Anorexia/Eating Disorders/trusting my body

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 8/22/2009


Question
hi Jeanne. i want to thank you in advance for answering my question and i want to say that i think what your doing in this forum is amazing. it's so nice to be able to asked questions and get answers to the things we're sometimes afraid to voice to those around us.

i've dealt with ed for over 8 years now, starting with anorexia then going into bulimia and most recently going back and forth between the two. lately though i've been trying to take control of my eating and trying to eat more normally and not purge. however my body isn't used to this and i end us getting bloated and constipated which usually leads to me purging every few days because i feel like i need to get some of it out. i know that i have to give my body time to get used to eating again but i'm so afraid that my weight will keep going up when i'm not underweight to begin with. i know it can vary but how long do you think it will take my body to get used to regular eating again? and how can i get past that crazy panicked feeling i get when i'm so full that i feel the need to purge?

thanks again!

Answer

Jeannie Rust, PhD
Dear Jennifer,

I'm so glad that you wrote!  What you're experiencing right now is what separates the men from the boys (figuratively!).  This is the hardest part of recovering.

You will be bloated and constipated anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months -- it's different for each person and it's a matter of riding it out.  The food you eat right now is important -- I'd love it if you could get to a nutritionist who could help you with the right kind of meal plan that helps you gain weight slowly -- iof that's what you need.  Also if you could see a naturopathic physician -- I know the doc we use at Mirasol really helps people normalize their bodies.

The great thing is that you're wanting to be well!  Are there any outpatient programs for eating disorders in your town -- or therapists who specialize in eating disorders?  You want your recovery to be something that will last -- not something where you're relapsing all the time.  Do it right and you can become well!

Let me know how you do, Jennifer!

Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com

Jeanne Rust, PhD

Expertise

I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.

Experience

I have 25 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.

Education/Credentials
Northwestern University -- BA Masters in Counseling Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute

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