrie, member since 1979, identifies as a compulsive overeater, relapser, and century person. Morrie’s share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: turning 80 & coming into OA 40 years ago • fat between the ears • thin is not well but better than fat • growing up with religion & supposing to be perfect • it’s not what we eat, it’s what’s eating us • “you shouldn’t feel/think like that” • thinking/acting/pretending • Step 5 • lots of secrets • not knowing how to do relationships • diets & will power • marriage to wife was going to cure my homosexuality • going to OA • not triggering the craving • powerlessness (it’s not going to work if I eat; it’s not going to work if I don’t eat) • what, how much, & when last bite will be • relapse • sponsees as lifelines • WE: the 1st word of the 1st Step • abstinence  A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Frank, member since 1979, identifies as a recovered compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Frank's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: high weight of 460 pounds • relapse/recovery period: 18 years • learning in 7th grade that I was a compulsive overeater • multiple addictions • from Catholicism to Atheism • first 3 meetings • food plan • giving up the "no god" debate & acting as if • higher power = higher self • intuition = god's answer • rehashing the past & rehearsing the future • selfishness & self-centeredness • what a spiritual awakening is • ego • relapse • meeting a day for 3 years out of relapse • counting calories • abstaining from starting over • 1 moment at a time • no free food allowed • Steps 1, 2, & 3 before eating • meditation everyday for last 8 years • short prayers • Step 10 A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Frank, member since 1979, identifies as a recovered compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser.  Frank's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes:  weights & dates • 350-400 lbs home high weight range • Steps 1, 2, 3 • atheism & HP • relapse • counting calories • correlation between meeting attendance & level of recovery • a one-day-at-a-time program, but that day was tomorrow • a meeting a day for first 3 years out of relapse • selfishness & self-centeredness • Step 10 with amends • relapse is a process, not an event • SUDs:  seemingly unimportant decisions • ego • relapse & Step 1   A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. 

Scott, member since 2001, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Scott’s share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: it’s about the food • OA: a 3-pronged program (the physical, the emotional, & the spiritual) • what I was like (developing bad habits at a young age) • practicing Steps -1 thru -12 in all of my affairs (Bizarro World 12 Steps) • finding OA • using the Tools of Recovery as a newcomer • gifts of recovery • epiphany: wanting children • feeling normal for the 1st time • food made me feel less out of place • post-move 30 meetings in 30 days • Step 1 versus Step 7 (powerLESSness versus powerFULness) • comparing Step 7 to Tradition 1 • Steps are about me & Traditions are about we • humility • gift of clarity  A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Punam, member since 2003-2004, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Punam’s share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: 100-pound weight loss • hopeless after failed diets • overeating since childhood • stole food & money for food • physical consequences (diabetes & hypertension) • wanting to be transformed (mulling over surgery) • discovering OA through local newspaper • 1st meeting: homecoming • what is abstinence? • 1st day off sugar • afraid of losing weight & being thin • writing about fear • daily 10th Step • 3rd & 7th Step prayers • relief from giving away Step work • HP’s care & availability Note:  End of recording cut short due to technical issue.  A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Katie, member since 2000, identifies as a compulsive overeater.  Katie's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes:  family • choosing recovery • keep coming back, meetings, Steps, don't do this alone • overweight in 1st or 2nd grade • "fat" eating behaviors; not a huge body • discovering OA & 1st meeting • starting college thin • dating active alcoholic • high weight:  189-200 pounds • lying to strangers to justify buying food • doing this without OA (physical: diet/emotional: therapy/spiritual:  church) • working the Steps • Step 9 amends • group as Higher Power • longterm abstinence & service A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. Speaker does not identify as a century person.

Carol, member since 1987, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Carol's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes:  nearly 32 years of abstinence & 130-140-lbs weight loss • 100 pounder meetings • knowing things by food • doctor at age 10:  "lose weight or be called 'fatso'" • doesn't matter why • genetic predisposition, emotional factors, & unhealthy eating modeled • diets • physically painful being a century person • driven by the food • learning of OA via AA • 1st OA meeting & 1st day of abstinence • tough love versus love • emotional withdrawals from food • moments of real joy (The Promises) • looking at my part • abstinence is the source of my emotional serenity A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. 

Kate, member since 2014, identifies as a compulsive overeater.  Kate's share from the Thursday evening LGBT Body Image & Sexuality Meeting includes the following themes:   fitting into OA categories • the noise & not feeling safe • control over what I ate & who I date • place to put my volcanic experiences • about the food & not about the food • choosing grad school over chef school • ready to take care of myself (starting OA) • perfect weight didn’t remove chaos from my life • original plan:  3 meetings a week, turn over food, & try not eating sugar • Steps 10, 11, & 12 daily • finished grad school, working full-time, & fully self-supporting in Bay Area • relationship with mom • OA family • sitting with discomfort

Andrea, member since 1984, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Andrea's share from the 2018 12/12 Day event includes the following themes: 1st OA meeting • never leaving: only thing I’ve done perfectly • therapy at age 4 because I was fat & the problem • 12th Step Within (TSW) • never felt abstinent enough • Bozos on the bus • relapse: not just about weight gain • H.O.W. (honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness • compassion • abstinence leads to being open to Higher Power • not an expert • Tools of Recovery • redoing Steps • next right action • 11th Step Prayer • being kind to self leads to being kind to others • Members in Relapse pamphlet reading A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. For more info on Twelfth Step Within, please check out: https://oa.org/groupsservice-bodies/resources/twelfth-step-within/

Mace, member since 1998/1999, identifies as a compulsive overeater. Mace's share from the Monday evening LGBT Meeting includes the following themes: weight gain • the “shoulds” • denial and being terminally vague • food experiments • leaving job • doom & gloom person • avoiding discomfort • inviting HP into discomfort • no guarantees (relying on "guaranteeing HP" only) • fixing the discomfort (no room for HP) • life: there’s never enough • tender & vulnerable

Irene, member since 1972, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Irene's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: overweight from age 5 • this was the biggest problem of my life • putting husband through the test • husband became policeman for my food • beginning OA with aunt • a Weight Watchers drop out • OA & god: take what you want and leave the rest (leaving god at first meeting) • peanut butter is not a meal • hearing "How It Works" • never going to any lengths • carbohydrate addiction • abstinent for 46 years • 5.5 years to lose 100 pounds • a decision to suffer: carbohydrate withdrawal • 1 day at a time (weighing daily) • Higher Power • don’t believe in god but use god • no longer have cravings • almost worse than poison • it’s work, it’s planning, it’s cutting vegetables, it’s relief • the real me A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Lisa, member since 2012, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Lisa's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: abstinent 6 years • down 130 pounds • food obsession as kid • sneaking food • shame & embarrassment • commercial diet program at 8 years old • writing food history • letting go of fat girl identity • weight loss and gain in early 20s • no close relationships • coming to OA (in the right place) • freaked out about the god thing • developing anxiety & depression • physical consequences of overeating • courage & gift of desperation (returning to meetings) • working with a sponsor • first food plans • using the Tools • working the Steps • shame over past spiritual experiences (Step 2) • shame cannot survive empathy • depression lifting • vastly improved anxiety & no panic attacks • recent weight gain • moving in with boyfriend • life is getting big • craving physical activity A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Kate, member since 2014, identifies as a compulsive overeater. Kate's share from the Monday evening LGBT Meeting includes the following themes: service gives the voices meaning • the perfect storm at age 15 • anorexic behavior • food: easy outlet, secretive, & reaffirming • food was the only tool • vegetarianism & validation from men • private hell • compulsively exercising during dad’s poor health • moving to Bay Area • people pleasing & co-dependency • awakening • finding OA • no throwing up or eating sugar in 4.5 years • grad school • relationship with Step 3 • 9th Step amends • people showing up for me no matter what • didn’t know what I wanted from OA, but I was desperate

Erin, member since 2017, identifies as a compulsive overeater. Erin's share from the 2018 Thanksgiving Marathon includes the following themes: pretty much born a compulsive overeater • food was never enough • Thanksgiving: amateur day • silence for those still suffering • need love, fellowship, & understanding about food • Bill W. (AA co-founder) on Thanksgiving • Traditions • unity & oneness can’t happen without the wholeness of OA • without this (OA) work, life is exhausting • last drunk (a drink leads to a drunk) • disease of amnesia • learn how to not interfere with other people’s progress • daily FOR TODAY reading & 10-minute meditation • hard to turn off the chatter • habit of complaining • OA love: humble & imperfect, not neurotic & conditional • I don’t run the show (responsible for footwork) • let gratitude in & out

Jerry identifies as a compulsive overeater. Jerry's share from the 2018 Thanksgiving Marathon includes the following themes: sent by Navy for alcohol treatment & chronic obesity • asking people how to lose weight • no concept of eating & weight gain • life is perfect but small weight problem • I didn’t know how to live life without compulsive overeating • plan: come to OA to lose weight & then leave • 1st sponsor requirements: 3 meetings a week, call food in daily, & do service • suicidal during 5 1/2 years of sobriety (pre-OA) • Step 1 • Step 2 (god was going to get me) • G.O.D. = good order & discipline • giving away 4th Step • married with 2 children but nobody loved me • The OA “Chocolate Book” • disease of mind, body, & spirit • Intergroup, Region 2, & World Service commitments • realizing sponsor was human • feelings between meals • plan food or plan to fail • relapse & weight gain • giving up meat lowered cholesterol • making amends to body • Rozanne S. & Tradition 3 • snacks • 1st Big Book • service is selfless • 2nd Tradition • healthy relationship with wife, son, & daughter • OA taught me I’m priceless

Amanda, member since 2015, identifies as a compulsive overeater & sugar addict. Amanda's share from the 2018 Thanksgiving Marathon includes the following themes: "National Americans Eat Day" • mom: diet & binge buddy • Slim Fast in lunchbox • lying & manipulating • 1st time overusing food (daycare) • it always gets worse • pattern: on diet, slip & slide, justify, back to drug • substituting program tools for the desire to pick up • restricted & binged my way up to almost 300 pounds • consequences of overeating & obesity • finding OA • nobody was fat at 1st meeting • dis-ease with life • wanting peace • having g.o.d. (gift of desperation) with physical side • surrendered food immediately • underneath the food: anxiety & fear • in a prison of my own making (Step 4 lesson) • character defects & my part • letting go of outcome as a control freak • dating & relationships • 10th Step relief (did you bring higher power in?) • HP: visualization & meditation • 1st meeting: people managing life with peace • life: an ongoing surrender process • experiencing grief without picking up • learning grief process in mid-30s • lows are low but highs are higher

Allison, member since 2007, identifies as a compulsive overeater and bulimic. Allison's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: abstinence • a family without tools • showing love & dealing with sadness with food • junk food never lasted • stealing money for junk food • eating is what I knew • understanding why I ate • self-esteem through estimable acts • learning how to have discomfort • for today, certain things don’t work for me (wanting to be normal) • 4th Step • making amends • wanting to keep what I have • dating and marriage • leaving job • asking HP for the next right thing • relationship with mother • look before you leap • trouble letting people in • put the food down; go to meetings • being of service A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. Note: Speaker does not identify as a century person.

Alison, member since 1983, identifies as a compulsive overeater, a relapser, and an ABC. Alison's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: meditation • fed sugar as kid to quiet me • 190 lbs at age 12 • taken to diet doctor by mom • benzedrine and other drug use • learning bulimia and how to starve • my own diet • throwing away college education for modeling to prove myself • weight gain during pregnancy • coming to OA • entering eating disorder unit • allergic to sugar & flour (nearly 3 years off) • other 12 Step groups • OA to get abstinent & to stay abstinent • having real freedom • always a newcomer • 33 years in OA, 27 years relapsing • we're all on our own path • getting THE PROMISES after getting abstinent • gratitude • sharing my recovery • fast food & quick fixes A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. Note: Speaker does not identify as a century person.

Dan, member since 2015, identifies as an addict, a compulsive overeater, and a century person. Dan's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: we all have to eat • spirituality • it's not about the weight; it's about the hate • growing up • finding ways to prove myself • identifying as an addict & compulsive overeater • sleep apnea, diabetes, anxiety, and depression • what are you really hungry for? • 12 Step program: a way out • Step 2 for a man of science • 1st Higher Power • fear of people and of economic insecurity decreasing • destruction of my self-centeredness • Higher Power will never do for me what I CAN do for myself • prayer & meditation • making an effort to be physically fit • nachos: rest in peace A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Kelley identifies as a compulsive eater, bulimic, and restricter. Kelley's share from the Monday evening LGBT Meeting includes the following themes: co-dependent eater • humility • restrictive behavior • obsession & negotiations • escaping discomfort • most mental energy spent thinking about food • fear of scarcity • relationship to body • sex object • shame living in my body • exercise • trusting my ability • grief, exercise, & loss (relationship to body) • trauma stored in body/belly

Ifafunke, member since 2005, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Ifafunke’s share from the Monday evening Commitment to Abstinence & Literature Meeting includes the following themes: drug-addicted parents • program helps with anxiety • things may work out • sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly • 165-pound weight loss (top weight of 330) • not fitting in • isolated with fear & anger • 5-6 years before I had the willingness • OA won’t work without Steps • sponsor • all the things that food had cost me • creating an HP • newly vegan • Step 3: not working perfectly, but it’s working • G.O.D. = good orderly direction • Step 10 • gratitude • people-pleasing • Step 11: prayer + stopping & breathing A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Scott, member since 2001, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Scott’s share from the Saturday morning Step, Speaker, Into Action Meeting includes the following themes: recent weight gain • closing bookend • what I was like: miserable • age 4 to 8: framework for fear, dishonesty, & reliance on manmade junk food • history of employment & rapid weight gain • daily suicidal ideation • OA seed planted • finding 1st OA meeting • on 8 medications when joining OA • newcomer & immediate abstinence via Tools of Recovery • 1st time getting noticed by others • home-free from compulsive overeating (pretending to be powerless) • relapse for 7 years • a history of relying on crutches • letting go of the final crutch • Tradition 7: fully self-supporting declining outside contributions • moving out of San Francisco • facing uncomfortable feelings (there’s a gift on the other side of the uncomfortable feelings) A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Larry, member since 1999, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Larry's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: the chubby kid • diet at age 10 • restaurant job at age 13 • alcoholic, food-oholic, and drugs • Vietnam War • over time, weight and drinking went up • life had gotten small • a working alcoholic • arrested after drug purchase • 1st AA meeting & sobriety • discovering OA & 1st food plan • people-pleaser • 1st time working Steps • 140 lbs weight loss in 2 years • perfection around 4th Step • 5th Step process: a spiritual awakening • having a sponsor • 8th Step amends list including self • making financial amends • doing a 2nd 4th Step around nuclear family • forgiveness of parents & self • relapse • life is no longer small • recovery is a journey, not a destination • flexible food plan • fellowship keeps us going A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Sima, member since 1974, identifies as a recovering compulsive overeater, anorexic, and bulimic. Sima's share from the Monday evening LGBT Meeting includes the following themes: knowing who I am before I die • not liking "acting as if" (history of acting) • bingeing and purging 15-16 hours per day • miserable all the time • finding OA & attending 1st meeting • Grey Sheet • never been a normal person • not throwing up was scary • keep coming back (there's nowhere else to go) • sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly • terrified to be who I was • relapse • bulimia kills • dog dying • grieving & not using food or throwing up • god • having a broken heart & an open heart

Scott, member since 2001, identifies as a compulsive overeater, relapser, and century person. Scott's share from the Sunday morning Relapse & Recovery Meeting includes the following themes: life keeps getting better • preparing for early death at 25 • 315 pounds as newcomer • 135-pound weight loss • 16-pound weight gain during last 24 months (+2/3 of a pound per month) • new sponsor • "home free" from compulsive overeating • 7 years in relapse after experimenting with food • 8 years of current abstinence • what is relapse? • what I was like part 1: misery • pain of suicidal depression is indescribable • formidable 4th year • what happened? part 1: finding & staying in OA • what I was like part 2: relapse • not honest about being in relapse • no humility • relapse: losing winning lottery ticket • what happened part 2: admitting to being in relapse • consequences of relapse • what I'm like now: wonderful • full-time employment • 5 months with new girlfriend • open to having children • moving out of San Francisco • thank you, OA San Francisco

Scott, member since 2001, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Scott's share from the Thursday evening Speaker, Literature, Writing, Step, Tradition Study Meeting includes the following themes: viewing life through the lens of Steps 1, 2 & 3 • Step 1: the problem; Step 2: the solution; Step 3: doing the solution • misusing food at age 4 • developing unhealthy fear of god • learning perfectionism • making money as a teen • hardcore junk food & soda person • consequences of compulsively overeating manmade junk food • health going downhill • accidentally finding OA • 1st OA meeting: most important day of my life • 1st sponsor • learning trust, courage, & responsibility in OA • wonderful life • 9th Step Promises • completing Master's degree • new "big boy" job • having clarity • 7th Tradition (being self-supporting) • loving OA San Francisco A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Dominick, member since 1998, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Dominick's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: 21 years of abstinence • scale displaying 333 or "E" • consequences of overeating didn't matter • overweight kid • ashamed & self-conscious • aware of powerlessness at young age • dieting • food: main addiction • so many things I wanted to do that I didn't • feeling different & not a part of • fantasy life (not connected to others) • others' reactions to weight loss versus weight gain • couldn't stop eating • "sent" to AA & NA • coming to OA • 1 year sober & not wanting to be a newcomer in OA • not having a problem with Step 2 • miracle of not eating between meals • losing weight • terrified of dating & of women • finance & romance • doing what was necessary • the terrified kid • married for 10 years • awareness of the impact of being overweight for so long A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Karen, member since 1985, identifies as a compulsive overeater and bulimic. Karen's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: excited for Overeaters Anonymous • a die-hard, low-bottom compulsive overeater • no bulimia for almost 33 years • 2 parents with eating disorders • drug addiction & violence at home • abnormal eating & purging at 13 • associates among century people • 1st OA meeting • latching onto OA as a newcomer • 33 years in OA & still desperate • 1st sponsor • meeting attendance • keep working the Steps • Higher Power • personal connection to a god (as an agnostic) • I feel different when I pray • nowhere else to go • service commitments • going back to school & getting married • OA allowed me to have a super rich life • life is serene & exciting A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. Speaker does not identify as a century person.

Rachel, member since 1985, identifies as a compulsive overeater. Rachel's share from the Monday evening LGBT Meeting includes the following themes: letting go of timekeeping • newcomers • 15 years in OA before stringing together abstinence • low-bottom compulsive overeater • a fat bulimic & a century person in sheep's clothing • abstinence is in the Steps • god wasn't helping me (needed to do footwork) • god dialogue • masking feelings • feelings get better & they pass • calling in sick (calling in fat) • Big Book: a set of instructions • Higher Power • I'll be okay • ask others how they do Steps

Gail, member since 1999, identifies as a compulsive overeater, relapser, and century person. Gail's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: relapse for 8-9 years • being in the food & in my mind • relapse: letting a treasured gift slip through your fingers • current abstinence: grateful the crazy train stopped • relapse & not knowing how to stop the insanity • relapse: finding my way back to hell • being in the food is like winter • being 12 Stepped • having the willingness • top weight: 275 pounds/now 156 pounds • no longer have the hamster wheel • I have the Steps, a food plan, a community, & peace of mind • H.O.W. • AA Big Book stories • digging the grave with your fork • Higher Power A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. H.O.W. is short for Honesty, Open-mindedness, & Willingness. For more information, check out https://how-oa.org/about/ For more info on relapse & recovery or Twelfth Step Within, please check out: https://oa.org/groupsservice-bodies/resources/twelfth-step-within/

Oliver identifies as a compulsive overeater, relapser, and century person. Oliver's share from the Sunday morning Relapse & Recovery Meeting includes the following themes: 100-130-pound weight loss • solo junk food binger • OA offers an alternative • recent relapse • done 12 Steps Big Book style, have sponsees, have a sponser & still relapsed • "voodoo" program • what I was doing before wasn't enough • binge made me willing • turning my will over • 1 week since binge • fear of relapse • willingness & meetings • diets versus program For more info on relapse & recovery and Twelfth Step Within, please check out: https://oa.org/groupsservice-bodies/resources/twelfth-step-within/

Joe, member since 2016, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Joe's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: maintaining 225-pound weight loss • if you're in the food, you can't get spiritual solution • 3 ways Big Book phrases "god" • believing weight loss was solution to my problems • fat baby, fat kindergartener, fat teenager • always ate alcoholically • an outcast & ugly • can't date until I'm skinny • getting to top weight of 450 pounds • eating & drinking nonstop & hating self • wanting to die • turning point • liquid diet • beginning OA • OA & AA relapse • everyday was Thanksgiving • 90 in 90 (90 meeting in 90 days) & new OA sponsor • diabetic father • life was 12 Steps • freedom from the obsession was not enough • new girlfriend • gift of 5th Step • trust issues • 9th Step with dad • returning to school • carrying the message • why we sponsor • no longer needing to lose weight • if the food calls to me, it's an alcoholic food • brain is broken A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Andrea, member since returning in 1975, identifies as a compulsive overeater. Andrea's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: in & out of OA • such a fantasy person (escape) • hopeless nature of the disease • some successful diets • becoming conscious of body • being an overweight teenager • people-pleasing • being a binger • resentments • addicted, allergic, & emotionally involved • this is not a deprivation; it's a way of life • a power in this (OA) room • surrendering to the carbohydrates • relationships don't help the compulsive overeater stop • communication was hard • getting pregnant was not the answer to compulsive overeating • Big Book: "How It Works" (a), (b), (c) • self-hatred & isolation • returning to OA for good • Gray Sheet (food plans) • no carbs & no sugars: promise of physical relief • substituting the word "god" • working on gratitude & prayer • the OA fellowship A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Amy identifies as a compulsive overeater and bulimic. Amy's share from the Monday evening LGBT Meeting includes the following themes: family of compulsive overeaters • when weight first started affecting life • blaming weight & self for loss • discovering bulimia • secretly bulimic • bulimic for 20 years • adopting healthier lifestyle • bingeing • discovering OA • 2 years of abstinence • Steps leading to relief • honesty • being mindful around food • the freedom found in how OA works • pausing before reacting • regular gratitude list • Tools of Recovery • body image • fighting against the suggestion of seeing a nutritionist • courage to come to OA • fully giving & receiving love

Carter, member since 2002, identifies as a compulsive overeater and sugar addict. Carter's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: not a century person • family • eating out of garbage • vomiting • obsessed about appearance • not humiliated but humble • "I'm not special" • there are miracles yet to be had • a raging addict • cake over crack • marriage • finding OA • 1st OA meeting • sugar addict as an identity • no sugar in 15 years • cutting out certain foods is essential • conscious contact • weighing & measuring • sponsor I chose • courage, self-esteem, & humility • listening to & supporting others • the food is not the evil thing • negotiating certain foods • making phone calls • negotiating relationships A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. Note: Speaker does not identify as a century person.

Jeri, member since 2011, identifies as a compulsive overeater. Jeri's share from the Monday evening LGBT meeting includes the following themes: compulsive overeater for whole life • loneliness • salty-sweet-salty-sweet-the dog • food was my friend • popcorn & vodka • fullness & hunger: triggers • exercise bulimia • dieting • why come to OA? • not struck by abstinence • why keep coming back? • 1st sponsor • oversharing • slowly food starts to drop away • surrendering certain foods • 2 years popcorn-free • I'm human, not broken • meetings ruin eating, & I need it to do that • cultivate self-love, not skinny or perfect • benefits of dancing • done being mad at my body • acceptance of aging body

Scott, member since 2001, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Scott's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: completing graduate school • new grown-up job • OA didn't give me my life back; it gave me a life period • addiction: sacrificing the future for immediate gratification • 140-150-lbs weight-loss • 18 medical & psychiatric conditions cured by good nutrition alone • on 8 medications when entering OA at age 28 • gifts of abstinence • new edition of OA 12/12 • identifying in OA • 8 years of abstinence after 7 years in relapse • 12 Steps of OA in a nutshell • healthy selfishness • life between the ages of 4-13 • Bizarro World 12 Steps (Steps -1 thru -12) • using Tools of Recovery ("Step 0") as a newcomer • Tools helping with food; Steps helping with everything else • physical recovery (black & white) • emotional recovery (colorless) • spiritual recovery (grey) • 1 act of perfection (food) leading to thousands of forms of grey • new girlfriend: zero catastrophic thinking & very little people-pleasing A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Bobby, member since 1986, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and recovering bulimic. Bobby's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting, includes the following themes: "the college years": 9 meetings/week as newcomer • coming to OA to die • anything white, I take to (sugar, rice, bread, cocaine) • 270-280 lbs/bulimia/drinking/doing drugs: a commitment to abuse • practicing the 3rd Tradition perfectly • freedom & humility • no such thing as relapse • stick with the winners/win with the stickers • OCD • fake it 'til you make it • 1st abstinence (1st plan of eating) • acceptance & gratitude • prayer • 20 years bulimia-free • 18 years of abstinence • normal eaters can't do OA perfectly • putting on weight after injury (god's cruel joke) • free of refined carbs • prejudice over being fat • progress IS perfection • Acceptance Prayer A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Michael, member since 2010, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Michael's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: yo-yo dieter • doing a food history • losing and gaining 100 pounds 5 times • control • surrender • Steps offering hope to the hopeless • letting go of preferences • god: something greater than myself, my dieting, & my preferences • self-sufficiency didn't work • physical consequences of overeating • Step 1: acknowledging the nature of the problem • Step 2: acknowledging the solution • Step 3 • wearing the embarrassment [of overeating] • Dignity of Choice pamphlet/food plans • "the key of willingness" • being sane brings about eating like a sane person • working with a sponsor • Steps 6 & 7 • Step 12 • keep coming back A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

David, member since 1996, identifies as a compulsive overeater, food addict, and relapser. David's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: family of compulsive overeaters • alcoholism at home • diets • finding OA and leaving • returning to OA • sexual reawakening • coming out • working Steps with sponsor • 2 relapses • physical & emotional cravings • restricting to not feel • feeling feelings: what a gift • broken-hearted but not shattered • I feel my Higher Power • Step 6 • character defects: habits that don’t serve me anymore • perfection • [OA] is a life program • compassion • ask for next right action • partnering with Higher Power for courage • just do what’s in front of me Note: Speaker does not identify as a century person. A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Gini, member since 1978, identifies as a compulsive overeater, a bulimic, and an anorexic. Gini's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: incomprehensible demoralization • middle of the disease: lowest depth of misery • 1st OA meeting • maintaining current weight for over 30 years • eating out of garbage cans, stealing food, hiding food, & washing dish soap off food • dropping out of school & losing jobs • taken out of my life • no reality meter • weighing & measuring • asking for the willingness to be willing • character defects • sponsoring • daily 10th Steps • coasting versus WORKing the Steps • eating problem/living problem • perfectionism & procrastination • AA literature • opportunities to work program • helping others • meditation Note: Speaker does not identify as a century person. A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

George, member since 2005, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. George's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: Serenity Prayer • not a me program but it's a we program • acknowledgements • junk food junky • the S's • multiply addicted • can't stop • spiritual experience • from willful to willing • cunning, baffling, powerful, & persistent • relapse & relapse meeting attendance • -ISM (I Sponsored Myself) • working with new sponsor • physical addiction to sugar, wheat, & corn products • once a compulsive overeater, always a compulsive overeater • sober-abstinent • no graduations or diplomas in OA • emotional balance • fit spiritual condition A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Julie, member since 1981, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Julie's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: message to the newcomer • being a fat baby • 1st diet at age 5 • fast food • the Big Book of AA • diets/commercial weight-loss • from 98 to 200 pounds in less than 3 months • keep coming back • an inside job • relapse • couldn't stay stopped • eating out of the garbage can • follow direction • picking up the telephone • if I could be happy overweight, I would be • getting married/staying married • returning to school • retiring • moving • OA has given me a life I didn't know I wanted • I don't hate who I am • 1 day at a time A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Irene, member since 1972, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Irene's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting, includes the following themes: obese with back problems at 32 • 2 weeks without dieting turning into 2 years • never hungry/full all the time • hunger is a privilege • finding OA • dropping the debating society • going to any lengths for the first time • wanting the cravings to end • cravings caused by high-carbohydrate foods • knowledge of carb addiction giving me my life back • willing to suffer to get better • 45 years of abstinence • atheist by nature giving prayer a shot • pretend there is a god protecting you • 10th Steps giving me the courage to do a 4th Step inventory • Step 7 • humility is the healer of pain A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Margaret, member since 1998, identifies as a compulsive overeater. Margaret's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: childhood • love & unpredictable violence at home • nighttime fear eating • punished for eating too much • alcoholism • AA/sobriety • finding 12 Step help for food issues • finding OA • therapy • "re-entry anxiety" • sugar- and wheat-free • depression-free • using food as a drug • fear & phobias • leaving & returning to OA • life is blossoming • meeting attendance • service • food: the difference between having a whole life & having a half life A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. Note: Speaker does not identify as a century person

Jeri, member since 2011, identifies as a compulsive overeater. Jeri's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: always into the food • lonely kid • family/mother • restricting & over-exercising • food: a life of its own • food while raising children • 1st OA meeting • 1st outreach call received • 1st sponsor • 1st plan of eating • self-hating/shame/demoralization • no god • starting "tomorrow" • the [OA] rooms ruined the binge • keep coming back • slowly the food got easier, quieter, better • wanting the spiritual connection • images of Higher Power • using the phone & meeting attendance • can't do this alone • being willing • eating breakfast earlier in day A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. Note: Speaker does not identify as a Century person.

Ilana, member since 2008, identifies as a compulsive overeater and Century person. Ilana's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: commercial weight-loss • controlling food & body • coping with life without food • discovering 12 Step programs • gas stations • hiding food & garbage • 1st OA meeting • the Big Book of AA • learning to follow direction • diets versus the abstinence model (normal person versus the addict) • chemical dependency • 1st food history • staying stopped thru the Steps • looking at yellow light foods • getting more from 4th Step inventory than 25 years of therapy • weighing & measuring • veggies are not unlimited • the H.O.W. plan [of eating] • either working on recovery or working on relapse A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. H.O.W. = Honesty, Open-mindedness & Willingness. To learn more about H.O.W., please go here: https://how-oa.org/about/

Katie, member since 2000, identifies as a compulsive overeater and relapser. Katie's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: 3rd Tradition • the scale • teenage years • bingeing • OA in high school • 1st meeting • early recovery • pink cloud bursting • returning to OA • OA literature • last house on the block • 1st sponsor • the 12 Steps • H.O.W. 30 Questions • forgiveness • amends • Higher Power • service A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. Note: Speaker does not identify as a Century person. H.O.W. is short for Honesty, Open-Mindedness and Willingness. For more information, please go here: https://how-oa.org

Forest, member since 2014, identifies as a compulsive eater. Forest's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: childhood • religious household • control • needing to know why • being gay • health consequences of overeating • self-hatred • compulsive exercising • bulimia • feeling dead inside • accepting sugar addiction • trying OA • 1st abstinence • perfectionism • serene enough in my head • joining a bike tour • taking next right actions • showing up • family • disease is progressive/recovery is progressive A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. Note: Speaker does not identify as a Century Person

Andrea, member since 1984, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Andrea's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: still a compulsive overeater • being a 300-lber • finding OA • food liar/scammer • sometimes quickly, sometimes sloooooowly... (god's timetable) • Tradition 3 • 12th Step Within Committee (relapse/recovery) • the 11th Step Prayer • 4th Step experience • spiritual relief • Tools of Recovery • comfort in food • making myself big & making my personality small • diets/gyms/humiliation • carrying over 100 lbs • Higher Power • fellowship in OA • finding home in SF & OA • honest but not hurtful • next right action • miracles happen here A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. To learn more about 12th Step Within, please go here: https://oa.org/groupsservice-bodies/resources/twelfth-step-within/

Jacqui, member since 2010, identifies as a compulsive overeater, sugar addict, and relapser. Jacqui's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: perfection • childhood • control • learning sneaky eating • not allowed to feel feelings (stunted emotionally) • discovering alcohol • college • trading alcohol for sugar • balancing dieting/bingeing/drinking/over-exercising • pregnancy • depression • finding the world of 12 Step (AA & OA) • 1st OA meeting • using OA as another diet • relapse • a Higher Power that can work for me • asking for needs & turning over the results A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. Note: Speaker does not identify as a century person

Sean, member since 2008, identifies as a compulsive overeater, sugar addict, century person, and relapser. Sean's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: letting go of the scale • relapse • being dually diagnosed • self-judgment • 1st time eating in isolation (sneaky eating) • commercial weight-loss • judging bodies • the binge/depression cycle • unhealthy weight-loss (pride) • consequences of under-nourishment • 3 phone calls/day • journaling • the H.O.W. program • sponsorship • mentally fat • dating • speaker-guided 11th Step meditation (17:28-25:08; includes 2 stints of silence) A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. H.O.W. is short for Honesty, Open-mindedness & Willingness. For more information, please go to https://how-oa.org/about/

Gail, member since 1999, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Gail's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: fullness of life in OA • clarity • freedom from insanity in the head & self-abuse • commercial weight-loss • HP/Steps/Tools • OA literature • recruiting new members • Tools of Recovery • service is an opportunity • being shy in OA • outreach calls • putting abstinence first • looking to be soothed • returning to OA • 3-4 meetings/week • OA is my medicine • reading: Just For Today card • food was my Higher Power • prayer • Came to Believe (AA book) • morning ritual • smaller-sized clothes A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. H.O.W. is short for Honesty Open-mindedness & Willingness. For more information, please go to https://how-oa.org/about/

Peggy, member since 2007, identifies as a compulsive overeater, a relapser, and an exercise bulimic. Peggy's share from the 2018 Unity Day event includes the following themes: being a diverse OA member • OA not curing food problem • understanding that this is a disease • trying to control food • unmanageability • exercising to mitigate compulsive overeating • restricting • Higher Power leading to sanity • Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous • what turning over will means • inventorying • the Whac-A-Mole game • carrying the message to other compulsive overeaters • having a common solution

Toby, member since 1983, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Toby's share from the 2018 Unity Day event includes the following themes: enormous shift in personality & behavior • diets • finding OA • attending first 2 OA meetings • hearing the concept of powerlessness & Step 1 • discovering the problem • 1st sponsor • OA service is critical • newly abstinent & feelings coming up • working the steps • earth-shattering Step 5 experience • discovering having character defects • learning to do 10th Steps • embracing character defects • what a sponsor does • Higher Power speaking through fellows • selfishness • giving up cigarettes • first plan of eating (3 meals/day, 3 whole chickens/day) • 1st sugar-free day • current meeting attendance • the truth is hard to hear & the truth is good • no OA graduations

Trish, member since 2002, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Trish's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: keeping pain at bay • losing 100 lbs 3 times • people-pleasing • relapse • leaving and returning to OA • "the slow boat to recovery" • putting down sugar • can't do this program alone • being a part of the group • finding OA through Al-anon • fears & resentments • health issues bringing me back to OA • physical consequences of overeating • today's miracles • honesty versus vagueness • Step 5 • a lot to uncover • pretending to be confident • service A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Nora, member since 2003, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Nora's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: arthritic knees • physical pain • growing up in a food culture (Italian family) • eating all day & alone • sugar addiction • drug use • body image issues • dieting/commercial weight-loss • difficulty keeping off weight • not weighing self or owning a scale • numbing out & lacking clarity • spiritual awakening/moment of clarity/surrender • discovering OA • 1st OA meeting • 1st OA sponsor • food plan • boundaries around food • working Steps • sponsoring others • current meeting attendance • having peace of mind & good health A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Ron, member since 1988/1989, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Ron's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: growing up with alcoholics • childhood: where food addiction began • growing up with a weight-obsessed father • eating to survive • multiple addictions • feeding myself physically & emotionally • shame from father • emotional pain • not trusting others • separating from people • gaining weight • inner-blackhole • depression • loneliness • letting go of untruths • Higher Power • H.O.W. • awakening • becoming a man • having value & worth • gaining humility • freedom from compulsion from sugar & flour • dealing with stuttering issue • HP's will • empowerment A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. Note: H.O.W. is short for Honesty, Open-mindedness and Willingness. For more information, please go to https://how-oa.org/about/

Joe, member since 2016, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Joe's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: being over 450 lbs • morbid obesity • multiple addictions • relapse • feeling awkward • self-hatred • family addiction • dating • food being the solution • cutting out certain foods • taking suggestions • 1st OA meeting • the disease: cunning, baffling, powerful • happiness being the number on the scale • contemplating suicide • physical consequences of overeating • turning life over • ego • self-will • hating god • raised on religion A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Cory, member since 1992, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, bulimic, and relapser. Cory's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: H.O.W. • failing at weight loss • bulimia • diets • commercial weight loss programs • 1st OA meeting • 1st OA sponsor • meeting attendance • creating a Higher Power • losing & regaining 100 lbs • relapse • acting as if • leaving OA & returning • feelings • doing 4th Step through the Big Book • H.O.W. 4th Step "173 questions" • being judgmental • dealing with mom • aging while abstinent • program friends • 2018 OA birthday event • meditation A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. H.O.W. is short for Honesty, Open-mindedness & Willingness. For more information, go to https://how-oa.org/about/

Patricia, returning member since 2015, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Patricia's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: coming out of relapse • sponsors • god • food • exercise • clothing • meeting attendance • find someone who has what you want • listening to others • experiencing OA • weighing & measuring • eating out • Steps 1, 2, & 3 A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Jeremiah, member since 2010, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Jeremiah's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: the "Twelve Stepping a Problem" wallet card • avoidance • trust • fast food • vulnerability • consequences of overeating • numbing feelings • attending 1st meeting • sponsorship • abstinence • service • gratitude • fear A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Alison, member since 1983, identifies as an ABC, a compulsive overeater, and a relapser. Alison's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: bulimia • compulsive overeating • stealing food • competing with siblings • multiple addictions • dieting • written inventories • higher power A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. Note: Speaker does not identify as a century person.

Rebecca, member since 1997, identifies as a food addict. Rebecca's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: being of service • Higher Power • dieting • family • safety • secrets • marriage/divorce • guilt • relapse • spiritual awakening • HOW A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. Note: Speaker does not identify as a century person. H.O.W. is short for Honesty, Open-mindedness, & Willingness. For more information, check out https://how-oa.org/about/

Sima, member since 1978, identifies as a compulsive overeater, bulimic, and relapser. Sima's share from the 2017 12/12 Day event, includes the following themes: 12th Step Within • relapse • shame • fear • abstinence • bulimia • gifts of the program • love • honesty For more info on Twelfth Step Within, please check out: https://oa.org/groupsservice-bodies/resources/twelfth-step-within/

Chris, member since 2014, identifies as a bulimic, compulsive overeater, compulsive exerciser, and restricter. Chris' share from the 2017 ABC Half-Day includes the following themes: program principles • humility • growing up • family violence • need to be thin & pretty • "get good grades, make a lot of money, & look good" • abusing diets • bulimia • finding OA • 1st OA meeting • taking program more seriously • compassion for self & others • attending meetings • loss • deserving recovery • body image issues • gift of self-respect

Jeremiah, member since 2010, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Jeremiah's share from the Monday evening LGBT meeting includes the following themes: OA podcasts • childhood • trauma • food obsession • service • vulnerability • abstinence

Tom, member since 1987, identifies as an ABC, a compulsive overeater, a century person, and a relapser. Tom's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting, includes the following themes: multiple addictions • health • dating • aging • trauma A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Scott, member since 2001, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Scott's share from the 2017 Thanksgiving marathon includes the following themes: dating • plan of eating • living amends • family • service • gratitude • Thanksgiving • the 9th Step Promises

Punam, member since 2003-2004, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Punam's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: written 10th Steps • plan of eating • regular meeting attendance • physical consequences of overeating • OA: the last house on the block • fear of giving up old ways of eating • meditation A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Dominick, member since 1997, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Dominick's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: childhood • familial alcoholism • multiple addictions • overeating • dieting • morbid obesity • surrender • powerlessness • the 12 Steps • daily meeting attendance as a newcomer • sponsorship • "finance & romance" A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Rob, member since 2017, identifies as a compulsive overeater. Rob's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: multiple programs • finding OA • family addiction • trauma • shame • body image A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. Note: Speaker does not identify as a century person.

Mo H, member since 1989, identifies as a compulsive overeater, sugar addict, and relapser. Mo H's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: HOW • weighing & measuring food • Big Book of AA • dieting • family addiction • relapsing • food-induced physical illness • "Step 0: putting down the food" • the 12 Steps • written 10th Steps • playing the role of god • dealing with spouses A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. Note: Speaker does not identify as a century person. H.O.W. is short for Honesty, Open-mindedness, & Willingness. For more information, check out https://how-oa.org/about/

George, member since 2005, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. George's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: importance of newcomers • spirituality • abstinence • -ism: I Sponsored Myself • relapse • food cravings • obsession of the mind • Higher Power • emotional sobriety H.O.W. is short for Honesty, Open-mindedness, & Willingness. For more information, check out https://how-oa.org/about/

Lisa, member since 2012, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Lisa's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: morbid obesity • physical pain and illness from obesity • Higher Power • shame • isolation • Steps 2 & 3 • anger at god • surrender = "I don't know" • fear around romantic relationships H.O.W. is short for Honesty, Open-mindedness, & Willingness. For more information, check out https://how-oa.org/about/

Audry, member since 2004, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Audry's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: it gets better • what got me here • relating to OA's physical stories • food was big, family, & love • obese kid who was bullied & made fun of • culturally epic meals • food: metaphor for "I love you" • all members of immediate family in OA or have attended at least 1 meeting • anesthetizing & checking out • this is what fat girls go through • teen years & sick of being nice • addicts have extremes • using sexuality for attention • not seeing my body's value • gaining 130 pounds during 1st 2 years of sobriety • switching addictions (couldn't handle feelings) • coming to OA & knowing everything (credits don't transfer) • keep coming back saved my life • new food plan & crying over it • saying "yes" to something different • divorced & getting attention & learning not to eat over it • no sugar, flour, juice, or anything "sugar-free" • using Steps to grow up • sponsoring, praying, & attending 3 meetings/week A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Irene, member since 1972, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Irene's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: commercial weight loss programs • failed dieting • consequences of compulsive eating • century people • carbohydrate addiction • compulsive overeating • using god H.O.W. is short for Honesty, Open-mindedness, & Willingness. For more information, check out https://how-oa.org/about/

Ilana, member since 2008, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Ilana's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: Tradition 3 • defeated by dieting & having no self-will • Step 1 • surrendering certain foods AKA alcoholic foods • in the same body long term • the Unity Prayer ("I put my hand in yours...") • gas station food • not a normal eater • consequences of not dealing with overeating • Higher Power • learning to pray • sponsorship • evolving food plans • giving up gas station foods • freedom from cravings • working on quantities (weighing & measuring) • staying connected while traveling • keeping an open mind

Amanda, member since 2015, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Amanda's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: H.O.W. • food plan • family addiction • feeling different • learning how to restrict & binge • dieting & giving up dieting • 1st OA meeting • newly abstinent & the accompanying feelings • blessed with the gift of desperation • life while abstinent • when abstinent food becomes too "interesting" or "sexy" • difficult co-workers • self-care & boundaries • dealing with life instead of eating • turning it over • prayer • ending a relationship • higher power • a different way of being H.O.W. is short for Honesty, Open-mindedness, & Willingness. For more information, please go to https://how-oa.org/about/

Molly, member since 1996, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Molly's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: took a lot to ... come here/stay here/lose the weight/stay here longer • alcoholic father • eating behaviors growing up • lying about food • eating: love & stuffing the pain • miserable household • college • nutritionist & weight loss • introduction to OA lasted 3 weeks • 4th time in OA's the charm • workaholism & dating • marriage • brain tumor • having people in my life • OA saved my life & got me out of my isolation A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more.

Punam T. (Century Meeting) by OASF

Trish, member since 2002, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Trish's share from the 2016 12/12 Day event includes the following themes: relapse • Twelfth Step Within • fear • leaving the fellowship • anger • honesty • sponsors • meeting attendance • needing the fellowship For more information on Twelfth Step Within, please click here: https://oa.org/groupsservice-bodies/resources/twelfth-step-within/

Scott, member since 2001, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Scott's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: What it was like, what happened, and what it's like now • school • perfection • food cravings • Steps 1-12 H.O.W. is short for Honesty, Open-mindedness, & Willingness. For more information, check out https://how-oa.org/about/

Marlene T. (5 Years & Over Meeting) by OASF

Carol, member since 1986, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Carol's share from the 2014 Thanksgiving Marathon includes the following themes: gratitude • not wanting to go to OA • defining abstinence • relapse • H.O.W. • needing black and whiteness with food • screwing around with food • Tools of Recovery • written 10th Steps • abstaining from flour & sugar • eliminating cravings • good nutrition • cooking 3 times/day • vegetables • Step 11: prayer & meditation • sitting with feelings • not about the food • willing to be uncomfortable H.O.W. is short for Honesty, Open-mindedness and Willingness. For more information, please go to https://how-oa.org/about/

Heather, member since 2004, identifies as compulsive overeater. Heather's share from the 2014 Thanksgiving Marathon includes the following themes: abstinence during the holidays • character defects versus character assets • courage • finding gifts from god • compassion • feeling uncomfortable • love

Tom A. (Unity Day, 2014) by OASF

Audry W. (Unity Day, 2014) by OASF

Mace, member since 1998/1999, identifies as a compulsive overeater. Mace's share from the 2014 Unity Day event includes the following themes: unity • spiritual unity • being judgmental • societal messages • higher power

Scott, member since 2001, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Scott's share from the 2012 12/12 Day event includes the following themes: relapse • denial • don't quit before the miracle happens • forgiveness • Step 4 • Step 5 • Step 6 • Step 7 • Step 10 • Step 11 • gifts of the program For more info on Twelfth Step Within, please click here: https://oa.org/groupsservice-bodies/resources/twelfth-step-within/

Elias, member since 1977, identifies as a compulsive overeater. Elias' share from the Friday evening Lifeboat meeting includes the following themes: attending 1st meeting • feeling less than/more than • OA role models • Big Book of AA • regular meeting attendance • disease of the mind and body • guilt/shame/remorse • higher power

Brynn, member since 2008, identifies as a compulsive overeater, anorexic, and bulimic. Brynn's share from the old Friday evening Lifeboat Meeting includes the following themes: compulsive exercising • anorexia • masking the disease • shame & hatred • 1st OA meeting • 1st OA sponsor • solution is in the plan • patience • "Why?" is not a spiritual question • pausing • affirmations & facts • taking baby steps

Peggy, member since 2007, identifies as a compulsive overeater, an ABC, a century person, and a relapser. Peggy's share from the Friday evening Lifeboat Meeting includes the following themes: compulsive exercising • restricting • fear • dieting • consequences of the disease • abstinence • ABC meetings • control • surrender • family • next right action • finances

George, member since 2005, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. George's share from the old Friday evening Lifeboat Meeting includes the following themes: Rozanne S. & Bill W. • an incurable disease • multiple addictions • feeling out of control • knowledge & awareness: not enough • admit/accept/ask for help/action • doing god's will • consumed with self • defining abstinence • coming for the vanity & staying for the sanity • spiritual development • working the steps

Jennifer, member since 2009, identifies as a compulsive overeater, an anorexic, and an exercise bulimic. Jennifer's share from the old Friday evening Lifeboat Meeting includes the following themes: low self-esteem • seeking outside approval • body image issues • anorexia • consequences of compulsive exercising • college life • family issues • finding OA • finding a sponsor • first plan of eating • writing about feelings • first Higher Power • benefits of using the telephone tool • being nice to my body • dating • multiple addictions • losing abstinence • redefining Higher Power • the 12 Steps • the Promises • taking action • no longer fearing food

Amy, member since 1982, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Amy's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: breaking chairs • doing what I was told [in OA] • maintaining weight loss • therapy • coming from a loud, argumentative family • childhood & processed foods • eating works • addict parents • recovering parent • drugs & alcohol • gender confusion • bottoming out • living a double life • treatment center for overeating • [this condition] is not my fault • plan of eating • growing up in OA • getting clean & sober • drifting away from OA • being carbohydrate-sensitive • abstaining from carbs: felt free, quieted crazy voice, stabilized weight • stable food & life • depending on other people/finding dependable people H.O.W. is short for Honesty, Open-mindedness, & Willingness. For more information, check out https://how-oa.org/about/

Maria C. (Lifeboat Meeting) by OASF

Jen, member since 2009, identifies as a compulsive overeater. Jen's share from the old Friday evening Lifeboat Meeting includes the following themes: returning to OA • powerlessness • doing steps in OA versus AA • multiple addictions • when the food calls • abstinence through new marriage & honeymoon • restricting • sponsors • willingness

Mary Kate, member since 2009, identifies as a compulsive overeater and restricter. Mary Kate's share from the old Friday evening Lifeboat Meeting includes the following themes: being a latchkey kid • addict parents • getting teased for being different • alcoholism • learning to check out • eating: "the good-girl addiction" • eating: a way to be an addict without getting in trouble • different relationship with food • food/eating secrets • pretending to get food for others • eating out of the garbage • eating burnt food • sad for having this disease • attending meetings and working a program • the 12 Steps getting us organized • not showing up to life • cleaning up the wreckage of the past • feeling safe in OA • looking for people in OA who have what you want • resentful at needing to eat & having food issues • gift of being an overeater • challenge of showing up to life • arrested development • redefining Higher Power • using the Tools of Recovery • showing up & doing the work to get the gifts

Mike M. (Century Meeting) by OASF

Susie P. (Century Meeting) by OASF

Bill, member since 1998, identifies as a compulsive overeater and century person. Bill's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: relief from several medical conditions • alcoholism • 1st wife • trading alcohol for food • suicidal depression • finding the 12 Steps of AA • discovering prayer • miraculous changes • diets • finding OA • losing & regaining weight • recommitting to OA • OA 6 days a week • exercise • the Tools of Recovery • writing • sponsorship • effort leading to results

Ilana S. (Century Meeting) by OASF

Scott D. (Century Meeting) by OASF

Nancy R. (Lifeboat Meeting) by OASF

Carol C. (Century Meeting) by OASF

Lynda, member since 1985, identifies as a compulsive overeater, century person, and relapser. Lynda's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes: battle scars • alcoholic foods • dishonesty & telling the truth • lying in recovery • food plan that's possible • physical consequences of overeating • hopelessness at top weight • the Big Book of AA • relapse • humility/Step 7 • the act of surrendering & admitting complete defeat • self-esteem • Higher Power • no reasons to compulsively overeat, only excuses • sitting on the pity pot aka stinking thinking • it's far more agonizing to live unloved by myself than by other people • forgiving self • disease will win if not taken seriously • be god or be-lieve in god • gorgeous gratitude • I can't/god can/I think I'll let him (Steps 1/2/3) H.O.W. is short for Honesty, Open-mindedness, & Willingness. For more information, check out https://how-oa.org/about/

Leslie A. (Lifeboat Meeting) by OASF

Stephanie, member since 2007, identifies as a compulsive overeater and bulimic. Stephanie's share from the old Friday evening Lifeboat Meeting includes the following themes: relationship to food • discovering purging • trying to control the disease • god • having a spiritual malady • sponsorship • consequences of self-will • lacking clarity • working the 12 steps • fear • finding a Higher Power through suffering • working with others • being of service to newcomers • freedom Includes readings from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

Shirley S. (Century Meeting) by OASF

Marilyn N. (Century Meeting) by OASF

Louis Q. (Lifeboat Meeting) by OASF

Val T. (Unity Day, 2011) by OASF

Sean/Michelle/Selma (Unity Day, 2011 - Panel 2) by OASF

Robert/Mary/Leslie (Unity Day, 2011 - Panel 1) by OASF

Dana H. (Unity Day, 2011) by OASF

Richard, member since 1987, identifies as a real compulsive overeater. Richard's share from the 2011 Unity Day event includes the following themes: good to be anywhere • Step 1: the problem; Tradition 1: the solution • Traditions are about unity & anonymity • having humility • nervous breakdowns, panic attacks, & anger at goal weight pre-OA • learning of OA & attending 1st meeting • wanting to eat & relax • physically abusive father • becoming alcoholic in high school • college • LSD & weight loss • fear & isolation produces depression • self-knowledge avails us nothing • OA is the antidote to fear & isolation • anger, resentment, & fear • relapse & 110-pound weight gain • doing what's uncomfortable is how to recover • this is about the food (food plan) & it's not about the food (unity) • OA is not comfortable or convenient

Rick A. (Century Meeting) by OASF

Gabrielle O. (Century Meeting) by OASF

Ge B. (Lifeboat Meeting) by OASF

Jenny K. (Lifeboat Meeting) by OASF

Joe D. (Century Meeting) by OASF

Allison W. (Lifeboat Meeting) by OASF

Fernando R. (Century Meeting) by OASF

Grecia H. (Lifeboat Meeting) by OASF

Joan S. (There Is A Solution Event, 2010 - Part 2 Of 2) by OASF

Joan S. (There Is A Solution Event, 2010 - Part 1 Of 2) by OASF

Alison M. (Century Meeting) by OASF

Lynn E. (Century Meeting) by OASF

Sam, member since 1986, identifies as a compulsive overeater, a century person, and an alcoholic.  Sam's share from the Tuesday evening Century Meeting includes the following themes:  pitiful & incomprehensible demoralization • diet & goal weight for 1 day • realizing thin didn't equate to well • 300+ pounds • relationship with food, not people or pets • 1st OA meeting (little talk about food ) • the F-word:  feelings • a starter, not a finisher • a big boy, not a grown man • out of touch with reality • newcomers:  let us carry you until you can carry yourself • gift of sponsorship • feel the fear & do it anyway • god during divorce & new marriage A century person is an individual who has lost or needs to lose 100 pounds or more. 

Timnah S. (Century Meeting) by OASF

Carmen M. (LGBT Meeting) by OASF

Katy H. (Century Meeting) by OASF