compulsive eating disorder

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-28-2004
compulsive eating disorder
3
Wed, 07-28-2004 - 9:53pm
I am new to these boards. I'm just sort of looking for a place to get help. I'm not anorexic or bulemic but I have a huge compulsive eating problem. The only thing stopping me from becomming bulemic is my terrible gag reflex. I've read books on binge eating and bulemia and it seems the two disorders are very much related.

I can't stop binge eating. I have tried so many different things and I'm running out of ideas. I'm so frustrated. I've even had a therapist but that didn't work either. If anyone has any tips, PLEASE let me know. I've gained and lost tons of weight over the past year and a half. I'm not huge, not even big, but I'm starting to worry about the huge weight swings and how they'll affect my heart and circulation. Plus, I'm completely depressed. I've got to get my life together.

Anyway, please help me if you can relate at all.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 07-29-2004 - 6:50am

Hi elbison,


The compulsive eating side of eating disorders is tough to deal with. I wasn't always able to make myself purge and have exeperienced my ups and downs with weight and therefore emotionally.


How long were you in therapy? That was going to be my first recommendation. Maybe you didn't give it long enough or were seeing the right therapist. Figuring out what drives us to eat (or starve, purge, etc.) can take some time. The other suggestion I have is to go to www.overeatersanonymous.org and see if there are any meetings in you area. Working a 12 step program is very effective plus you have the support of others in the group.


You can also check out www.somethingfishy.org for more info and resources.

Love & hugs, Kristina


The opinions I have expressed here are from my own experience and are not intended as medical advice or to take the place of your own physician's advice.

Love & hugs, Kristina

Avatar for sherri51296
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 07-29-2004 - 11:16am
Hi elbison,

I understand what you are going through. I have the same problem, except I do purge - which I guess makes it bulemia. I don't do it for every meal or even every day. But I get that desire to eat and eat and eat and I can't seem to make myself stop. I've been seeing a therapist for a few months, and we have outlined goals and I am working them. Things have gotten a ton better. But I still have that desire. It's like when I eat, the trigger that tells you to stop eating because you're full works the wrong way. When I feel full, I want to keep eating...and then I feel crappy and have to get rid of it. Supposedly there is always an emotional reason behind it all, and I haven't really figured out mine yet. I know I have a sugar addiction, and that plays a huge part in it all. I would suggest you find a different therapist...if you get the right person to talk to about it, they should be able to uncover the reason why are doing it and then you can work towards changing it.

Good luck, and keep checking in...this is a great support board!

Sherri

Sherri
expecting baby girl#4 on 9/9/09
mom to Savana (8), Trinity (5) and Miranda (3)

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-17-2003
Fri, 07-30-2004 - 11:12pm

Hi Elbison,


In addition to the help you have already received here, we do have a message board that deals with the compulsive overeating topic:


http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhovereat


IVHealth Ruth Ann
Community Leader/Ask the Health Librarian