Expert: Meg - 8/12/2005

Question
I have a question concerning my weight gain from recovering from anorexia.  I'm currently 90 lbs, 5'5”, and I'm 17 and female.  I have been consuming 2000-3000 calories a day and my weight has not changed in a week…I hover between 89 and 90.  I try to still eat semi-healthy but I am eating lots of carbs, fats and sugar too.  Am I eating the wrong foods? And if so what should I be eating.  I'd like to be gaining weight at 2-3 lbs a week if that is at all possible for my metabolism.  It's always been fast and that's why I lost 40 lbs in 2 ½ months but now it's working to my disadvantage.  Also, after consuming a normal sized meal I often feel very ill and get gas and diarrehea.  After 3000 cals, I am stuffed.  I also go to the bathroom (number 2) at least 2-3 times a day and pee like a racehorse…is this influencing my non-weight gain? What should I do…increase the calories even more?  Eat more fats?  Eat more frequently even though I eat ever 2-3 hours?  Please let me know.



Thanks

P.S.  I need tog ain weight quicker so i can be back at dance in a month...possible?

Answer
Hi Sharon-

Thanks for your question and I hope that I can be of help (or at least point you in the right direction).  Congratulations on your desire to recover.  This can be the toughest part and it sounds like you really are motivated, which is wonderful.   

It sounds like you really need to be working with a nutritionist/doctor as every person's metabolism and body is different and reacts differently to anorexia and recovery.  It may not seem important,  but a GOOD nutritionist can help you gain weight without feeling sick-and in the most efficient/healthy way for your body.

Here a few links to help you do this:

http://www.findanutritionist.com/
http://www.something-fishy.org/treatmentfinder/

I am sorry that I'm not more of a nutritionist myself-but a few general tips I would add include:
-Be sure that you are eating calorie dense foods (for example peanut butter, nuts, foods with fat/protein) as that can help up your calories a bit without making you feel so full.
-You may want to try a supplement such as Ensure, to get you some added nutrition.
-Please get some medical advice as well so that you can tailor a plan that is rigth for your body-and its specific needs
-If you are exercising, be sure to do it in moderation so that you can gain
-Know that it takes time...a month to be back to dance is a great goal but it really depends on the amount of damage done to your body and how quickly it can bounce back.  So, do your best but also know that your body will let you know when it is ready to get back to dancing again.

Sorry that I don't have more specific nutritional knowlege for you.  It really does sound like you are on the right track-but  I do think working with a professional certainly will speed things up.

Good luck and please feel free to write again if there is anything else I can answer or clarify.

Take care!
Meg