Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 12/3/2009

Question
QUESTION: I was an anorexic for 4 months and I want to go through self recovery. I didn't go severely underweight, my lowest was 121 lbs for 17 yrs old girl, medium frame and 5"5'. I decided to raise my intake till I reach 1850 cals(my maintenance) and I raised from 400 cals a day to 650 for 3 days and then increased to 750 for another two and I have been on 950 for another 3 days now. Problem is I am gaining weight so quickly which makes me want to restrict again. Am I upping too fast? I don't want to gain weight and if I gain will I lose it again? How long will it take to lose it? Should I raise my calories by higher amounts or faster? I am confused and desperate it seems like my weight is inching up from 121 to 125(I am now) and I want to return to 121. What should I do?
Thank you

PS. I can't tell anyone not even a nutrionist r my parents.

ANSWER: Dear Nano,

Tell me -- do you have an eating disorder?  What does your heart tell you about this? r  If you want to add calories, I would do it slowly -- maybe 300-400 a week.  The best thing would be for you to find a good dietitian who can help you with an appropriate meal plan for your height, weight, metabolism, made up of healthy foods that you like!

Remember to take everything very slowly -- it's like taking baby steps!!

Let me know how you do!!

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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your compassion about this. I know I have an ED and perhaps that's why I want to recover. Problem is I am still underage so I can't go to a nutritionist alone. Actually since I sent you the email I had been on an online forum and been advised to immediately raise my calories to 1200 at least and then to 1500. I did do so till I reached 1350 today. My weight has been increasing by drastic amounts before I did so (10 pounds in a week) so I said "What's there to lose? It actually may help". I don't even think its fat weight right? Water weight most probably since I am bloated and retaining water so much that I took a water pill today, which is sth I never do. I also feel overstuffed but sometimes I feel ravenous so may be me metabolism is repairing itself? I could never tell my parents, it would kill them and they'll just hospitalise me and feed me through a feeding tube(they tend to go overboard). I am sorry if I am ranting but I don't know what to do now. Thank you.

Answer
Dear Nano,

Most parents know that something's wrong with their daughter -- they just don't know what!!  Maybe you can find a nutritionist online??  There are many!

Please don't start on the diuretics -- if you get dependent on those, it's just another form of bulimia!  Keep going on the forums -- they are really helpful.  I don't mind if you email me and ask me about things -- increasing your calories is terrific.  Just go slowly -- baby steps!  That way you can keep up with the weight gain psychologically!

You're quite right in that you're retaining water -- just be prepared to feel really full for awhile -- your metabolism will be repaired and your weight gain will normalize.  Your little body is just saying right now, I'm so glad I'm not being starved!

Warmly,
Jeannie