increasing metabolism from exercise bulimia

Um yah. I never heard of bulimia in a form of exercise but apparently I have it. After discussion with a dietitian looking over my number and history its seems that is what i"ve been doing for the last 20 years.

I've been told the generic advice to eat more. from 800 it's now up to 1500-1600 on average and it shows in not a good way. I have gained 15lbs in 8 months (some of that is muscle) but still I feel huge. and a friend processing my numbers my weight gain is because my metabolism is at 1100 which for a person with a 135lbs muscles in her is low.. like 50% lower than it should. I should be eating about 2100 and that's without exercise.

I get that people set point are individual but everyone tells me that 1100/day for a 200lbs person is too low but that is not what I feel. I feel fat and I AM fat because I'm 216. I was 190 at one point but that was having only 600 calories a day to work with.

I don't have my fat clothes any more and my thinner clothes don't fit I was so happy to get rid of them but it was premature.

Has anyone here gone through this process of recovery? I have been told that I have to eat, but for how long? I have read it could be a couple of YEARS before the metabolism comes back but I keep packing on the pounds. I don't want to be 300lbs and feel I'm heading fast in that direction. I'd love to find a support group that doesn't vilify the fact that I am obese yet have a eating disorder which most people don't associate.

Replies

  • Dhemeyer
    Dhemeyer Posts: 157 Member
    As a behavioral health therapist, I recommend you seek out professional help. It's not appropriate for me to hand out professional advice at length in a setting like this. But eating disorders in any form should be discussed with experts. And while others with similar experiences might have great advice and a perspective that those who don't have an eating disorder have, it's best to take advice from someone who has the background in treatment and who is a bit removed from the situations (for example, a surgeon doesn't do surgery on themselves, right?).
    What I can do is offer you encouragement. It sounds like you have some fear and some questions... some of your fear may fade away when you get some good/solid answers to your questions. You have some work ahead of you, but with the right advice and lots of support you can get healthy again and still look and feel healthy. Go easy on yourself, surround yourself with supportive people, and ask for help. You can do this!
    best wishes
  • pleasepleaseno
    pleasepleaseno Posts: 166 Member
    I agree with the person above me. I was bulimic for 6 years (of the purging variety) and went to get professional help about a year ago. I got set up with an eating plan, and he focused my mindset and let me know what to expect during recovery (possible initial weight gain, bloating, body adjusting to correct food amounts, etc.) Anyway, good luck, recovery is the best decision you can make. Be prepared for a battle!
  • seashell1600
    seashell1600 Posts: 6 Member
    Recovery and forgiveness of self with love and encouragement will assist in a triad of a healthier you.
    I have struggled on/off with bulimia for 18 years. Weight standards in the military didn't help but ultimately
    Provided resources and accountability that have helped me come a LONG way. Make the appt to seek
    Professional help. It's an appt to care for "just you". You can do it and yes, will eventually
    Embrace/accept where you are at in order to move forward. I'm rooting for you and will give you support as well.
    You are more than just this issue with bulimia. We can help each other make better choices on hard days and good days.
    Hang in there, there is hope on the horizon. :happy: