Expert: Ginger - 10/14/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi there i am 17 years old and am now recovering from anorexia. I want to gain weight - i hate how emaciated i look and ive started eating ice cream and wendys and milkshakes because i want to gain so bad and quickly but im afraiad that this will continue when i do gain weight and ill still be having fatty ice cream and stuff when i dont need it at a healthy weight - its freaking me out - when will i start to gain weight and be able to eat normal healthy meals again? Im very confused...

ANSWER: Hi Rachel,
Thank-you for your question. First of all, congratulations on your recovery!

It often takes a while, once your body is in recovery, for things to get back to normal (just how long this takes depends on the person and on things like how long you suffered from the eating disorder, how severe it was, your hormones, etc.). Filling up on things like ice-cream and milkshakes and other junk food to try and gain weight isn't a good idea. Since you're in recovery, your body needs to replenish vitamins and minerals, not just fat. Also, like you said, you don't want to develop bad eating habits for the future. A good way to gain some healthy weight is to eat healthy meals, and add a couple of the Boost/Ensure shakes during the day, too.

Are you seeing a dietician? I think this would be the best idea, if you're not doing it already. A dietician can help you make meals plans that are healthy and will help you gain some weight, while teaching you good eating habits that will keep up your recovery.

Hope this helps!

Ginger


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: First of all thank you so much for your response - it helps to know there are people out there who have gotten through this.
I have another question - I have always been very sporty but have given up all exercise in order to gain weight more quickly - but its been about two weeks and I'm finding it really hard to not do any exercise because I love it so much :) do you  have any recommendations of low key things to do which won't compromise the food I eat too much - like maybe pilates or yoga? Thanks so much Ginger!
xx Rachel

ANSWER: Hi Rachel,
I know how hard it is! When I was in your situation, though, my doctors advised me not to do any exercise for a few months. The thing is, it not only compromises the calories you're taking in, but you need to build up the strength to be able to exercise without putting stress on your body (especially your heart) too much. You've come so far and done so well, it would be so terrible if you ended up collapsing because your body couldn't take it! I also think right now, because you're still new in recovery, that exercise could get addictive and could easily turn into a compulsion for you.

That being said, I know if you're used to exercising and you love it  but can't do anything at all at the moment, it doesn't do much for your mood! I think some *gentle* yoga could be ok, since it's not strenuous and has some meditational qualities, but please, please, please don't make it an every day thing! Maybe twice a week, just for now? You could work with your doctor to eventually get back to your normal (pre-anorexia) level of activity, once your weight is stable and your metabolism, etc is back to normal. It won't take too long, I promise!

You have taken some really hard but super important steps to get where you are right now, and you should be so proud! Just wait until you see what life without an eating disorder is like- you'll be amazed.

E-mail me any time you need support.
Good luck,
Ginger



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Ginger,

Okay I will hold off on anything strenuous for now, although I have gained a little bit in the last two weeks and am feeling quite proud :) but another query: I am afraid that once I start to get to a normal-ish weight that more weight will keep piling on and I won't be able to stop it - I expect many recovering anorexics have this fear but it won't happen like that will it? Reassurance from someone who has been through this makes it so much easier to accept. Thank you so much, you've been amazing help.
From Rachel.  

Answer
Hi Rachel,
This is the most common question I'm asked, by far! I can remember wondering the same thing when I was in recovery. It was so scary to think that it could get out of control (and that was my biggest fear, as I'm sure you can understand). It won't happen like that, though! Once your body reaches its natural setpoint weight (the weight it likes to be at when you're neither dieting nor overeating) and your metabolism gets back to normal, your weight will be stable. For me, I gained weight in recovery, and then when my metabolism got back to normal, I actually lost a few pounds to get to my setpoint (healthy) weight.

There's a website that I found really helpful (and still find helpful), and you might, too: www.somethingfishy.org. It has a lot of great info and forums, etc.

You definitely *should* be proud of yourself! It's hard work and you're doing so well.

Good luck, Rachel. E-mail me anytime.
Ginger