Expert: Joanne - 10/19/2007

Question
I have been bulimic for about 2 years now. it doesnt seem to me like i ever even loose weight from this disorder. I think that i may have more problems then just bulimia. I will stand in front of the mirror for long periods of time a day just squeezing the parts on my body that i dont want to be there anymore. Lately i have been noticing my hair is falling out alot and is much thinner then it used to be. is that common sign? and my last question is, if i let any food sit in my stomach, it just aches. It seems like this is turning into more of a control thing then anything. Do you have any advice that you can give me? I am really wanting to stop this nasty disorder and go back to normal.
thanks
kelsey

Answer
Unfortunately, many people with bulimia find that they don't lose weight, but in fact gain it!   It is reckoned that when you purge, you never get rid of everything that you have eaten, and there will be come calories taken in from it.  Now there may be scientific research to back that up out there somewhere - I heard it from the therapist nurse I used to work with for my problems, and she had worked with eating disorder patients for a long time, so I believe her when she says something.

Purging will rid your body of essential nutrients that you need, which will most likely be causing your hair to thin, and it is very common!  Some of the first signs that can be seen in eating disorder patients are poor condition of hair and skin.

Your stomach may ache to eat and leave the food there, but the food is unlikely to be doing any damage!  It is maybe that your stomach has shrunken slightly, but more than likely, it may be psychological!  The mind is a very powerful thing, and when you are psychologically struggling with something, it can manifest itself in physical pain!

Please visit your Dr!  Please think about talking to someone about this!  Eating disorders can be fatal, and the sooner you get this treated, the greater the chances of a full recovery!

Please get back in touch if there is anything that you want to ask or even just chat about!

All the best
holly