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Anorexia/Eating Disorders/ED Recovery: bloating, weight, muscles, etc

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 4/10/2011


Question

Me!
Hey, I've only been severely anorexic when I was 12 and it was for about 8 months where I was 5'1" and 73 lbs.  The rest of the time (almost 4 years) I've been eating regular meals and all but I still haven't fully recovered.  I think my calorie intake was about 1500 a day for that time but about half a year ago I started increasing it with healthy foods that are organic, not processed.

I'm now 17 yrs old, 5'2" and 112 lbs.  I used to gain weight easily if I reduced what I ate, I think it was because of starvation dieting (it wasn't water weight cause I still can't get it off).  At first when I started eating more 6 months ago, I actually lost an inch and a half, but then I started getting bloated.  My stomach doesn't feel hard so I don't think it's constipation but I'm confused as to what it is.  I've still been eating because I don't want to go through any more of an ED that I've already been through but it's tough.  Especially with school and family the stress sometimes overwhelms me, but so far I haven't relapsed.

Also, my period used to come back a few times each year, a month apart for about 3 months and only in the winter.  This year I've had 2 so far but now it seems to have delayed.  I just want to know what more I can do to help my body get healthy again, I'm a beautiful girl and I always wanted to be a model (that's what triggered my ED)so I want to make that dream come true, but not if it's going to put me through more pain.

I'd really appreciate the help,
~Nadia

Answer

Jeanne Rust, PhD
Dear Nadia,

Yes, you are a beautiful girl!  Eating disorders are so difficult -- I tell people that it's easier to become a brain surgeon than to recover from an eating disorder!

I think possibly the bloating has something to do with your hormones -- I'm not sure, but I would get to a doctor.  Get checked out.  Even a good naturopathic physician can be very helpful with your symptoms.  Just guessing isn't good enough -- we need to make sure you're well.  The doctor can also talk to you about your menstrual periods.  He/she might send you to an endocrinologist.

You have recovered the physical part -- I'm guessing that you haven't worked on the underlying issues -- the issues that actually drive the eating disorder.  An eating disorder is a coping mechanism so as long as you're worried about what you're eating and not eating, worried about how you're looking, etc., there is the danger that you could relapse -- until you get the psychological work done!

I usually suggest that my clients see a therapist at least twice a week.  Once a week isn't really enough.  

Please keep in touch and let me know how you're doing.  I know how hard this is!

Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol, Inc.
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
888-520-1700
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 9Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you so much for the response! My family physician recommended to see a gynecologist so I'll be sure to explain everything to her. I haven't had enough money for a therapist but I do see my school counselor once in a while and she helps me out. I want to do something more in the future to spread awareness and help girls out with eating disorders because it's a deteriorating problem that can be prevented. You're a powerful voice to the ED community and I hope you continue helping people! ~Nadia


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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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