Expert: Meg - 5/30/2006

Question
Hi there again, it seems I am becoming a regular! Over the past week, I have seriously upped my caloric intake in hopes to gain 5 lbs by June 10th (senior week)so that I look a little bit better in my bikini. My problem now is just feeling full all of the time. I eat on average 4000-7000 calories a day right now, because my doctor said I need to "jump start" my metabolism back into processing nutrients.  I also have been able to go without a purging episode! Now, however, because of my speedy gaining, the weight is coming back but all in my midsection.  In the past week, I have virtually lost my waist entirely, no curves at all, just a straight line on both sides.  Also, the abdominal area is very squishy on me (water retention probably) but it is very uncomfortable.  I have been able to gain about 2 lbs (says the scale) but I think it may just be water weight as of right now.  How long will it take my body to respond to these binges... because I want to start eating normal once I notice a change! I don't like stuffing myself to capacity, but I acknowledge that my body CAN afford it. I want to send you a picture of what I looked like at the beginning of this week... it is not pretty. I hate being so skinny, and I REALLY want to overcome this anorexia thing! It is so frustrating. Tomorrow I'm going to start just eating 3 meals a day instead of meals and a huge binge, and I'll see if my stomach feels any less squishy.  I don't want to harm myself either, so this bingeing thing has to end now... it can't be good for my body really... but I DO need the weight.  I guess slow weight gain is probably healthiest, but I want to be curvy in my suit! Oh well, I am trying and getting better and that is really what matters.  My body will stabilize at some point, and when it does I can begin exercising and being completely healthy again! Thank you for your time again,
Shannon

Answer
Hi again, Shannon!

I'm glad to hear from you and its awesome that you are working so hard on recoving and putting so much effort in getting better.  That is incredible that you've been purge free for awhile.  Give yourself a huge pat on the back for that!  

In terms of the exact calorie level you should be eating, I'm not totally sure but if a doctor is telling you to eat that amount, then I guess its a good one for you.  It is important that you keep yourself comfortable while increasing your calories so if this amount is making you feel excessively full, I would talk with your doctor about this.  

You're right that slow weight gain is probably the best way to get your body healthy and curvy again, but I understand your wanting to look good for your Senior week.  Still, I would recommend doing your best with your meal plan and knowing that as long as you are consistant with it, the weight will come back on and you'll look healthy and beautiful very soon.  But, you want to make it as easy on your body as  possible in the meantime. Remember that its already been through a bout of anorexia, which puts a lot of stress on it-and so recovering should be done as painlessly and moderately as possible.  

In terms of weight redistribution (I think you sort of asked about this), it can go to one's midsection first but this isn't always the case.  It will even out eventually, but right now, just keep trying to eat consistant meals and know that you're  on the right track.

I'm wondering, are you binging because you are hungry/wanting the food or just because you feel like you should be consuming as much as you can so that you look good for the Senior Week.  If its the former, then I would take a look at your meal plan again and make sure that its inclusive of all of the food groups and nutrients.  If its the later, then (as counterintuitive as it may feel) I really suggest trying to start listening to your body and eating your 3 meals with the alloted calorie amount you've worked out with your doctor and not pushing too hard beyond that.

I'm glad that you are trying so hard to get better-and you're right that this is extremely important.  You are  probably one of the most motivated girls that I've heard from and no doubt all of that focus and motivation can get you healthy again and take you very far in life.  So, I hope that you can completly get healthy and get rid of the eating disorder so that you can use all of this focus towards something that will bring you happiness.

Take care and please write anytime and let me know how you're doing, or if I can answer anything else.

Best,
Meg