Aa
Help Starting Recovery
Hello there,
I have been battling various forms of Anorexia/Bulimia since my mid teens and now I am 26 years old. I am about 5'2 and weight around 78lbs. I am in the care of a physician and a therapist, yet I still feel a little lost on how to get started on my recovery, with what to eat, how much, etc. I think this is because I haven't eaten normally in so long my body doesn't know how to tell me what it really needs or when its had enough or not enough. I still jog 4 days a week for 21-25 mins each time and walk/run during the midday just to feel like I'm not fat/gaining weight and lift light weights on off days. I feel like I'm killing myself, I can barely make it through any of the runs/weights without feeling like I could just melt into a puddle of exhaustion. Should I be exercising at all? Should I walk at all? I just can't stand to see the number on the scale go up, even if it is just water weight or bloating! What should I do and where should I start? Thank you for all of your great advice.
I have been battling various forms of Anorexia/Bulimia since my mid teens and now I am 26 years old. I am about 5'2 and weight around 78lbs. I am in the care of a physician and a therapist, yet I still feel a little lost on how to get started on my recovery, with what to eat, how much, etc. I think this is because I haven't eaten normally in so long my body doesn't know how to tell me what it really needs or when its had enough or not enough. I still jog 4 days a week for 21-25 mins each time and walk/run during the midday just to feel like I'm not fat/gaining weight and lift light weights on off days. I feel like I'm killing myself, I can barely make it through any of the runs/weights without feeling like I could just melt into a puddle of exhaustion. Should I be exercising at all? Should I walk at all? I just can't stand to see the number on the scale go up, even if it is just water weight or bloating! What should I do and where should I start? Thank you for all of your great advice.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear katymo,
Nutrition rehabilitation is the first step to recovery. With limited resources, medical hospitalization is the best plan. As you receive the necessary nutrients, you can be closely monitored medically. With proper nutrition, you’ll be less anxious, less depression, cognitively more clear, etc. Being stabilized physically will give you the opportunity to deal with the emotional and spiritual dynamics. I would strongly urge you to take the leap of faith and enter a medical hosipital, preferably one that is familiar with eating disorders.
To learn more about anorexia and treatment levels of care, visit the bella vita website.
Best,
Dr. Patricia Pitts
The Bella Vita
Los Angeles, CA
Nutrition rehabilitation is the first step to recovery. With limited resources, medical hospitalization is the best plan. As you receive the necessary nutrients, you can be closely monitored medically. With proper nutrition, you’ll be less anxious, less depression, cognitively more clear, etc. Being stabilized physically will give you the opportunity to deal with the emotional and spiritual dynamics. I would strongly urge you to take the leap of faith and enter a medical hosipital, preferably one that is familiar with eating disorders.
To learn more about anorexia and treatment levels of care, visit the bella vita website.
Best,
Dr. Patricia Pitts
The Bella Vita
Los Angeles, CA
I am thisclose to going into the hospital, the only thing is I don't know if I go to a mental hospital if they'll make me go into a regular hospital. I'd like to start a meds plan so I can get my head right. I'm only on Medicaid and am not sure how far that will go. I'm really unsure of what to do. I know I need intense treatment any way I turn! I'm really overwhelmed and hopeless at this point.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear katymo,
Intuitively, you are correct. Even though you are driven to exercise and have difficulty gaining weight, you need to stop all exercising. Your body is weakened. You are vulnerable to heart problems, even death.
Trying to deal with your anorexia on an outpatient level is asking way too much of you. Anorexia is a complex disorder. You are not to blame. It’s genetic, personality traits, relational and spiritual.
You need intensive eating disorder treatment. At 5’2” and 78 lbs, your BMI is 14.3. The American Psychiatric Association Guidelines for Eating Disorders, 3rd Edition would say you need to be hospitalized for treatment.
To learn more about anorexia and treatment levels of care, visit the bella vita website.
Best,
Dr. Patricia Pitts
The Bella Vita
Los Angeles, CA
Intuitively, you are correct. Even though you are driven to exercise and have difficulty gaining weight, you need to stop all exercising. Your body is weakened. You are vulnerable to heart problems, even death.
Trying to deal with your anorexia on an outpatient level is asking way too much of you. Anorexia is a complex disorder. You are not to blame. It’s genetic, personality traits, relational and spiritual.
You need intensive eating disorder treatment. At 5’2” and 78 lbs, your BMI is 14.3. The American Psychiatric Association Guidelines for Eating Disorders, 3rd Edition would say you need to be hospitalized for treatment.
To learn more about anorexia and treatment levels of care, visit the bella vita website.
Best,
Dr. Patricia Pitts
The Bella Vita
Los Angeles, CA
You are reading content posted in the Anorexia, Bulimia & Binge Eating Forum
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
