Expert: Joanne - 2/22/2008

Question
i had a minor case of anorexia for about 6 months where i was 5'7 and weighed in at about 118 lbs (very light for me who was once 150) most of the weight i lost was muscle anyway because i have always been active and athletic...anyway, i have noticed upon recovery i am ALWAYS bloated, have gas, and constipated...my bowels have become very inconsistent...i am used to going to the bathroom everyday... a couple of questions? is this normal? if so how long does it take to get regular again? is it because i am still not eating enough that is causing the bloating? i drink lots of water, have a low sodium intake, and i am eating better...i am up to 130lbs? what do you think the cause of this is and what can i do about it? thank you!!  

Answer
Cristina

It is possible that these digestion problems are just your body struggling to deal with the increased intake in food.  For a few months, your digestive system has not had to work too hard as it has not had much to process, but now it is having to work harder and may just be struggling to cope with that.

I can't give you a time frame as to how long until it improves, but in the meantime, avoid eating too many pulses, fizzy drinks, chewing gum and hard candy (you swallow a lot of air when eating the latter 2).  Try to eat as much fibre as possible.

I can't comment on whether or not it is due to you not eating enough as I am not aware of your daily diet.

I think that this may be worth a check up with your family Dr though just to make sure that there isn't another reason for this.  It may also be worth asking for some counselling while you are there if you are not already getting some, as eating disorders can be hard to beat on your own.

Joanne