Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 1/9/2010

Question
I've had an eating disorder for the past 2 and a half years. Only recently have i started my recovery. It's only been 3 weeks, but because of such a low bmi at my screening (it was 14) it was essential that my intake was increased as i only had a cereal bar a day previously for many months and did a lot of exercise. Im now forced to have 3 small meals a day and cannot move out of my house or do any form of exercise whatsoever. Last week, my progress was hindered and they decided to raise this, including snacks and larger portion sizes. I understand they need to increase my calorie intake and get me back to what they consider a 'healthy' weight, but i feel its too much too soon!! My body is swelling up which the doctor noticed, particularly my ankles,calfs and stomach which makes me feel extremely uncomfortable aswell as this it makes me look really disproportionate and brings back feelings that dont exactly help when trying to get through this. On top of all this, ever since i started to eat again, i've been severely constipated, i mentioned this to my doctor so he prescribed me those sachet things, however these havent particularly helped and im tempted to take laxatives to help, even though i know that really i shouldn't. I dont really know what to do, eating anything at all is hard enough as it is and with me feeling so uncomfortable all the time im stuck. Just wondering is you had any adivice for me whatsoever? i would really appreciate anything you could help me with.

Answer
Dear CS,

I can't begin to tell you how many people write me with exactly this same issue!  Recovering from an eating disorder is not picnic -- it's easier to become a brain surgeon than to recover!  You are right at the place where it's the most difficult -- you'll be swollen and bloated for anywhere from 3 weeks to 12 weeks.  It is different with each person.  In regards to the constipation, try to eat as much fiber as you can.  Look up online what the highest fiber foods are -- they'll help a lot -- you're really smart not to take laxatives -- I can tell you really want to be well.

It sounds as if they've been quite worried about you and want to get some weight on you pretty quickly.  I know it's hard to keep up with that kind of weight gain psychologically.  What you can do when you're BMI gets over 16 maybe is to ask if you can slow the gain down to 1-2 pounds a week so you can begin to catch up psychologically with your weight gain.  This is the place where so many people relapse -- and you don't have to!

You can keep going along, doing what you're supposed to do and you'll get well!  I want to congratulate you and tell you how much courage you have to do this!  It's so hard!!

Let me know how you do.

Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol, Inc.
888-520-1700
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
@jeanniemirasol
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannerustmirasol