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Mary
Beginner November 2018

Rant: Wedding Triggering Eating Disorder

Mary, on July 14, 2017 at 3:49 PM Posted in Fitness and Health 0 18

Hi there. I really need to get something off my chest. I have had on and off issues with an eating disorder most of my life. Most recently it was an issue a few months back. My fiance is really supportive of helping me but he also doesn't know how to catch the signs. I constantly find myself retreating to bad behaviors and can't stand how it changes me into someone who lies or hides things from him.

I've gained a bit of weight and would like to lose a bit of weight which my goal is a healthy weight for me but I can't stop slipping into bad behaviors. How the hell does someone with an eating disorder lose weight in a healthy way? I know what healthy is but I just can't eat healthy for more than a few days without slipping back. I'm either restricting way too much or binging a disgusting amount.

I don't know what kind of advice I'm looking for. I've just gone back and forth so many times and it's caused issues. I really don't know how to handle the pressure of the wedding...

18 Comments

Latest activity by Sheri, on July 15, 2017 at 2:18 AM
  • Brittney
    Expert June 2018
    Brittney ·
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    I'm sorry you're dealing with this. Maybe consult your doctor or even a dietitian and they can recommend something for you. I'm sure there are support groups out there as well. You are definitely not the only person that has dealt with this so I'm sure there are plenty of resources to be explored.

    Best of luck.

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  • Kaylene
    Devoted September 2017
    Kaylene ·
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    You need to meet with a mental health professional, doctor, and a dietitian. They are the only ones who can give you the advice you truly need. Eating disorders are dangerous and it shouldn't be left up to strangers on an Internet forum to tell you what to do, it's just too risky that you'll get advice or suggestions that will be detrimental to your health. <3 best of wishes for your recovery.

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  • Mary
    Beginner November 2018
    Mary ·
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    I was suspected of an eating disorder when I was younger in high school but I've never actually talked to anyone about it. I told my fiance last year for the first time and honestly I denied it was ever true until then. I don't know how to even go about this. I don't look like I would have one and I worry that I'll just seem like I'm attention seeking ...

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  • Carousel
    VIP October 2017
    Carousel ·
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    Mary, telling someone about it is a huge first step. Telling your fiancé is great, and I'm glad to hear that he had been so supportive. Telling your primary doctor is step 2. From there, they can write you a referral ( this will help with insurance costs) to a counselor and a dietitian.

    All three of these people are professionals, and will absolutely not treat you as though you are just looking for attention. Their job is to be an objective voice in your life looking out for your physical and mental health. People with whom you have personal relationships are awesome and it is fantastic to have their support... but they cannot be objective when it comes to discussions about your health. Talk to the pros!

    ETA and I'm glad you were comfortable to "get it off your chest" here, as well. Admitting it to strangers who don't know you and can't judge might be good practice in psyching yourself up to talk to the doctor about your concerns.

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  • Spaghetti
    VIP November 2018
    Spaghetti ·
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    I also encourage you find someone to talk to. You could bring your FH with you if that would help you feel more comfortable. Also just remove as many triggers as you can for yourself by avoiding threads or pages about weight loss. I wish you all the best.

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  • Taylor
    Super October 2017
    Taylor ·
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    I would speak to your doctor. I'm sure they have a more personalized and custom ideas for you. Best of luck

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  • SarahE.
    Expert October 2017
    SarahE. ·
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    @Mary you did the first big step towards resolving it which is acknowledging it. I agree with you finding a professional to talk to because there could be other causes as to why it happens. Also, eating disorders do not just affect skinny people. Anyone can have one.....I used too. Mine went hand in hand with depression. Once I was able to handle my depression I was able to handle my eating disorder. It however took some time and a lot of support. So be sure to lean on those around you and have faith. You can and you will do this! You are not alone!

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  • kahlcara
    Master August 2013
    kahlcara ·
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    Talk to a therapist, doctor and/or dietician. This is not an issue that I've dealt with personally, however, my mother is a clinician who treats those issues and also has struggled with an eating disorder herself previously. This is unfortunately much more common than you think and there is help out there! But I would be careful about reaching out to support groups because they can be destructive in terms of enabling behaviors.

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  • KatieMBY
    VIP January 2018
    KatieMBY ·
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    Please talk to a nutritionist/dietitian about the best ways to introduce the healthiest foods, with moderate consumption. If you're more consistent with food intake and it's smaller portions, you won't feel as guilty. *from experience over here.

    You're going to feel guilty and be down on yourself, that's the ED talking girl! But remember you're worth so much more. Please consult with a psychiatrist and they can refer you to a local dietitian for your specific needs. Good luck, love.

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  • LuckyAK
    VIP March 2018
    LuckyAK ·
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    Mary- I am in recovery. I am happy to talk to you if you want to email me. ****************@*****.***

    I practice intuitive eating. I don't weigh myself. I exercise to mainly cope with my anxiety, but only about 30/40 mins 3-4 days a week. I am in much better shape than I ever used to be, and I don't deny myself anything- I just stop when I'm full. The more you focus and stress about not eating and losing, the more you're thinking about and and the more likely you will be to binge, and repeat the cycle.

    When you're not thinking about food, you'll be happier and your body will get to the weight it wants to be.

    You can totally break free from it. I did!

    Sometimes it helps to prep meals beforehand, or even stock up in lean cuisines and smart ones! That way you can't binge because your meal is already portioned and prepared for you.

    When you get that "I need to binge" feeling, take a shower, paint your nails. The urge will pass.

    Please email me if you'd like to talk, but I also encourage you to seek professional help. That's what really changed and saved my life. My therapist is also in recovery so she was very understanding and non judgmental. Seek out local EDA meetings if you can't get to a therapist. Sending you love!

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  • xtine
    Dedicated August 2018
    xtine ·
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    You're not alone, Mary! <3

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  • Cuervo
    Super January 2019
    Cuervo ·
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    Listen to everyone else above me!

    But I just wanted to say that what helped me stay on track is an app called Lose It! It helps you track what you're putting in your body but you need to be honest, that part really came from me being tired and feeling useless. I was so sick of myself and was getting worse by the day.

    Just be easy on yourself, okay?

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  • LillyBean17
    Master October 2017
    LillyBean17 ·
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    Definitely see a therapist. They can help you come to terms with your disorder as well as uncover underlying issues. They will also have great resources for nutritionists and dietitians that can come up with a plan that will keep you healthy while being sensitive to the possibility of triggering your disorder.

    Good luck. Remember, even the tiniest steps are still steps in the right direction and make a huge difference.

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  • soon2BmrsH
    Super September 2017
    soon2BmrsH ·
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    Mary, I'm sorry you are experiencing this... I understand first hand what it feel so like to live with an ED (and it can be hard when friends and family want to help but they only make things worse!). Don't ever feel like you're just trying to get attention when you need help. It's a long journey, but there's hope. Please find help!

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  • MnmsMonique
    Super June 2018
    MnmsMonique ·
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    I agree with PP, talk to a therapist. You have to be happy with yourself first mentally. Once you start getting your mental health in check talk to your doctor about ways to eat better. When i talked to my doctor about losing weight, he said to do it for good health and not for cosmetic reasons. He recommended Weight Watchers,

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  • Janine
    Devoted May 2018
    Janine ·
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    You should share the signs with your FH so he knows what to search for and can help you at home. I would also look into some support groups around your area-they really helped get me on a healthy road again. Best of luck!!

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  • Stephanie
    Expert February 2018
    Stephanie ·
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    I was never diagnosed with an ED but I know exactly where you're coming from. I finally felt like I was starting to develop a better relationship with food and a better self image, and this wedding is bringing me back to my old obsessive habits. As tough as it is, I'm trying not to focus on losing weight. It's not worth going back to where I was mentally. I wish you the best and if you really feel the need to lose weight for health reasons, then I agree with everyone else. Seek professional help and don't try to do this on your own.

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  • Sheri
    Super May 2020
    Sheri ·
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    Counseling maybe will pray for you

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