Topic : Bulimia

I don't know what to do. For the past few weeks I have been feeling the urge to vomit after I eat alot. I know that bulimia is a serious disease and I don't want it!!! I have overcome alot of urges to vomit, but still I have vomited 5 times in the past 3 weeks. Besides occasional binges, eating disorders are something that I have never had to deal with. I guess i have always thought about vomiting to lose weight  but I never thought that I would ever consider doing it. Now the urges are getting stronger and I feel that I won't be able to stop myself soon. I don't know what has come over me because I know that this is a bad thing to do  and yet I feel like I have no control over it. I feel so disgusted with myself for being so fat and when I vomit I feel even worse. I don't understand why I want to do something that makes me feel so low.  Someone please tell me what to do, I need to stop this before it does turn into an eating disorder. I just don't know how. Help for something like this is limited in my area ( I couldn't tell someone face-to-face anyway) and talking to my family about it is not an option for me. I don't like to look like the "victim". can someone please give me some advice. Thank you.

I am sorry that you posted days ago and got no response. I feel your sincerity and notice that that you also overcame the urges several times.

 

I do not know how much message board support is out there. Is there perhaps a chapter of OA that you can visit? It may not be as hard face to face if others share and can perhaps relate.

 

Please keep looking to network and get support, not from a level of victim. You show in your words that you also have feelings of concern for your wellbeing, and since it appears that the behavior has not been going on for that long, you have a good chance of overcoming it.

Your daughter is showing the CLASSIC signs of bulimia.  Going to the bathroom during dinner and after dinner is a sure bet that she is purging.  A 15 year old who is concerned about her looks is extremely vulnerable to becoming self loathing, and perceiving her self much differently than others do.  The fact that she jumps on the defensive whenever you try and talk to her is actually a very "15" year old thing to do, but PLEASE....I am telling you now, find out for sure.  Does the water run when she is in the bathroom?  Is she masking the sound?  check the rim of the toilet bowl for signs of vomitting, notice the smell after she comes out, look at her eyes...are they watery and red?  Is her nose running?  Does she look a little flushed?  It only takes about a minute to purge if you really want too, but once you start in this vicious cycle it is almost IMPOSSIBLE to turn back.  Take it from someone whos been there and struggles still to this day.  If I could talk to my 15 year old self now at 30 I would tell her how wonderful and beautiful she is and to never EVER let anyone influence how she feels about herself.  I would give anything to help that girl today but its too late, I took the road to hell and got lost along the way.  I have been trying to find my way back through the fog ever since.  Good luck to you...take care of that precious girl and whatever you do, DON'T judge, freak out or chastise her, just be there with her and most of all love her...UNCONDITIONALLY!

WOW!!! 6 Kids, 155 lbs?  YOU GO GIRL..... You earned every bit of that weight and have 6 beutiful reasons for it.  Rejoice in motherhood and the rest will follow.  You have 6 angels sent to you for a reason, you need to be here for them.  Just remember, when you just can't seem to stop yourself and the urge to purge becomes overwhelming....take a few deep breaths, go for a walk, drink some water and look around you.  You have 6 reasons to become and stay a healthy mom.  Good luck to you!

I have been both anorexic  (on and off for 23 years) and bulimic for the last5 years, and have struggled with body image issues since I was about 13.  My husband left me 3 months ago, primarily because of this disorder. He has spread rumors and lies about me to just about everyone we know and he has spent or charged over $15,000 in the last 3 months.  My family has abandon me (mom, sisters) and I'm no longer allowed to even have contact with my nieces and nephews.  Everything is falling apart.  I've tried therapy, both individual and couples, I was seeing a psychiatrist and even spent 5 weeks in an inpatient eating disorders program in November and December of 2007.  I cannot seem to stop and at this point, since everyone has left me, I don't know if I even want to.  The only thing I have is my two kids.

 

I live in a very small town where the nearest hospital that works with ed's is 2 hours away, there are no support groups and my insurance covers little to nothing.  I cannot afford treatment on my own.

 

I just wanted you to know that you are not alone in this.

My name is Kimber and I have a little known ED.  It's called purging disorder.  It is unlike the two that most people think make up all ED's, anorexia and bulimia.  I actually eat normal portions of food.  I do not over eat, eat too many calories etc,  but I do periodically (some weeks more than others) purge what food I do eat at least 3 times a week.  I do not purge all meals, just one here and there. 

I am not a normal weight, I am a bit over weight but not "fat".  I don't feel I have a distorted body image.  I know I need to lose weight and am working on it.  I eat very healthy meals most of the time.  When I do feel too full, even after normal portions, or I feel I've eaten something unhealthy I will purge it.

I know there are others out there with this disorder but it's so unknown or talked about.  I think everyone would like to think there are only two ED's and stick with that.

Is there anyone else who has or has had this particular disorder?

I'm in the exact same boat as you. I dont binge or anything, but I purge. I think I might purge a little bit more than you do though. I probably purge every other day, but on the purging days I purge atleast twice, sometimes up to 4 times on those days. I feel your frustration.

How can my husband and I help our bulimic daughter?  We locked up the liquor because it was 'disappearing' but food.....that's another story.  Instead of sleeping, she will plow through the refrigerator at night and eat enormous amounts of food.  Believe me, we NEVER have leftovers anymore.  The food costs are sky high.  I just lost my job of 7 years in April and am on unemployment while I look for work.  She knows the situation - she is home from college for the summer and has found a job (which keeps her occupied).  She has a therapist at school and was referred to some groups here but she has not/will not call.  We are so worried about her.  She's 5'11" and wears a size 5.  We have confronted her about eating all of the food and she just apologizes.  Sometimes sorry doesn't cut it when the behavior doesn't  change.  How can we help her help herself? 

After watching the show regarding eating disorders it really opened my eyes to the issue and makes me really concerned for my good freind who has been battling bulimia since high school. I have been aware that my best friend has had an eating disorder for a while. I strongly believe that a lot of her issues stem from her controling father and childhood. I ask that anyone please give me advice on how to get her the best possible help and be the supportive friend that she needs. Finally after years of therapy and going on and off meds, her family and doctor has made the descion for her to go into long term treatment. My question is what can I say or do for her to make this work. I am afraid that she is not going to make it and will want to come home. Has any of you been in long term treatment before? What is it like? She leaves this Thursday for treatment and I am terrified for her and whether or not she is going to come out of it a new improved person or worse then ever. Thank you anyone that has read my concerns and I wish you luck in your battles fighting this deadly disorder.

I know that this is going to sound awful but there is nothing you can do until she is ready to help herself. I am 31 years old and have anerexia/bulimia since I was 16 years old. There are many people, both family and friends, who know about my situation, but they all know there is nothing they can do but support me, as I am not ready. I am not saying that they sit their idle and let me do what they want, but they let me talk to them when i need to and they ring me just to tell me they love me. I am currently in therapy at the moment and the only reason i am there is because i know that i have the love and support of every one in my family. Your daughter's behaviour wont change until she is ready. Let her know that you love her and that you will be there for her. Maybe suggest to her that she buys her own snack food when she is at your house, maybe making her responsible for herself in this way will assist in her asking for help.

good luck