FA and Sleep Apnea
The free 12-Step program of Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) helps sleep apnea sufferers lose weight and reduce symptoms
Sleep apnea is a relatively common disorder in which people experience disrupted breathing while they are sleeping. Not only can excess weight cause sleep apnea, but it can worsen these symptoms for those who are obese.
Weight loss may help reduce obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. If you are overweight and have been having trouble controlling your weight, FA may be for you.
90% of people who suffered from respiratory issues prior to coming to FA found that their symptoms improved after losing weight.
Relief for sleep apnea after losing weight in FA:
"After losing over 200 pounds, I no longer have sleep apnea."
Ten years ago, I reached a point where I was about ready to say to hell with it and eat what I wanted if it killed me, so be it. My doctor had assured me that it would kill me if I continued on the path I was on.
A counselor suggested that I go to a meeting of FA. I liked what I heard and was able to lose a few pounds. Twenty months later, I had lost over 200 pounds.
I no longer have sleep apnea. After doing what FA tells me to do every day for nine years, I have maintained my weight. What I do each day is a simple plan and is really a small price to pay for the great life I have today.
"With sleep, everything got better."
At 213.5 pounds and growing, my insomnia due to sleep apnea and my health were getting worse. I was not prepared to die or to leave behind my two little children.
After a few days of abstinence in FA, I started sleeping. With sleep, everything got better. My body has shrunk, hope has grown, and what I had believed to be impossible became a reality.
"I lost 70 pounds and turned a corner with my sleeping."
I always slept poorly. I’d wake up unable to fall back to sleep. I’d reluctantly get up, always feeling sleep-deprived.
I started working the FA program over three years ago. I was 204 pounds and ate all the time. By committing to the FA food plan and doing all of my tools daily, I am enjoying a 70-pound weight loss, and I have turned a corner with my sleep apnea. I consistently sleep six or more hours every night.
"I thought I'd be dead by 60."
At 45 years old chronologically, my body felt much older than that. I weighed 277 pounds and had every possible complication of obesity. I had been a Type 2 diabetic for eight years, had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, arthritis in all of my joints, fluid retention in my legs, and reflux. The arches in my feet were flattening out because of the weight on them, and I was on 14 different medications to keep me as healthy as a morbidly obese person could be. I knew that I would be dead by the time I was 60.
After losing 119 pounds, I am now maintaining my weight, which I have never been able to say before. I have a peace and serenity that I never experienced before, and every waking moment is not consumed with food. My blood sugar and blood pressure are now normal. I was able to discontinue taking many of my medications and I no longer have pain with every step I take. And I sleep through the night! I have lots of energy to keep up with my grandchildren now.
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Find out more about how FA works and learn what steps to take to get started.
Resources for those suffering from weight-related Sleep Apnea
- What is FA?
- Am I a Food Addict?
- Find a FA Meeting
- Learn How to Get Started in FA
- Read More Stories of Recovery