Eating Disorder Discussion Group

Hello Everyone!
Happy Belated NEW YEAR!!!!! I just started a new blog / support website for those who suffer from eating disorders. Please visit it at www.ed-crossroad.webs.com !

Hello Everyone,
Sorry this group has been quite dormant, but I am about to wake it up! I'd like to restart this forum by asking you guys a question that lurks is the mind of many people who suffer from eating disorders - is recovery possible or are eating disorders a chronic condition?
I can't tell you how many times I have asked myself this. Even though I am not restricting like I was and not as sick as I was when I was deep in the clutches of my anorexia nervosa, I still find those poisonous anorexic thoughts pop into my mind. Have any of you guys experienced "true recovery" or do you find that your eating disorder still lurks in the deepest depths of your mind?

Hello I was recently diagnosed with anorexia and bulimia. I have had it for the past 9-10 years. My parents are both overweight and I have a constant fear of getting fat. My sister has suffered from anorexia too. Unlike most, I have only gained weight. I have always been athletic. This past summer I decided to train for a marathon. I was 145 pounds and 5'7" about where I should be. I started training and decided to go vegetarian. If I wasn't running, I was biking. I was working out from 1-4 hours a day. If I missed a day I would go harder the next day. I would starve myself hoping to shed those 5 extra pounds. I grew constantly tired. I could barely make it through the work day. My body started hurting all over. I couldn't go to the bathroom. My stomach was constantly bloated. It just got worse leading up to the race. I had starved myself for 17 weeks while running up to 23 miles a day. I kept my caloric intake under 1200 a day. If I got over that I would go run.
In September I lost my grandmother. I started gaining weight after and quickly put on 15 pounds even with starving myself more. I would skip lunch to go see her in the hospital and go there after work. After she passed I continued to starve myself more. I was too upset to eat.
The day before my race I could just see and feel my stomach more bloated than ever. The day of I was embarrassed by my pictures during the race because of my stomach. It looked like I had put on 25 pounds. I knew I was in serious trouble. So after my race I saw a number of doctors to help with my situation. I didn't tell the doctors anything like I have anorexia or anything, but one doctor finally asked me what did you eat during training? I was like popcorn, salsa and chips, anything low cal/low fat. She goes so how long have you been anorexic? And I felt so relieved to come out and finally admit to myself and her that I had anorexia. I started crying.
Through out my college years I had starved myself and if I had even a little popcorn would throw it up. I was a varsity college athlete. The more focus I put on anorexia, the worse my skills got. My muscles just were not being fed. It's a miracle I am still alive. I thank God every day for everything I have in my life. I'm on a path to correcting this. I ate 1300 calories yesterday! For the first time in a long time. I ate 1700 the other day and felt like crap. It will take time to build up to that, but God isn't done with me yet. I know that for a fact.

Unfortunately website didn't work out, instead follow me on twitter https://twitter.com/An_ED_Battle

Stay strong! I am sorry I didn't reply earlier. Things have been crazy at home. I just started a blog/ support website for people suffering from eating disorders. The link is www.ed-crossroad.webs.com

Wow, you are an inspiration! Keep doing what you are doing! I know how hard it is, but remember the words of Hippocrates - Let food be thy medicine and let medicine be thy food!
Natural, whole foods were created to give the energy people and animals need to thrive in life. Food should not be an enemy or best friend, it should be your medicine.

I am so sorry I have not written any thing in this discussion for quite sometime. I feel quite bad. I am starting the discussion up again by asking if you could possibly take time to watch a short YouTube video by an Eating Disorder Freedom Coach. Here is the link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7uhYppIFVA
I think this video will really make past ED patients remember the terrible nutritional therapy they recieved in treatment. Do you think that stuffing ED patients will junk to make them gain weight is acceptable?

No i don't agree with this. I feel that a proper eating program needs to be put in place by a nutritonist to start a healthy eating regime Take care Piglit

You know how Israel has stopped allowing super thin models? Every ED organizations seems so excited about this. I just don't get how banning skinny models is suppose to help, you know? I mean I think that EDs are more caused by biological factors than enviromental ones. What do you guys think?

Hi sweetie I think that i\t's good not to put so much on being a skinny model. I think that fuller figured models look more appealing in many ways, than ones that are so skinny their clothes hang off them. Hugs

I agree, I guess I just question if that will solve any problems.

What about exercise or should I say obsessive exercising. Does that also come under eating disorders? What do people think about that issue?.and what is classified as obsessive exercise?

I dont know. I exercise a ton, because I am scared of becoming fat. I think obsessive exercise is classified as your frame of mind during your workout.

I think that you have a point there they need to address these issues don't they

Hi Claire,
How was your weekend?
Hugs,
Rox

good! I went to Wisconsin Dells! It was REALLY FUN!

I like 2 watch doctors on tv n the topic is about more eating problems with the young. Good discussion cutie

thank you!

I have been reading a book called "Eating with Your Anorexic" by Laura Collins. I hope that this book would shed some light on how my parents felt about my anorexia and what they had to deal with. To be honest with you, I found this book quite disturbing. These parents treated their daughter at home (I'm fine with that), but the way they cook her meals were quite degusting and cruel in my opinion. To add more calories, the would stick butter in EVERYTHING. The author claimed she would put at least 1/4 cup of butter in each dish. They also made their daughter drink a 1,179 calorie milkshake they made up for her dessert she was forced to have after each meal. How do you guys feel about these tactics?

I find this tactics not good. When I had anorexia my mum used to make me egg nogs. Milk, vanilla essence, a little sugar to taste You have to tread gently on the things that you are given .I feel

sorry.will get the book

This is wonderful. Eating disorders can be debilitating. Proud of you for taking the initiative to help others.
Hugs,
Rox

thank you

How are you? How did it go with talking to NAMI about stigma? Hope all is good.
Hugs,
Rox

I actually talked to a lady who works for NAMI and I am going to be her intern this summer!

What a wonderful idea to start the discussion group. You will my dear make a wonderful doctor and achieve your dreams. You have a very wise soul Hugs Piglit xo

I have found a very interesting article about eating disorders. Please read and comment on how you feel about this article. Here are some questions you may consider after reading this article:
1) Why do you think most people believe eating disorders are a modern illness?
2) Does this article change your view on eating disorders?
Here's the link:
http://pittmed.health.pitt.edu/May_2004/cover...

Nice

I thought it was interesting with how St. Catherine of Siena actually had symptoms of anorexia nervosa. It proves that it isn't all about today's models and stuff, which is what SO MANY PEOPLE THINK.

In my teens friends had image problems n purged. I enjoy track but 2b n the mood is forced. Men like a lil meat on the bones. Nice

Hi sweetie and that's so true. Many people suffer from anorexia for different reasons mine was bought on through sadness. Hugs Piglit

No one is immune from illnesses. That's why I'm not ashamed of mine.
Hugs

I really like comment Roxie. I wish more people would believe that too. What do you all think about St. Catherine of Siena. I'm not catholic or anything, I just thought it was interesting how anorexia goes so far back in history.

One would be surprised at the prevalence of illnesses in prominent individuals.
I don't believe in stereotypes because no one is immune to illness. I often suggest that folks Google famous individuals throughout history because you'll find that geniuses, scholar, president's and artist to name a few had challenges that did not define them.
That's why I cannot understand why our society is so indignant towards us.
My friend, just continue persuing your dreams o.k.?
Hugs,
Rox

Ok, I will. ;)