Expert: Dawn McNamara - 2/7/2011

Question
Hi,
Im 19,5ft 7 & 95lb [& its dropping]
Im trying to recover from Anorexia.
I have been to my GP severeal times  [& swapped practices] & no matter how much i ask for help i dont get anything other than a standard lecture of "just eat".
I have asked for a dietican/nutrishionist for advice but got told the waiting list was up to two years.
I currently eat around 400-800 calories a day,but usually alot less as i have a tendency to half meals but tell myself i eat the whole thing.
Because im recovering with no professional support im completly overwelmed & confused at what to do and where to start. Is there a calorie amount i should in the end aim to eat? I Heard Recovering anorexics need over 2000, is this true?
I dont know where to start..

Answer
Hi there,
You are not alone. It may seem that way right now, but there is a lot of folks here who may be able to lend a hand. Have you tried your local hospital's community support network. There are often support groups sponsored by your local hospital and extended community awareness programs.
If you are comfortable telling me your city I may be able to help you research a little. Ive been dealing with this runaround for 25 years and may be able to do something. You should be aiming for 1500 cal a day to start. But ease up to it. then the next month, go to 2000
Its gonna be scary, and you'll feel overwhelmed but your body will balance...I've been through it personally. You will gain pretty fast. But, like a rubber band, you will overshoot a little, and then bounce back. Its normal
You are going to have a lot of discomfort.
Your going to feel stretched, bloated, terrified, angry, defensive, and generally like crap for about 2 months. Also part of the bloating you are feeling is giong to be fluid build up (which is a lot of the weight too)and it feels a little giggly,  Thats also normal and will pass. You may start to cramp, get constipated, pee like a racehorse, and fart like a bad dog too. This is your body learning to digest food again, its a bumpy ride, and its not fun. Think of a baby when its learning to eat solid food ( gas, burping, nasty poo, colic) its gonna happen to you too. But have faith, it will pass. It takes a couple months. but if you start restricting again your body will try to revert back by going back into starvation mode. Teaching your body to trust again is hard because the weight gain is terrifying. Hold your ground. Keep your calories constant and spread throughout the day. This will help regulate insulin. Stay consistent. this will build trust. Also try a probiotic yogurt every day...maybe two, this will help a little. keep up with fluids. Use juices in loo of water as much as you can.
Keep up the good work
Dawn