Expert: Nafeesah - 5/3/2009

Question
Hi,
I have been bulimic for 15 years.  I have just started in recovery and am doing well, HOWEVER I have not had a bowel movement in 5 days and I'm extremely bloated.  Feeling this fat is making it that much harder to not purge.  I'm eating the correct amount of calories, am seeing a nutritionist, drink tons of water and eat lots of leafy green vegetables and so I know that diet is not a contributing factor.  Is it normal to be this bloated?  If so how long will it last?

Thank you

Answer
If you havent had a bowel movement in 5 days it's time to call a doctor and get this checked out. Normal people have bowel movements at least 2-3 times a day. That means you're constipated if you havent had any BM pass in so many days. You may have to have a medically induced enema to help you pass this stuff out of your system. I would have a consultation with your doctor to find out what can be done.