Transition from Anorexia to Recovery.....

[Redefined11]

I'm 20 years old an 5' 8.... and recovering from anorexia. But the healing process has been challenging.
It seems that now that I'm at the point where I want to eat food... I can't. I get severe stomach pains when eating.
Is there a supplement that I should be taking or any other advice. Also I was wondering what my actual body weight should be for my height and age... to see how far I have to be at a healthy weight as right now I am very underweight.

thanks.  

[Patricia Pitts, PhD]

Dear Redefined11,

Your body is probably having difficulty taking food in at this point.  Are you working with eating disorder specialists:  medical doctor and therapist?  Since you report being “very underweight”, you may need to be under medical care as you do the refeeding protocol.  You need to be monitored medically as you gradually increase your calories.  If you need any digestive aids, your doctor can recommend options.  You also will need emotional support.  You also may need a higher level of care.
An eating disorder specialist can do a comprehensive evaluation to best direct you to the appropriate team and level of care.

To learn more about anorexia and different treatment levels of care, visit the bella vita website.

Best,

Dr. Patricia Pitts
The Bella Vita
Los Angeles, CA

[skweeny]

Hi! I think it's really an amazing step to take - to want to get better and you should be really proud about that!  ;-)  No one can force you to get better before you make that decision... and you already have so that is amazing!

It's too hard to do it alone! You will have a much better chance with support from a team of professionals, friends, family... I know this from experience.  You need help and a nutritionist can help you get started on what foods you can eat. You also need a therapist to guide you through and a family doctor who knows what they're talking about to examine you and make sure everything is okay and going well....

I have been through the full range... I think different things work for different people. I know tube feeding NEVER worked for me and it just made me feel like a prisoner so I hope you never have to go through that! Therapy really helped me a lot. I am on this new way of eating called Raw Food lifestyle .... it is really amazing because I am eating really healthy food but I don't know if that would work for everyone... you have to see what works for you but the main thing is... not to go at it alone!

Be well and good luck!