Expert: Reverend Abbott - 5/30/2006

Question
Thank you so much for your response... this website has been MORE than helpful.  Finally, with the warmth of summer and the prayers of nearly everyone I know, I am feeling the healing working in me, and it is a wonderful feeling.  Although I am no where near completely recovered (I know, it takes time and everything, I am willing to wait for it) I already have SO much more energy and can focus on things other than food normally.  Sometimes when I feel a void in my life though, I start to obsess over needing to gain quickly. I went to a party today and realized a lot of my "friends" have alienated me for lack of knowing what to do. I dont really want to hold it against them, but I almost felt like I had to prove something- to prove that I AM normal and DO eat... so I ate like everything there. I know it's not healthy, and I won't engage in that kind of behavior again (I don't want to make this harder!) and I think I'll just stick to eating when my body tells me to...5-6 meals throughout the day, and making sure I get enough calories to gain about a pound a week. I think that will be safe, and so what if I'm not covered in sexy Beyonce-like curves by June 10th? Maybe I'll be there by July 10th.. the day before my 18th birthday! I really am ready to face this head on finally.I don't like being gawked at,or being able to wrap my fingers around my biceps and both hands around my thighs. I like knowing that I have healthy bones and everything, but I dont want to SEE them.It will all come in time, and I'm willing to wait for it... I'm going to come out so strong.I will embrace my curves and love every womanly ounce of fat on my body when it comes back... it means I can have children and a life filled with wonderful memories and experiences.
I have one small medical question - the bloating I feel in my stomach right now...the discomfort and pressure... will it subside? I don't want it to interfere with my normal eating plan for tomorrow.

Thank you for listening,
Shannon  

Answer
Yes, it's going to subside. Right now your gut is learning how to process real food again. There's lots of gas/air and fluids - it'll correct itself soon.
Try adding some yogurt with active cultures to your daily intake. ASK your doctor for suggestions and help, plus approval for anything you're going to try on your own.

As I've insisted before, stay away from the mirrors and scales. Neither is telling you the truth, both are lying and trying to get you back into the disease. One day you'll be able to handle them, but not right now. It's too soon.
Instead of obsessing about numbers and calories, obsess about those things important to your life's legacy. What will that be? What do you WANT it to be?