AboutJeanne Rust, PhD Expertise I can answer any questions in the field of eating disorders
Experience I have 20 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.
Education/Credentials Northwestern University -- BA
Masters in Counseling
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute
Question I am 17 years old with anorexia (purging subtype). I entered recovery and gained the weight I needed in order to be healthy. However, I still binge and purge. For the last four months I have been purging every day (at least three times). I have not purged in four days, but I am four pounds heavier than I was then! I feel extremely puffy and bloated. Could this be water retention? What can I do to lessen it? How long will it take for it to go away? At the moment, I really want to go back to purging because I can't stand feeling this way.
I do see a psychiatrist/therapist/nutritionist and they are working with me but are currently out of town.
Answer Dear Taylor,
Congratulations! You are doing all of the right things -- therapist, nutritionist -- and recovering!
What happens when a person stops purging is that they are bloated and are retaining fluids. This is the hardest part of recovery -- getting through the place where you're feeling sick and bloated. It really feels terrible! Eat a lot of fiber right now --it'll help quite a lot!
It can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks for the feeling to pass. What will happen is that your metabolism will speed up as you progress in recovery and your body will normalize. It's hard to believe when you're feeling so gross -- but keep on doing what you're doing!
