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Hi Dr Rust,
I was looking into different residential treatment places and I noticed that Mirasol has a BMI cutoff of 15. Right now my BMI is right on the border- about 15.2 at its lowest, 15.9 at its highest. When you say the BMI has to be above 15, do you mean it has to be above 15.0 or out of the 15's completely? In other words, is 15.1 still technically okay for admission? Also, I heard on youtube from several people who went to mirasol and loved it, but mentioned that they lost a few pounds the first couple of days and then regained it. In my situation, losing a few pounds could potentially put me at a 14.9 BMI or so. If that were to happen after I got to Mirasol, would I get kicked out or would the nutritionist work with me to bring my BMI back above 15? Thanks for your help! I just don't want to sign up to go to Mirasol and end up in a hospital- I'm 20 so I am technically an adult, but I still worry about things like that. Thanks so much!
Dear Becky,
You're at the perfect weight to come to Mirasol! You would not get kicked out at all! Weight gain at Mirasol is slow -- 1-2 pounds a week. We don't believe in fattening people up by feeding them 3000-4000 calories a day. A person can't keep up with that kind of weight gain psychologically!
The program at Mirasol is gentle and respectful. People who come here love it and they get well!
Please give me a call -- my direct line is 520-615-9311. I'd love to talk with you!
Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol Recovery Centers
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
888-520-1700
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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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