Eating disorder fears

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-27-2005
Eating disorder fears
3
Thu, 11-17-2005 - 1:27pm

Okay, I have always assumed that my overeating was an eating disorder, just not the skinny Karen Carpenter type.

Lady Jewel

Avatar for airlily
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-02-2004
Fri, 11-18-2005 - 12:47am

I worry about it because I did have major problems with eating as a girl. I am a recovering bulimic. It's more than puking; It's about binging and purging in general:

1) I would eat everything for a week straight, then starve myself for five days thereafter and eat nothing. I'd drink water by the gallon, too. I'd eat when I began to feel sick, or loopy.

2) I would work out until I had blood blisters on my feet from all the running and walking I was doing.

3) I would eat everything I want, drink water until just hiccupping would bring it back up. Then, I would vomit.

4) I would go through a box of laxatives a day, and resorted to stealing them so as to save money and face.

I might still revert. You never know. I have been tempted to starve for days on end, and work out until I'm blistered. I don't know if I'd do laxatives again, but it has occurred to me that I could eat Thanksgiving dinner if I vomit about 8 times that day. I could eat all day and throw it up. I know how.

It's very easy to follow a disorder, I think. I'm trying really hard not to. I am. When this is all done, who knows what I'll do to myself. All I can do now is just worry about my weight and my eating habits, and worry about that bridge when I cross it.

I wish I could have given you decent advice! I guess we'll see when we get to our ideal weight.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-11-2005
Sat, 11-19-2005 - 11:32am
I'm not a doctor or psychatrist so I won't try to give anyone medical advice. The best thing a friend of mine told me was to truly be aware of what you are and what you look like. Are we all afraid we might dissapear if we lose weight-probably on some level I know I am. I've been the fat girl for so long I don't know where my identity lies outside of that. Bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and overeating are all serious issues that need to be dealt with preferably by people who know what they are doing-ie doctors and registered dietitians. Just because someone else do something does not mean that you will do it. As you continue losing weight take steps to figure out your new identity. As for me I've tried and discarded things I don't like. I love nature and sports and the outdoors, but I will never be hiking girl-to many darn mosquitoes and I am so allergic to mosquitoes!!! I love clothes, but I can't afford and can't fit into the clothes I really want so a major fashionista I am not, but I am someone who buys the classics with a couple of trendy items every season-god bless HnM. I love theatre and have always stayed out of the way backstage, offstage, or in minor roles; and know I'm finding out how much I love being on stage so maybe I will choose a different direction. I guess its really all about discovering who you are, and that can make you less afraid. Sure you'll fail or really suck at some things, but isn't that better than feeling like your invisible.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-23-2005
Mon, 11-21-2005 - 6:33pm

at this point, I'm more worried about not being able to lose the weight at all. I'm afraid of hereditary things like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart problems and diabetes. I'll cross the 'im too skinny' bridge when i come to it.

really, if youre worried about not knowing when to stop, take a cue from friends and family. when they start saying "i think you look great!" or "i think youve lost all the weight you need to" or similar things, you'll know youre done. Set a weight goal, and stick to it (for instance, I plan to stop weight-loss at 130, if I ever reach it). another thing you may want to consider is talking to your doctor about your fears. they might be able to reccomend something for you.