I believe that "anorexia nervosa" is the accurate medical term for people with the intent and desire to be skinny who starve themselves. Etymology: From the scientific term anorexia nervosa (1957), from the symptom anorexia (“loss of appetite”), from Ancient Greek ἀν- (an-, “without”) + ὄρεξις (órexis, “appetite, desire”), and Latin nervōsa (“nervous”).

It seems to be a subset of anorexia, apparently, which simply means in Latin: without appetite or without desire.

He is now four months post-op. He did not have chemo or radiation. But he did have to have a tracheostomy, and the tube was removed a few weeks ago. He can physically swallow. So his chief complaints are lack of hunger, constant nausea, and if he forces himself to eat or drink even a small amount of food, he feels very sick.

I don't want to go to phone conversations and neither does my friend. These discussion boards are extremely helpful for others to read so I think this is the best way to communicate. But not everyone may want to share in writing. I am VERY appreciative of the helpful comments most have given here. At this point I am going to see if he will get the feeding tube. I spoke to him yesterday and will again today. He was struggling with drinking and keeping down a half bottle of Boost and was feeling extremely nauseated.