Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 12/31/2009

Question
QUESTION: ive been trying to recovery by myself for about a month and a half now and coming across this site was great, reading other peoples stories and not feeling so alone. i was made to eat more when i got my wisdom teeth out and the dentist said my heart rate was very low im 5'6 and at that time weighed 46 kilos. i was forced to eat for 2 weeks by my mum and i gained to about 50 or so kilos. then i had to continue eating on my own and i was ok with it i was feeling better emotionally etc but i would get scared every few days or so and fast then after losing a bit of weight go back to eating which was really bingeing everyday and i would gain the weight back. i dont count my calories when i eat otherwise it will just trigger self loathing and restricting but i think its around 2000 maybe more. ive abused laxatives for about 2 years now and i was taking about 20 a day 30 - 40 on more indulgent days and i am trying to ween off them, i managed to get down to 12 a day but i am petrifed of giving up completely because of the constipation and bloating and weight gain and the fact i am bingeing every day i dont want my stomach to become the size of a planet i really wouldnt be able to deal with that and it would put me back into very sever depression. anyway the last two days i went a bit over board due to christmas and feel and look like i have gained 5 kilos i desperatly want to fast and lose the weight and get my normal sized stomach back but what will it do to my metabolisum? also i am a bit of a lazy person when it comes to exercise i do alot of crunches and stretches everyday but when it comes to cardio type stuff i am just down right lazy. should i be doing exercise? and if so how much? when i gained to 52 kilos i was very happy with my body etc but then i gained more which has made me depressed and desperate to lose it. i am also scared shitless of what people think of me therefore gaining weight and eating in front of people is extremely hard to deal with mentally. anyway i think i am about 54-55 kilos maybe more and i want to lose 2 kilos and then maintain that weight but how can i do this? also was i gaining weight to quickly? all the weight i gained seem to distribute pretty well is this normal? before i had my wisdom teeth removed i lost weight by fasting for a week then bingeing for a day or to then fasting again so i wasnt really consuming any calories most of the time. would this be why i gained the weight so fast? also i havnt had my period for over 3 months. sorry for the huge blab and if its really confusing but i need help from someone who knows about all this. thankyou so much :)

ANSWER: Dear Jessica,

Oh, Boy!  You've gotten yourself into quite a state!

You have an eating disorder -- and potentially a fairly severe one.  You're metabolism is slowing down and your poor little body is really getting battered!

The very best thing for you to do is to find a therapist who specializes in eating disorders.  Also a good nutritionist is essential to help you stabilize your weight.

Laxatives can be very damaging and they are very difficult to stop.  Just start cutting down -- maybe 3 a week -- this should let your body recover somewhat.  YOu will still feel constipated and bloated.  That is just a part of the process of healing.  You can eat lots and lots of fiber -- lots of apples, oranges, etc.  That will help tremendously.  Your therapist can also make a lot of really good suggestions for you.

Let me know how you do!!

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

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

QUESTION: thankyou so much for answering my question!! i really really appreciate it. :) my parents are making me go to a therapist although they dont know about the eating disorder they know about the depression so i am hoping that should help with some things. you said my metabolism would be really slow because of all the fasting, would you have any idea how long it would take to get back to normal? i am trying to eat a lot of fiber and cutting down on the laxatives slowly i think they will be the hardest thing to give up. thankyou again so much for all your help :).

Answer
Hi!

It's important to let your parents know that you think you could have some food or eating issues.  You don't have to be really specific now -- but it's important that you see a therapist who specializes in eating disorders.  It's kind of like going to a doctor for a headache when you really have a broken foot!  Does that make sense?

It's time to take a deep breath, get really brave and courageous, and get the help you need.  Getting help is not a sign of weakness -- it's a sign of strength that you have the courage to speak your truth!

Warmly,
Jeannie

PS -- stay in touch!