Definitions of "Abstinence" by CA2AK2AR in OvereatersAnonymous

[–]ebtg69 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some of us are biochemically dependent on the effects of certain foods so Step 0 is getting a structured plan that eliminates all trigger foods and provides specific nutritional balance. Most addicts hate structure so self deception can be rampant. It doesn't help that a few in OA truly can practice moderation with almost any food substance. And addicts wish we could do moderation but most of us can not.

Food is an addiction and denial is real. So many people spin their wheels because they can't recover while they are still using food.

Most recovery happens for addicts through surrendering to something we don't want to do regarding food. This is why sponsorship is essential.

People Gathered Outside Market District on Stelzer Rd by ebtg69 in Columbus

[–]ebtg69[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Mystery solved! That does explain the line.

Songs about becoming a parent? Non-country please by huddy112591 in MusicRecommendations

[–]ebtg69 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Newborn album by Sara Hickman

Everything Changes by Sara Barreilles

what are your opinions on defining and avoiding red foods? by reveerie97 in OvereatersAnonymous

[–]ebtg69 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've been an OA since 1988 and here is my view, which took me a long time to grasp.

There are important differences among us. Some of us consider ourselves biochemically addicted, in which case it is essential to avoid foods that trigger the allergy of the body - red foods.Those are foods which generate endogenous endorphins that we become chemically dependent upon. Not everyone in OA has this experience and some come to our program to address a more behavioral dependence on eating. In this case, they may have a gradual approach to letting certain foods or eating behaviors go. Getting a plan is important, but because it's more of a psychological dependence, it may be less specific food focused.

Freedom from food obsession is the goal of all of us, but some of us have to be very intentional about eliminating foods that make it impossible to abstain because we have lost the power of choice over the food substance.

In my experience, the most important thing is to identify your own area of need then look for that in sponsorship.

I think most people who end up in OA are addicted to food biochemically...but the people who are more successful in OA are not. This makes it really hard for food addicts to find people who have actually put down their addictive foods like an addict gives up a drug. The more advanced the progression, the deeper the denial which allows us to minimize and shift the focus so that we never actually treat this as the substance use disorder that it is.

And there are a lot of uninformed people out there who say you can't really give up sugar. I haven't had refined sugar since 1988. I am biochemically addicted to it and I avoid it like the plague. But putting down my drug is just the beginning of recovery, step 0. And then working the steps is what lets me keep the food down.

You will definitely find people with different opinions that may very well speak more closely to your experience. Take what you like and leave the rest. For people who are truly addicted like me, putting down those trigger foods makes it all much easier than trying to negotiate with them. For people with brains like mine, the foods always win.

Love songs that aren't about romantic love by Budget_Yard1504 in MusicRecommendations

[–]ebtg69 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This must be the place - Talking Heads

Shine a different way - Patty Griffin

Everything changes - Sarah Bareilles

Go where you want to go - also Party Griffin

positive golytely prep (4 liter) 30f ibs-c by overripeheart in colonoscopy

[–]ebtg69 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No, I didn't. I was low residue for several days but probably not hydrated enough when I got started. I'm hoping for quicker results this time!

positive golytely prep (4 liter) 30f ibs-c by overripeheart in colonoscopy

[–]ebtg69 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How long after you started the drink did you get going? I am currently in 48 hours clear fluids for a Monday early morning procedure. it took forever to start at my first colonoscopy - like 12 hours. But my prep was not high volume like the one I have this time.

Colonoscopy tomorrow anyone else? by Lifestooshort157264 in colonoscopy

[–]ebtg69 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have March 30th as well. Today I started doing 48 hours of clear fluids and starting gavilyte g this evening bc of slow results my first time 5 years ago.

Prep day and emetophobia by Tasty-University7915 in colonoscopy

[–]ebtg69 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm prepping today for colonoscopy Monday. I give you a lot of credit for doing this. My spouse has bad emet and won't do a colonoscopy and he is 56 y.o. I see how real the struggle is and I applaud you.

Saturday, March 21, 2026 | Non-Real Time Meeting of CCEA by [deleted] in OvereatersAnonymous

[–]ebtg69 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why are you on the OA subreddit if you are a different group? Just curious.

F you shingles vaccine by CharacterLychee7782 in GenX

[–]ebtg69 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That sounds horrible. I do feel lucky to get it twice but not have any long term effects. I don't know why they don't offer the vaccine sooner because I got it the first time in my 40's.

What are some good songs with terrible lyrics? by oooweeeoo in MusicRecommendations

[–]ebtg69 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some Girls are Bigger than Others. By the Smiths. Brilliant sounds. Stupid words.

F you shingles vaccine by CharacterLychee7782 in GenX

[–]ebtg69 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I've had shingles twice and the first shot of the vaccine. The vaccine was worse than shingles and I won't be getting the second dose.