Dependency on laxatives.....

Hi, i'm new to this forum and have been suffering from bulimia for about 3 years now. I never used to worry bout my weight and I'm not too sure how it all started.

I know I take too many laxatives...I thought I could control it and I discovered to my cost that it controls me. Now I'm worried about lazy bowel syndrome, amongst other things, and need some help getting back on track.

I'm about 5 foot 4 and weigh aroun 50 kilos, if thats any help.
Thanks for your time...it just nice to have someone to ask about this I've been too ashamed and nervous to talk to anyone else.

kim

[Patricia Pitts, PhD]

Hi Kim,

I’m delighted you were able to write your concerns.  You are not alone.  There are many individuals who misuse and abuse laxatives.  Laxatives are the least effective weight loss method.  Calorie absorption occurs prior to laxatives impacting the colon.  You may save yourself 12% of the calories you ate.  So if you ate 1,000 calories, the laxative use might save you 120 calories.  In addition, laxative abuse can dehydrate your body and possibly cause electrolyte imbalances.  There is nothing positive about laxative misuse or abuse.  In addition, individuals often have a psychological dependence on laxatives.  They have intense anxiety giving up the feeling of thinness and weight control they attribute to laxative use.  The prescription is usually ceasing all use of laxatives.  Patience is necessary.  You need to allow your body to take the necessary steps to return your bowels to normal functioning.  I

I’m also concerned about your years of suffering from bulimia.  You may need to seek consultation for therapy or a treatment program.  Take our online female survey and review our website to educate you on bulimia and treatment options.

Regards,

Dr. Pitts

Patricia Pitts, PhD
The Bella Vita
Los Angeles, California

[mlax]

A related discussion, problems for lax abuse was started.