When I was a senior in high school, I heard about a Twelve-Step program for people who felt they needed help with food issues. I was tired of not succeeding with diets. I was tired of dreaming of the day I would be all grown up, have a family, and finally have the time to deal with my weight.

I had been affected by food from a young age. When I was small, I remember sneaking it even though it was free for the taking in my house. If someone entered the room while I was eating, I tried to hide it. I often lied about having already eaten at my grandmother’s house when my mother offered me dinner at home. I wanted more.

I matured early and was bigger than most of my friends. I felt really awkward in my body. I always felt too big. Although my friends and mother told me I looked good, even beautiful, I felt fat and overweight.

Classmates sometimes made comments about my weight. My weight and my dislike of myself robbed me of many things. I really wanted a boyfriend but didn’t have one. I couldn’t dress the way I wanted to and felt depressed when shopping for clothes with friends.I always wanted to go to the food court afterwards.

My first thought when asked to go swimming was how could I keep my body from being noticed by boys. I always wore a big shirt or left a towel by the edge of the water so I could cover myself with it immediately. Even though I longed to wear a colorful, two-piece suit, I only wore black.

Today I no longer flinch when seeing my reflection in the mirror. I went to my senior prom thin and happy. In college, I continued to weigh and measure my food in the dorm cafeteria. My friends accepted this, and some even thought it was cool.

Now I have my own apartment and continue to keep my weight off. I have lots of nice friendships today. I enjoy dating and shopping, and I have a healthy vision of myself. I like myself and no longer feel strange saying that. Life is fun! I’m glad I did not have to let too many more years go by before joining this program and letting it change my life.