AllExperts > Anorexia/Eating Disorders 
Search      
Anorexia/Eating Disorders
Volunteer
Answers to thousands of questions
 Home · More Anorexia/Eating Disorders Questions · Answer Library  · Encyclopedia ·
More Anorexia/Eating Disorders Answers
Question Library

Ask a question about Anorexia/Eating Disorders
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login

Awards

About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer

 
 
 
 
About Jeanne 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

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Health/Fitness > Eating Disorders > Anorexia/Eating Disorders > weight flucuations recovering anorexic

Anorexia/Eating Disorders - weight flucuations recovering anorexic


Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 11/2/2009

Question
Hi,

I am a recovering anorexic and have just started eating normally about three months ago. I am really confused/scared about my weight. In the first week it went up 5 pounds immediately and stayed for two weeks and then dropped back down to where it was for another 2/3 weeks. Then it I ate a bunch of dairy  got really bloated and it shot up back 5 pounds and has stayed here for about a month. I just got in the scale and it was up another ten pounds, although my clothes fit the same.This is way higher than it was before I started restricting. I used to be a 4/6 when I was restricting, now a 6/8. Anyway, I am wondering when my weight will stabilize, or if it will keep going up. I would really like to be where I was before I started restricting and screwing things up, which was healthy for me. I am just tired of the flucuations and emotional upheaval it causes me.

PS-I work out 4-6 days a week, for 45min and do strength training

What do you think?

Thanks,

Alissa

Answer
Dear Alissa,

Your workout schedule sounds good -- I can tell that this part of the recovery process for you is very difficult.  This is the hard part -- and I mean really hard!

I get so many letters from people who are in exactly the same stage of recovery that you're in -- and the only thing I can say is just to hang on -- whatever you do, don't go back to ANY eating disorder behaviors.  You've come this far!  Your weight will level out -- it can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months or sometimes even longer depending upon the person's body and metabolism.

This part is one of the unfortunate consequences of having an eating disorder -- right now your body is repairing itself, so stick with it.  Use a lot of positive affirmations right now to keep yourself centered.

Feel free to write when you don't feel centered.  Let me know how you do!

Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
888-520-1700

Add to this Answer   Ask a Question


 
User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright  © 2008 About, Inc. AllExperts, AllExperts.com, and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. All rights reserved.