Eating Disorders..anyone..?

[Pinkysue30]

Re: Eating Disorders..anyone..?

Bugout429, you just described me to a tee! I too lack the gag reflex....and am a 'former' diet pill junkie b/c ephedra is hard to come by now. I had aneroxia in high school no thanks to a boyfriend that pointed out how fat I always was. I still abuse laxatives to this day but am trying to be better about it. My body is on my mind 24/7....all I think about on a daily basis is how fat I am. It's very mind controlling! When I was in high school and going through my problems, my mom took me to a doc who told me if I didn't stop I would die. I didn't care, at least I would be skinny, is how i looked at it. Then my mom made me watch the Tracey Gold special when she was on Diane Sawyer one night and all that did was give me pointers when I learned how Tracey Gold ate. Lettuce and rice were my best friend. I really wish I could get the thoughts of having to have the perfect body out of my head but I don't think it will ever go away...it controls me day and night!

[cleochatra]

Re: Eating Disorders..anyone..?

Wonderwoman. I was just reading that you have three little ones! Oh, girl, you have my admiration.

I was a binge eater for YEARS before Atkins. To me, it looks like you also eat to deal with stress... and with three babies, it's not a surprise that you're stressed. I'd be stressed, too.

For you, I think part of the trick is not to get so overwhelmed in the first place (easy for me to say, hey?).


The problem, as I see it, is that you don't accomplish all you want to during the day, or that while you are attempting to get things done you have three little ones actively undoing everything you've done. That would be incredibly frustrating. Of course then you might feel out of control, washed out and frustrated.

It's when we are overwhelmed that we feel inadequate. When we feel inadequate and helpless we tend to eat.

So look to some of the real underlying issues. You need help with the kids... or you need a part-time housekeeper so that you do not reach ultra-poopout by the end of the day.

Look for a mother's day out program in your area. Or find a co-op where you can put the wee ones for a little time. Or hire a reputable teen to watch the itty bitties for a little while so that you can do some of the other things you need to do. Mom's Clubs also offer babysitting swap opportunities.

As for the snacking, I think this is frustration snacking. You find delight in the habit of putting your hand to your mouth, much like a smoker. Do you even taste the food, or are you doing it for the oral fix it provides for you?

Instead of food, keep a water bottle with you. When you need the hand-to-mouth, take a drink. You are replacing an unhealthy habit with a healthy one.

Most importantly, don't lose sight of the YOU. You are wife and mom... but where is Wonderwoman? You need something that is your own. If it's decorating, gardening, any other hobby, find time to get in touch with your uniqueness and fun side again!

Again, I say that you are over-stressed and you need to find a solution to this problem. Take action. Don't let life happen to you anymore, and you will find the rest of the problems will dissipate to a VERY managable level.

Jamie

[wonderwoman]

Re: Eating Disorders..anyone..?

what wonderful advice you have for me. Thank you so very much for spending the time to help me out like that. I think you raised a point to me that has never crossed my mind before about my stress eating. "Do i taste my food?" or is it the hand to mouth habit that i need to break/swap something else for. The water bottle idea is perfect for that. I think you hit the nail on the head with that thought, and I don't think I've ever thought about it once on my own! I never sit down to eat a meal. It's always standing up in the middle of doing something. Terrible. I'm really going to try to break that habit.
As far as some help....I do have my 3 little ones in a preschool 2xs a week. It's been so wonderful. I think I'm still slightly having a hard time accepting my reality about the triplet thing. It's just a ton of work. And I still ask the Man above, "why me?" ...this was an au naturel pregnancy. I wasn't taking any drugs or doing any of that>a total freak of nature.
Wonderwoman...what a terrible guest name. I don't even know how I got that one! That's so not me! But it's catchy... I do need to pick up a pastime to help my stress load. THanks for that advice as well. Am going to start a clean induction beginning on monday, and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm going to try it for one week, not 2. Thanks again for everything.

[JenDoe]

Re: Eating Disorders..anyone..?

...and an addiction never goes away, you're never cured, it will always be ther ein the back of your mind, we just gotta be stronger than the addiction...

This exactly describes the way I feel (((thanks))). I would never describe myself as an ex-bulimic because although I haven't thrown up in years and years, I don't want to get complacent about it because I still have the urge to do it fairly often.

It's nice not to know I'm not alone - although I wouldn't wish an ED on anyone

[electra51975]

Re: Eating Disorders..anyone..?

Well my self i have always been an emotioinal eater with drpression and i was diagnosed with cervical cancer that spread in utero, in 1999 weighed 220 lbs post preg, got my self down to 135 lbs in 4 months, ate only metabolife 360 (with ephedra) amd a yogurt and a slim fast every day, exercised like a nut. but of couse the first thing you put into your mouth you gain it all back, i went to 173 then, i started the bulemia, i would binge till i hurt and had to throw up to get any relief. I still ballooned up to 193 lbs. The last time this happened was 2 weeks ago. now that Ive been doing Atkins I never feel like that after i eat, i feel so much better tho. An Im looking forward to sticking to this way of life of Atkins.

[ztachick]

Re: Eating Disorders..anyone..?

electra51975-- im so sorry that you had to go through so much... but at least u are so much stronger from that now.. yea bulimic episodes are hard to ''give up'' so to speak, my last episode..honestly..was today.... i dont purge much but everyone in a while it eating just gets to me ya know.. all i had was an omlete, and i feelt horrible.. well good luck to you sweetie..

[2big4mysize]

Re: Eating Disorders..anyone..?

glad you were able to find Atkins and the control it gives us to use as a tool in our WOE. Happy lowcarbing.

[Malka]

Re: Eating Disorders..anyone..?

I am a compulsive overeater, and a member of Overeater Anonymous..Atkins is a great help as I cut out starches and sugar, & lose weight.. There is a great deal we do not know about eating disorders.. But we do know that one's emotional life has a great deal to do with it..I believe that represses anger plays a powerful role in these additons..I believe that eating binges are displaced temper tantrums or rage reactions..I also believe that the roots of this condition can offen be traced to earliest times in our lives & to complicated family relations..Try keeping a Food Diary, known as "self-monitoring..Research shows that folks who keep track of what they eat, how when & why, are the ones who lose weight & keep it off.. Writing it down gives you the chance to think twice before you act.. The more honest you are the more it will help you..Also exercise 3 times a week, it actually makes one feel more energelic and improves sleep.. CU Malka

[Pineapple]

Re: Eating Disorders..anyone..?

It stated out with me on 600-800 calories a day. There have been days when I doubt I ate over 100 calories. Then the two times I ate nothing for almost a week each. Then- geez, I can't believe I really did this- when since my body would automatically reject and vomit up the metformin whenever I took it, I would binge and take the damn thing. Luckily the most extreme phases of all this nonsense didn't last too long (of course the fact that even thinking about Met makes me gag now). I think the problems are still there, but as long as I have people to reassure me I'll be ok.

[Miss Seaneen]

Re: Eating Disorders..anyone..?

Everyone knows I'm bulimic but me. Because I don't really binge, I don't consider myself bulimic, but anyone else I've discussed it with does.

I throw up/threw up most of what I ate. Be it a biscuit or a salad, if I felt sick with it in me, I'd throw up. It comes and goes- for now I'm back in the cycle of throwing up. It sort of kicked me back onto Atkins. I don't actually lose any weight with throwing up, and I feel sick, sick with secrets and sick physically.

I suffer with bi-polar, recently it's been mostly depression, and pretty awful depression. That's when I can't look at myself, can't keep anything down.

I reason that if I do Atkins, which has helped me lose so much weight in the past, it might eliminate my guilt and also at least present some form of health with food. Food and I don't have the best relationship. At best it's purely sustanance, at worst, it's poison.

I get so angry when I see people eat crap and still not be fat. I never eat crap, I try to eat as well as I can and still gain. I see people in pizzarias and feel so jealous of them, knowing that if I was in there, every second I'd be thinking about throwing it up. It's such a waste of time and money, I can't even have a nice meal out with my boyfriend.

I tried to go to the doctor about this. I had gained weight- god knows how, I was living off nothing- and tried to explain I had problems with food. He just patted my back and said it was great I was gaining weight, it means I'm healthy. Didn't listen that I was scared I was 30lbs overweight, didn't care that I threw up everything I ate, spent money I didn't have on food because I got caught in a cycle of hunger.

I'm taking matters into my own hands, as always. That's why I'm here.

[TogaGirl]

Re: Eating Disorders..anyone..?

I haven't posted on the boards yet, just been looking to you guys for inspiration and motivation, but I myself have suffered through bulimia since my junior year of college (almost 5 years now). It's something I've sought professional help for and can proudly say that I seem to be on the path to beating it. I give the atkins diet a lot of credit for this (i like to give myself a pat on the back as well ) For me, purging food was a way to rid my body of food that I felt was damaging but felt equally out of control when I put it in me; it was a vicious cycle. Atkins has given me back control of my life (in a healthy way), and a way to manage my urges to purge, knowing what I eat is ok... At this point in my life I need a diet that strictly tells me what i can and cannot eat. This coupled with delving into the emotional causes of my bulimia has helped me in more ways than I can fathom. My Dr. says that she's seen atkins and other low carb diets help others suffering from eating disorders to get that inital control over their lives that they need. (it doesn't work for everyone, but it sure has worked or me) All I can say is that besides finally being able to feel better about my pants size (still can't bear to look at a scale ) atkins has made me a healthier person physically and emotionally.

[TogaGirl]

Re: Eating Disorders..anyone..?

Jerrica, awww thanks for your kind words. Reading them, I know and understand exactly what you were and are going through; it's something that always is somewhere in the back of your mind. It's nice to hear from someone who does understand!! Well i'm proud of both of us for doing so well!!! Keep up the good work!!!


PS finally was able to weigh myself without freaking out.... lol... good sign I guess

[djfmf]

Re: Eating Disorders..anyone..?

i was never diagnosed with an eating disorder but i had a habit of overeating and eating whenever i was depressed or not even hungry at all. it was tough growing up like that my whole life and having an negative image of myself. phase one of induction helped with a diet plan that i could follow and the discipline to control my eating habits. there were times when i got off the diet and went back to my old ways which felt horrible. now that i'm back on the diet with full force i plan on reaching my goal weight and hopefully by then i could just maintain my weight by still eating healthy. i don't plan on staying on induction forever, it would suck even though i eat pretty good. i miss eatings carbs and drinking fruit juices and milk.

[jellybee201]

Re: Eating Disorders..anyone..?

2 days ago I had a fall back... I was actually afraid to admit it. But after reading and seeing some of the ppl from other parts of the board I can see we all have been down some sort of road.

I didn't eat for one day fighting that nasty habit from the past. I don't want to fall back into not eating again. I like atkins because some of the hardest parts have been what to eat and when. I've been a little of everything... anorexic to over eater.

When I was 19 a doctor told me I was anorexic. Which now anytime I go to a hospital I feel looked down on. When I lose weight they want to poke me with needles even if it's done right. Now for the first time I can say it's gonna be a healthy way. Some ppl in my family actually disagree with Atkins... saying I shouldn't do it. I reply back simple with a straight face... it's better then not eating. It's hard not to go to old habits but I'm trying to make myself realise losing it at a slow pace eating for better health is better for my mind and body.

Ive done alot of things to myself... slowed my metabolism down to nothing. so it's taking a lot longer to stable my metab... I think it's slowly going up.

I refuse to go back! I enjoy atkins... having an egg when I want for a snack. Or adding a little cheese even if it's scary. lol :P

I think in the long run I'll see how more effective this will be. And how much easier the weight will stay off..


Sorry to ramble guys. But admiting something you seem to hide kind of feels okay.



I'm glad to see how many girls have actually went to this diet to become healthier. You all should be so proud!!!! Don't give up.

[loana]

Re: Eating Disorders..anyone..?

I was diagnosed by anorexia and bulimia in 1996 after loosing about 65lbs and 13 sizes ina bout 2 months... I was hospitalized and tried to commit suicide after getting so depress about the way I looekd.. I was in suicidal control for about 6 months and in therapy 3-5 times a week for about 3 years... is always in the back of my mind.. as it always be you really never get over an ED... I have not have an episode in over 2 years but was very close to starting over recently!