Expert: Loren - 8/17/2007

Question
hi
im lauren, ive been buleamic for about a year now. when i first started doing it i didnt really think anything of it and thought that i could do it when i wanted to and didnt do it that often only after really fattening foods,but then it became all time like a habbit and i did it after everything i ate even at restaurents, i feel really ill all the time and look really run down. i want to stop doing it and become normal again but i just cant!ive tried healthy eating and the gym but i cant stop doing it, do you know anyways to help me stop?
thanks

Answer
Hello Lauren

I was in the same situation as you at Christmas. I started off with the intention of "once a day, at most" but then it turned into after both lunch and dinner and even breakfast sometimes. It is addictive and totally driven by food related guilt.

The side effects you are experiencing are not uncommon. Sore throats and coughing up a lot of phlegm are other symptoms associated with bulimia.
If you really want to stop this then you need to see your doctor. Tell her (I say 'her' but it depends on which sex you'd feel most comfortable with) everything that has been going on and that you want to stop. That way she can get you some counselling to help nip this in the bud.

You have to be totally honest, though. I know it sounds hard, but there really is no point in hiding any of this from your doctor if you want help.

Take care,
Loren