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Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Anorexia "recovery"
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Question
Hello, I have had anorexia for about 1.5 years, and I want to sort of recover. I want to increase my calorie intake, but NOT gain weight. I have only been eating 100 or less calories a day for a while, and was wondering how many I could begin to eat without gaining weight. Also, would upping intake by 100 every week or two cause weight gain?
Any meal plan ideas would also be helpful.
Also, I have bad constipation, "bloating", and gas that makes my stomach feel very uncomfortable. It feels very full and SOMETIMES a little hard to breathe, so I don't want to/can't eat How can I fix this?
Thanks for your time :)
Hi Lilly-
When you said "sort of recover" I was a little confused. As I continued reading, I got a better idea of what you meant. I am sorry to say that I do not think I can provide you the answers you are looking for. Unfortunately, gaining weight is part of the recovery process.
Based on what you said Lilly, I am concerned about your physical and emotional health, and strongly recommend that you see a doctor to make sure your body is managing ok. A gastroenterologist might be able to help with the bloating/gas problem. A nutritionist would be the best person to consult for a meal plan. A psychologist or therapist will help you deal with the emotional struggles involved in recovery.
I really hope that you find a way to follow up with some professionals. Take Care,
Dr. Joanna Lhulier
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Answers by Expert:
Joanna Lhulier, Psy.D.
Expertise
I can answer several different types of questions about eating disorders, and how to deal with them. I can help figure out how to determine whether an individual needs professional help; how to choose what type of treatment may be most effective (i.e. therapist, nutritionist, psychiatrist or combination). I can give information about what a person can do to avoid relapse which would include an explanation regarding how to identify and avoid triggers and give ideas about where to get help in person and online. I can also give advice to concerned family members or friends. Perhaps most importantly, I can help increase self-understanding and acceptance.
Experience
I have been in private practice for seven years. My specialty is working with individuals struggling with eating disorders and/or body image issues. I work with individuals, couples, and families.
Organizations
The American Psychological Association
Eating Disorders Hope
Division 39 of APA (Psychoanalytic Psychology)
Publications
I have published a paper about training in the Psychoanalytic Psychology journal which is sponsored by the American Psychological Association. My writing and presentation interests include exploring topics such as loneliness, the learning process, and the benefits of mindfulness meditation.
Education/Credentials
I have earned a doctorate in Professional Psychology from the George Washington University (2001). I obtained my Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University (1997).
Awards and Honors
I serve as a member of the Clinical Supervisory Faculty for The George Washington University's Professional Psychology Doctoral Program. I am also an adjunct professor in Argosy University's Professional Psychology Doctoral Program.
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