ED Recovery: how long for this bloat to recede??

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risingphoenix626
risingphoenix626 Posts: 5
in Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
I'm aware it's different for everyone. I've actually taken the time to think about what caused me to lose my weight (depression and lack of food around the house i was in). to be fair, I believe the term is orthorexia. I rarely restricted.. I think I only started to restrict and go down rapidly in my weight (post depression was 145, depression was a month or so, i did eat here and there and never restricted. afterwards close to 120, then i began to exercise and eat variety and healthily. weight still went down. still not sure why.) i have been on the path to recovery for a solid week now and have dealt with an annoying and somewhat embarrassing bloat in my tummy. the last i weighed myself to be sure i wasnt near 80 something was 97.6. it was a shock but at least I wan't lower. and I've been eating a little more and adding more variety than I have in the past 2 months. my question is, how long might this bloat last and what can/should I do to eliminate it entirely? any and all advice is appreciated. :)

Replies

  • Momjogger
    Momjogger Posts: 750 Member
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    You need to go to a doctor and ask these questions. I think you also need to get professional advice from a nutritionist as well. Good luck.
  • SuperstarDJ
    SuperstarDJ Posts: 440 Member
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    Unfortunately bloating is part of the early recovery process. The only thing that helps is being consistent with your nutrition and patience. Our digestive systems can slow down when we're not eating enough, but if you keep giving your body what it needs, them this should right itself eventually. Can't say how long this will take as it's different for everyone and also depends on how much damage has been done.

    In saying that, I agree with the above poster: please consult with your doctor to rule out anything more serious and the help of a dietician / nutritionist who specialises in EDs would be very important. I found dieticians who didn't specialise were completely useless, and often did more harm than good.
  • risingphoenix626
    risingphoenix626 Posts: 5
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    thank you both; i have an appointment with my campus nutritionist the week after spring break and I guess I just wanted to see if anyone had any ideas. :)
  • Ulwaz
    Ulwaz Posts: 380 Member
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    speak to someone professional about it, but bloating is totally normal! im going through the same thing, just keep eating <3
  • Fenrissa
    Fenrissa Posts: 116
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    Bloating is normal in the early stages of recovery. It's not going to go away unless you keep up with a consistent intake of food. It can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months but it does get easier.
  • KickingButt
    KickingButt Posts: 75 Member
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    First things first is to remember that the bloat is only temporary
    this site might help if you haven't already seen it before...
    http://www.youreatopia.com/blog/2012/11/23/phases-of-recovery-from-a-restrictive-eating-disorder.html
    feel free to msg me anytime if you need support, have questions or just need to talk! :)
  • hlm711
    hlm711 Posts: 38 Member
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    Anorexia-or maintaining a low body weight can cause a whole load of problems with digestion, and the digestive track. I've found these symptoms are often worse when I leave long gaps between eating, so I'd suggest spreading your food/snacks out so your stomach isnt having to deal with alot of food in one sitting. People who dont have ED suffer from digestive problems when they eat alot in one go-so its even more pronounced when in recovery!
    I find when I'm anxious its worse too, so make sure your eating environment is as calm as it can be.
    Keep at it :)
  • risingphoenix626
    risingphoenix626 Posts: 5
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    oh gosh! I just saw everyone's replies! :embarassed: thank you so much, I'm actually doing very well now, I notice the bloat isnt s uncomfortable as before and I've been eating frequent small-ish meals throughout the day (ironically, I'm preparing to make my dinner soon; sweet potato and spinach quesadilla! excited!!) thank you all so much for the inputs, I truly appreciate it!! I also check that "your eatopia" page frequently as well as a very supportive ED recovery blog on the side. thank you again!
  • Graelwyn75
    Graelwyn75 Posts: 4,404 Member
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    Glad you are feeling better and have taken things in hand in a healthy way.
    Your dinner sounds delicious. Would not have a clue how to make one of those myself, but I love sweet potatoes.
    I cannot remember my own recovery from anorexia as it was a long time ago, but I must have suffered bloating as my weight was at a point that I was on the verge of death. I do remember the first thing I ate, though, when I decided I wanted to recover and not die... it was pizza. I also remember this horrible crawling sensation over my skin when I started eating properly again. I had no-one advising me or guiding me, no control over how I recovered. Just a doctor weigh in once a week or so and that was it.
  • Buccable
    Buccable Posts: 5
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    For me it seems to be an abundance of complete proteins. Currently my diet consists of 40% protein, 40% vegetables and 20% grain. I also saw a nutritionist once and they had told me bloating could be most likely blamed on protein deficiency. Everyone's different though.
  • risingphoenix626
    risingphoenix626 Posts: 5
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    i actually went to urgent care the night after i had my sweet potato and spinach quesadillas.. my stomach gave me intense pains that night and the day after :( turns out i went too fast; ate too much, too soon. so i've been feeling much better but doing small and slowly again.. bloat is still here and it's getting difficult some days to feel okay about myself. i just want to exercise so badly and i honestly can't wait to see my nutritionist. i just want this recovery to be over and done with success. i know it's a life long struggle for many but im tired of living in fear and self hatred.

    that percentage of protein and grain; interesting, I'd not thought of that before! it could very well be the amount of what;s going in (too much, not enough). a balancing act over all.
  • milileitner
    milileitner Posts: 98 Member
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    Took me like 8 months for it to begin to go down. Once I increased my fats and decreased my fibre it got a lot better though.
  • sarehhhhhhh
    sarehhhhhhh Posts: 10
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    Sounds like you're making good progres. So long as you keep a positive attitude you'll be fine :) It does go away eventually, I used to hate my stomach for bloating which only made my problems worse but it was because I never ate properly in the first place. Now I still get it but usually on a day like today where I've just not eaten properly and have a bit of an upset stomach.

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