Expert: Melissa - 4/25/2009

Question
I'm 23 and dealing with anorexia and bulimia. I generally have one or two, maybe three, binges in a day, followed by self-induced vomiting, and I only consume water between my binges. Sometimes I'll go 24 hours between binges (fasting, I guess, since I'm too afraid to keep put anything in my stomach and keep it down). Anyway, I'm 5'3 and 98 lbs., and I'll be receiving inpatient treatment soon. How many calories should I expect to consume each day in the hospital, and how much weight will I have to put on in order to be healthy enough to be discharged? If I go into treatment at a healthy weight (say, 108 lbs.) and I am well-behaved and do everything that I am supposed to do, will my stay be noticeably shorter? Thank you so much for your time and expertise - I really appreciate any insight that you can offer!

Answer
It's hard to say how many calories you will be expected to eat. When I went inpatient, every girl's meal plan was different according to their weight and body type. You will likely be eating 3 meals and 3 snacks each day. When you will be discharged depends greatly on your progress and if your condition is deemed as "medical necessity" by your insurance. In order to be treated, you must fit a certain criteria to continue to be covered just as you have to fit a certain criteria to be considered "medically stable" and discharged
Some insurances want you discharged as soon as your stable, even if your weight is not at a good place yet. Good insurances will give you that time to reach your goal weight. Most inpatient treatment last for around 30-90 days, sometimes shorter or longer.
If you do the work, be compliant with your meal plan, whether or not you go in at a healthy weight OR unhealthy weight, your stay will be shorter.
If you are struggling with the issues around eating the food, are non compliant with your meal plan, or are having trouble gaining weight, you will stay longer.
Hope this helps.