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Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Getting over laxative abuse

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Expert: Melissa - 1/23/2009


Question
I struggled with mis-using laxatives off and on for about 2 years, and used them every day for 8 months straight. I have been trying to stop using them completely for about 4 months. Im having a hard time sticking to it because I can barely have a bowel movement on my own. Im eating a healthy diet with normal calories but still nothing. I look pregnant sometimes from being to full of waste(gross Im sorry). I get enough fibe, take probiotics and drink a lot of water what else can I do???

Answer
Try taking the maximum recommended dosage of metamucil, incoorperate bran cereal into your diet cause you will need tons of fiber, and try taking 1000mg of magnesium a day and 1000 mg of pantholentic acid.
Most importantly try to be patient. It will take a week or two for your bowel movements to be normalized. Remember, you didn't get dependent on laxatives over-night and you won't regulate over-night either.
Good luck.
Melissa

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Melissa

Expertise

I battled anorexia and bulimia for 6 years. I am not a doctor, but I learned a lot about the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of having an eating disorder and how scary it is to feel like you are alone in your illness. You are not alone. I can answer questions based on my experience with anything relating to anorexia and/or bulimia. I can provide information on treatment options, some specific treatment centers, resources that may help you find a treatment center, and my opinion on all of the above. I was a patient at a few outpatient and inpatient programs so I am happy to answer questions about those experiences. I am not affiliated with any of the resources I may provide. It’s strictly my opinion based on my experiences. I can NOT answer medical questions. I will NOT answer questions on how to become anorexic or bulimic or how to lose weight in an unhealthy matter.

Experience

I have recovered from a six year struggle with both anorexia and bulimia. I hope my experiences and the time I spent in and out of treatment will encourage others to never give up. I never thought I would or could recover because I couldn’t picture myself ever having a normal relationship with food. Since then, I have grown and learned that I can overcome what I once thought was impossible. Hold on to the idea that recovery is attainable!

Education/Credentials
I am attending college for an unrelated degree.

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