bulimia or just "disordered eating"

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-26-2004
bulimia or just "disordered eating"
3
Fri, 08-27-2004 - 2:32pm
hi all.

i've posted this question on other websites, but never got an answer - so i thought i would try it here.

i don't believe that i am in denial - i know what i'm doing, and know that i should stop because it is not good for my body, but i'm not sure if it's bulimia- - but since 1998 i have been purging. i don't have the binging part, just purging. purging normal meals or snacks or food items that i put into my stomach that i just don't feel like i want there anymore. its not large "binging" quantities. i mean, sometimes i know i have overeaten at a meal and purging gives me relief - but i have only had the binging (out of control, huge quantities) act about 3 times in these 6 years. in the past, it was every meal. now, it's pretty selective as i am getting to know what foods i CAN keep in my system and what ones i want out.

its just strange - when i go out to eat - my main concern is what to get on the menu that will not cause me to purge (especially if i am out with friends where the visit to the bathroom will not be noticed). i think that my brain MAKES me feel nauseous so that i can justify expelling it from my body - though i keep telling myself that its just a physical reaction to the food.

i attending an ED lecture a while back and i just didn't feel as though i fit with the discussion.

does anyone have any guidance on this one? am i nuts?

thank you for any guidance!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-16-2003
Fri, 08-27-2004 - 2:53pm
Hi Lisa,

Everyone is soooooooo different with symptoms and such. I am not a professional by any means, but it really does sound like you have an eating disorder. Have you tried counseling? I just started going again today. I don't purge... I tend to binge then starve. I am medically considered underweight, but I don't see it. Ya know what I mean?

There is a site that has counselors listed that specialize in eating disorders... i think it is www.somethingfishy.org if you look on the left of the main page of that site, there should be a section for counselors or therapy. And no, you are not nuts. (((HUGS)))

Hugs, Michelle

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-26-2004
Fri, 08-27-2004 - 3:12pm
thanks Michelle:

i have been in counseling for other issues and of course this pops up. but because the other issues took precedent, we didn't spend a lot of time with it. probably because i know what i'm doing, know that it is not good for my health and know i should stop. my doctor knows about it as well - but i guess i don't make a big deal about it, so maybe they think i have it under control.

what scares me is that one day i would like to have a child and i am afraid that i am causing irreversable damage. i tell myself that i am not because i have a good friend that was a severe bulimic for double the amount of years that i have been and she has two beautiful little boys. i guess its not enough to make me stop.

i will check out that website.

i appreciate your answer and look forward to more helpful conversations! have a great day! lisa

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 08-27-2004 - 6:30pm

Hi Lisa,


I agree with Michelle on this one. The fact is, we are just not meant to make ourselves throw up. Non-ED people eat a meal and when they are hungry again they eat another meal and keep it down. I personally eat about 6 or 7 small meals throughout the day.


Whether you are bulimic or not really has no relevance in my opinion. You definitely have disordered eating and maybe it's time to address it in your counseling sessions. I know it can be overwhelming when you have a lot of stuff going on but it seems to be more of a concern for you now.


Keep us posted and check in for support or with questions any time you need to.

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