Anorexia/Eating Disorders/weight gain

Advertisement

Expert: Joanna Lhulier, Psy.D. - 7/19/2008


Question
Hi I had a rough time and stopped eating for 3 weeks, in that time i lost 19lbs approx and got down to 106lbs at 5foot7. Now I have gained about 6/7 lbs in a week. I think thats way too much, way too quick but I am trying to eat healthy and exercise.

It feels like I have gone from anorexic behaviour and thoughts and feelings to almost wanting to binge. I havent really found eating again that hard which i thought i would. I think my body is jsut relieved. Somedays i think i want to go back to the restricting but i just tell myself its not an option. therefore, seings as ive found it so easy, i would not say I have or had anorexia, but just a rough patch.

Would you say I have gained weight too quickly?
and is it normal to have urges to just stuff myself with cakes etc. till i am sick. I feel like thats what i want to do all the time. My dad said its because my body is trying to make up for what it lost, is this correct?
Im scared im going to never stop gaining weight again :( because im just getting so close to my goal weight, i only need to gain about 8lbs.
Im seeing dietician soon but it could be a while yet i dont know :S
will my body stop gaining weight soon? help!!!
and what could i have with porridge to make it sweet instead of sugar?
thankyou so much Natalie

Answer
Hi Natalie-
I am sorry to hear about the hard time you had.   What you decribe about going from not eating to binging is unfortunately not that uncommon.  Your dad is sort of right in that your body felt starved when you were not eating so, now that you are it wants as much as it can get in order to store up some reserve in case it is starved again.  I would not say you have gained weight too quickly, you actually lost it too quickly.  I understand you are worried about gaining too much too quickly, I think a dietician can help.  Also, keep in mind, as your body is trying to adjust it will go up and down until it balances.  

Natalie, I think you should consider seeing a therapist to help you deal with the thoughts and feelings related to the ED and the trouble you had several weeks agao.  I know this may seem to feel like too much, but I think you will be surprised as to how helpful it can be.

I wish you the best of luck.  Take Care.
Dr. Joanna Lhulier

Anorexia/Eating Disorders

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.