About Melissa Expertise I battled anorexia and bulimia for 6 years. I am not a doctor, but I learned a lot about the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of having an eating disorder and how scary it is to feel like you are alone in your illness. You are not alone. I can answer questions based on my experience with anything relating to anorexia and/or bulimia.
I can provide information on treatment options, some specific treatment centers, resources that may help you find a treatment center, and my opinion on all of the above. I was a patient at a few outpatient and inpatient programs so I am happy to answer questions about those experiences. I am not affiliated with any of the resources I may provide. It’s strictly my opinion based on my experiences.
I can NOT answer medical questions.
I will NOT answer questions on how to become anorexic or bulimic or how to lose weight in an unhealthy matter.
Experience I have recovered from a six year struggle with both anorexia and bulimia. I hope my experiences and the time I spent in and out of treatment will encourage others to never give up. I never thought I would or could recover because I couldn’t picture myself ever having a normal relationship with food. Since then, I have grown and learned that I can overcome what I once thought was impossible. Hold on to the idea that recovery is attainable!
Education/Credentials I am attending college for an unrelated degree.
Question Hi, I was bulimic for around 6 years, and have been in recovery for around 11 months. In recovery i put on about 2 stone, and I was happy with that, over the last month I have lost around half a stone, UNINTENTIONALLY, and i'm finding it now impossible to put this weight back on, no matter what i eat, could this be my metabolism suddenly stabelised? Also around the same time my cheeks have suddenly balooned. Very constant, worse than ever in my recovery, even during my bulimia. I come here to ask you because upon my last visit to my doctor he said it was probably just a bug, Yet i'm worried sick something more serious is going on
Answer Don't worry, I think you are okay.
It is possible that your weight loss is due to your metabolism and body leveling out to it's "normal" point. However, you may need to take adjust your food plan to compensate for this weight change if this weight loss is unhealthy. I don't know how much you weigh or how tall you are but 1/2 stone is a reasonably significant amount where that could be a red flag.
it is not common for individuals in recovery to not be aware of gradual decreasing of intake. For example, submitting nonfat milk instead of whole milk, 1/4 cup granola instead of a 1/2 cup, submitting fruit for a meal one day, ect. It can be a gradual descent back into your disorder; that's why I encourage you to look at yourself honestly and see if that might be the case.
As far as your cheeks swelling up, that's very very common for people recovering from bulimia to have an increase in swelling when they stop purging. It will take some time, but it will go away. The hard part can be having patience during the remission time. It will get better, I can guarantee you that. Hope this helps.
Melissa
