About Saffron Expertise I can answer most questions related to Anorexia and other eating disordered behaviors. I am not a medical professional but have read a tremendous amount of medical and other information related to eating disorders out of curiosity.
Experience My eating disorder started when I was 15. I was anorexic until the age of 27. I went through periods of being less and more anorexic but I did not have a period for 10 years. I was a very high-functioning anorexic. When I hit about 70 pounds I knew I was at a point where I couldn't continue living a normal life (going to work etc.). I did not want to be hospitalized and I knew I was on a downward spiral. I struggled with severe depression and was given a prescription for an anti-depressant. It was not long after that I was really able to think more clearly and did not have the same level of anxiety and believe it or not, I made a choice. I could die or I could live and let go of my need for such control and not care so much how people perceived me and admit that I did not have to be emaciated to look normal as I had convinced myself. My recover started when I was 27 and I've not been "anorexic" since but I don't think one ever becomes totally free in the food and body area as one was before it all started. But I am very healthy now, not underweight and not overweight and eat healthily.
Education/Credentials I have a BA from an Ivy League college but no professional credentials.
Question I'be been Bulimic for about 6 years, sometimes infrequent purging and at others (recently) very frequent (everything I eat). I'm now trying to put a stop to it and have been eating what I think is a reasonable amount (approx 1500 Kcals, I dont excercise much due to injury) for a few days with no purging, this is causing me to put weight on which Is quite alarming, I presume my metabolism is all screwed up, is this normal and should I expect it to recover to normal in weeks, months, years? Thanks.
Answer This is indeed very normal -rapid weight gain is a sign of malnourishment and being underweight in the first place. Do not be scared by it. You are still probably eating fewer calories then your body really needs but one's metabolism is indeed screwy and it is scary to deal with but as I said to another poster, it is best to try to stick with normal eating and go with the flow. You want to know how your metabolism will recover most quickly? If you continue to eat a balanced healthy diet with an adamant amount of calories for someone your height. It may take up to a year in my experience so be patient but it will normalize. It's great that you are on your way to recover. Bulimia is very very dangerous as you probably know. Please please try to stay recovered. It is not worth it and you will feel so much better. And also of course if you eat a reasonable amount you won't be starving and then end up overeating which would put you in a bad position for someone with your condition. So keep up what you are doing and be patient, things will regularize but in my experience it does take a little time.
