How can I overcome purging without going to a doctor??

[jakesbride110]

I've always been a very healthy person. I grew up eating whatever I wanted while maintaining my weight by dancing, tumbling, and aerobics. I generally was always around 125 pounds. I quit dancing and tumbling once I got married at the age of 18.  I'm between 5'6 and 5'7 and at the begining of the summer I weighed myself at 136 pounds. I couldn't believe how much I had gained. I started noticing how I looked plumper than I use to. At first I just tried dieting but it was like a yo yo, I would lose, then gain, then lose again. I don't binge but I do think I over eat a little bit at least once a day. Food is soooo good it's very hard for me to eat appropriate portions. Approximately three months ago I started making myself throw up if I overate any at all. I usually throw up at least once a day sometimes twice. I've tried to stop but for some reason I can't!! I even talked to my husband about it and he's been trying to help but I will still sneak around him. Is there anything I can do to get this under control? I'm at 128 pounds currently, and I don't want to lose any more weight but this fear of gaining weight will make me go crazy if I think I've eaten to much. It's like I will pace back and forth trying to resist the urge to regurgitate my food until I finally do just to make sure I don't gain anything.


Please give me some advice!! I don't want to go to a doctor!!

[Patricia Pitts, PhD]

Dear jakesvride110,
As you probably are aware, purging can be quite damaging to your body.  In addition, there is research revealing that bingeing and purging is addictive.  However, ultimately one needs to address the psychological and spiritual dynamics causing the binge/purge behavior to make a lasting change.
Since you are currently opposed to going to a doctor, you may want to try attending Overeaters Anonymous a twelve step program.  You can call or check online for bulimic meetings in your area.  Here you can find a loving, supportive environment with others at different stages of recovery from bulimia.  
To learn more about bulimia, visit the bella vita website.
Best,
Dr Patricia Pitts
The Bella Vita
Los Angeles, CA

[jakesbride110]

How do I find a group? I searched online for about twenty minutes and I couldn't find a group even remotely close to where I live. Also thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions.

[jakesbride110]

Thank you for the advice. I do appreciate it, but I really would like to try and fix this on my own without going to a doctor. Also why would I need an antideppressant?? I don't think I'm depressed. I mean other than being overly paranoid about gaining weight I feel okay, and I don't starve myself I just throw it up only if I eat to much which is usually once a day, rarely twice.

Is there anything I can try on my own??