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Anorexia/Eating Disorders/weight flucuations recovering anorexic

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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

jeannie Rust, PhD
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

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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