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Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Purging and water rentention?
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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.
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!
Keep in touch and I'll help if I can!!
Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol Recovery Programs
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
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Answers by Expert:
Jeanne Rust, PhD
Expertise
I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.
Experience
I have 25 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
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