Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 9/12/2009

Question
Hi, I'm 22 and was wondering: at what point is IP treatment recommended?

Here is a little background of me:

I have been bingeing for over a year now and most recently (the last month) have begun restricting only when I'm out of the house (ex: I will not eat when I'm at school 6:30am-5pm, four days a week).  I also secretly bought a scale and have it hidden under my bed and weigh myself up to ten times a day.  I'm also trying to exercise more, but because of heart problems (congenital), I can't exercise as much as I'd like.  I also use (not abuse) laxatives from time to time.  Lately, I have been very tempted to purge, but have not, yet.  Over the past few years I have cut out the following foods: caffeine, soda, bagels, candy, and pretzels.

I moved home (was living in an apartment by myself) about a month ago after telling my parents about my bingeing.  They are unaware of my other behaviors.

I have an extensive medical history - was born with a very rare genetic disease that affects my liver, heart, blood vessels, bones, and vitamin absorption.  I also have Hypothyroidism.  I am on many meds for these conditions.  My GI doc knows about the bingeing only.

I feel like I need IP for my eating habits - as a child up to the age of 16 I was told by my GI doc to eat as much as possible, whatever I want because when I was younger my body did not absorb calories and nutrients and therefore, I was very small for my age.  So, I don't feel like I can just teach myself to eat healthy portions.  I can cut out foods, but not cut back.

So, at what point is IP treatment recommended?

Thanks!


Answer
Dear Kelly,

I'm so glad that you wrote!

The first question I have for you is if you've ever seen a therapist who specializes in eating disorders.  That would be the first step -- and also to see a good nutritionist.

Any purging or excessive use of laxatives could be truly disastrous for your health because of all your medical complications.  It could be fatal.

One of the things that is so important when someone is recovering from binge eating is to eat 3 small meals a day and three snacks.  This will help your blood sugar to stabilize and cut down on cravings and the tendency to overeat.

Considering IP, I would of course love it if you could come to Mirasol.  The only problem you might have is if you need to use insurance to pay for treatment.  You have a lot of medical conditions but not ones that would count as medical necessity for insurance coverage.  This is terrible to say, but insurance companies usually only will pay for treatment if the person is half dead.

Is it possible for your parents to pay for treatment?  We have people who come for anywhere from two weeks to months!

Please let me know how I can help!

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