Help! I gained 20 lbs!

Captian_Dathon

Okay 20 lbs isn't that big of a deal for all of you. But it's more than just the weight gain that's gotten me down.

I had recently lost 45 lbs and was going good and suddenly... very suddenly, just in ONE day after having given blood I couldn't stop eating. And eating. And eating. Bad foods. Milkshakes and peanut butter and fast food. I even got to the point where I was eating non-fully cooked foods, dry cereal, even stale and expired food. My hunger is NEVER satisfied, and I gained 18 lbs very quickly. I feel sluggish and gross and horrible and my clothes are getting tighter. I'm letting my days just slip by, despite having a mostly free schedule.... I just can't stop myself!

I've got a complicated history with food, and I really have been trying to regain control but I've really seem to have lost it this time. I'm crying all the time and I feel horrible and in 120 degree heat I'm in sweats and long sleeves, eating, or sleeping. 24/7.

Has anyone encountered this problem, too? I don't know how to get myself back on track! I've tried keeping a journal and exercising but it hasn't helped and I feel I'm hopeless now!

SherryTeach

I think you to see your doctor immediately and get a mental health referral. This is alarming. Do you have a support system?

Captian_Dathon

Mental Health? Why? I really don't think I'm depressed, just a bit emotional.

Heather_Rider

I think you to see your doctor immediately and get a mental health referral. This is alarming. Do you have a support system?

I have to agree.. if you are eating foods that arent fully cooked, ect.. there is more to it than a desire to eat.

bbaker172

All of this after giving blood? You're body is needing a nutrient, and you're not giving it, so that's why you're having these "cravings". You should try to take some iron...you may be anemic, maybe your body is craving iron and that's why you're eating food that's not fully cooked.

Try a multi-vitamin w/ iron. Call your Dr. and they can do blood work to see which vitamin you're lacking in.

caseyjade88

I would see your doctor about this. There could be an underlying condition. Just take a deep breath, accept that things have gone awry lately, and force yourself to do some brief cardio. What you need is a strong support system. Good luck!

mrsslimkatie

Mental Health? Why? I really don't think I'm depressed, just a bit emotional.

Because what you described sounds like a breakdown.
Wishing you health and wellness

ZoeyRobinson

I've had an eating disorder for years..decades even. I am an all or nothing person and I am trying not to be. I was a gluten free vegan for so long and now that I am eating meat again I am trying to enjoy fast food once every few months and trying to let myself know it is ok to have it in moderation. That it won't kill me if I have a burger every once in awhile.

Were you super healthy and then binged? How fast did those 20 pounds come on? Are you sure it is weight and not water weight from sodium intake?

Just tell yourself that it happened and the only way to go is up. Try to eat a rainbow (colored veggies) with every meal and enjoy something sinful every once in awhile so you don't feel the need to binge.

I wish you great success and I am sure you can do it.

TriThreat

Mental Health? Why? I really don't think I'm depressed, just a bit emotional.

it's not just about "depression", you need to be in a controlled state of mind (you said you lost control, that's a "mental" or "mind" thing) and it's not a bad thing to see a doctor and get counceling or other help. your mind and body have to work TOGETHER, so you need to take care of both

Robin_Bin

What were you doing before? Was it extreme? This could be a bounce back effect from not eating enough and then loosing even more with the blood loss.

Take it one step at a time... I'd suggest starting with eating healthier... high fiber, fresh foods, not as many simple carbohydrates. That may be more filling. Then reduce the amount, but don't go below the MFP minimum, eat back your exercise calories. Look at the "stuck" postings at the top of these categories, there's lots of good advice there.

I wrote a blog entry about cravings: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Robin_Bin/view/cravings-282817. I don't have nutritional expertise, so it's just a collection of what I've experienced and here from others. Don't know if it will help you.

If you can't get it under control within, say a week, contact a medical professional. It could be mental or it could be based in a biological deficiency, but if a few simple things don't help you get back on track, you need some expert help to make it possible.

ZyheeMoongazer

Mental Health? Why? I really don't think I'm depressed, just a bit emotional.

If all you are doing is eating, sleeping and crying. That sounds like a huge sign of depression. Talk to a doctor.

santi251

Maybe u shoud try just eat lots of different kinds of filling foods like vegetables and proteins and exercise. Keep in mind, that whatvever had you motivated to lose the first 42lbs, let that motivate u again. If u really think that u have an issue, go see your doctor just to make sure things are okay.

ClareRae

I think you to see your doctor immediately and get a mental health referral. This is alarming. Do you have a support system?

I agree. Especially since you say it started just after giving blood. You may have an imbalance of some sort that was triggered by that, either physically or mentally. Let your doctor know when you started loosing the weight, how quickly you dropped it, when you started gaining it back, and how quickly it came back. And, most importantly, don't be afraid of the words "mental health". No one should be scrutinized for seeing help, especially when it could help you be a happier, healthier person.

EmmiDahling

I've got a complicated history with food, and I really have been trying to regain control but I've really seem to have lost it this time. I'm crying all the time and I feel horrible and in 120 degree heat I'm in sweats and long sleeves, eating, or sleeping. 24/7.

As someone who is diagnose with clinical depression, and who grew up with a family member who is now diagnosed as type 2 bi-polar disorder, I can tell you that what you're describing is more than just being sad. There's no shame in having depression, it's an illness and not something you can control right now. Like SherryTeach said, you need to see your doctor and get a mental health referral. The first step is the hardest, but thing of it as getting your mind into the kind of shape you're trying to get your body into.

karen6499

It seems your body is lacking something, try drinking more water and try adding vitamins to your diet or a protein shake twice a day and track everything you are eating.

greenmm25

ya an unquenchable hunger and emotional sounds like a doctor visit is needed. gaining 20 lbs quickly isn't good for you at all. Take Care and feel better soon

Nana_Booboo

You just repeated my spiral of events that happens when I lose weight. Seriously, I can see my turns for the bad and know it's happening but seem helpless. ~ read my profile.

All you can do is get back to logging, get your self "clean" again.

Try not to put any foods "off limits" because this will cause the binge effect also

Try upping the protein for now to help with the "hunger"

Huiminlovesfood

Okay 20 lbs isn't that big of a deal for all of you. But it's more than just the weight gain that's gotten me down.

I had recently lost 45 lbs and was going good and suddenly... very suddenly, just in ONE day after having given blood I couldn't stop eating. And eating. And eating. Bad foods. Milkshakes and peanut butter and fast food. I even got to the point where I was eating non-fully cooked foods, dry cereal, even stale and expired food. My hunger is NEVER satisfied, and I gained 18 lbs very quickly. I feel sluggish and gross and horrible and my clothes are getting tighter. I'm letting my days just slip by, despite having a mostly free schedule.... I just can't stop myself!

I've got a complicated history with food, and I really have been trying to regain control but I've really seem to have lost it this time. I'm crying all the time and I feel horrible and in 120 degree heat I'm in sweats and long sleeves, eating, or sleeping. 24/7.

Has anyone encountered this problem, too? I don't know how to get myself back on track! I've tried keeping a journal and exercising but it hasn't helped and I feel I'm hopeless now!

I was once in your state before ans went down to the point where i would gorge myself with food (even those i dislike in the past). I guess it happens to everyone who is in the diet process. For me, once it starts, it will usually go on fore at least 2 days, as i will feel " Well, since i am already over my calories today , just let it be" and when i wake up tomorrow, "Well, since i was over my calories yesterday, one more day makes no harm", and the cycle repeats. I guess its the gaining of 20 ibs that is making you feel guilty, and to suppress this feeling, you eat! From this moment, forget about the 20 IBS you gained! Tell yourself that you have lost 25 Ibs and that is an achievement and you want to carry on! Let it be a restart. Tell yourself that the days you indulged is enough and you wanna start all over again!

Songbird1104

All of this after giving blood? You're body is needing a nutrient, and you're not giving it, so that's why you're having these "cravings". You should try to take some iron...you may be anemic, maybe your body is craving iron and that's why you're eating food that's not fully cooked.

Try a multi-vitamin w/ iron. Call your Dr. and they can do blood work to see which vitamin you're lacking in.

To start, I'd have to agree here. If it happened after giving blood (I'm assuming it was a quantity of blood, like a donation vs. a few lab vials), you might be anemic. Try drinking Blackstrap molasses. I find mine at amish-type markets. Also online, probably. It is a less-processed version of molasses that is extremely rich in iron, calcium, and many other important nutrients. I just mix a few tablespoons with a hot cup of water and some milk. I started taking it when I was pregnant to help build up my iron for delivery. Worked great!

Secondarily, if this keeps up I'd definitely talk to your doc about things. It sounds a little scary and fast, and not only do you need to make sure that you are not sick or imbalanced somehow, but you also need to get back to a healthy place physically, emotionally, mentally. Take care of yourself!

riouxha

I agree with the above posters, the uncontrolled hunger sounds like you're deficient in something, and a blood panel should be done by your doctor, as well, you SHOULD make mention of a mental health assessment, because the eating, sleeping, and feeling down is a sign something is off, which could be stemming from whatever you are deficient in at the moment, but its best to know sooner than later mental health should never be something to be ashamed of or frightened to ask about. IT happens to the best of us

riouxha

All of this after giving blood? You're body is needing a nutrient, and you're not giving it, so that's why you're having these "cravings". You should try to take some iron...you may be anemic, maybe your body is craving iron and that's why you're eating food that's not fully cooked.

Try a multi-vitamin w/ iron. Call your Dr. and they can do blood work to see which vitamin you're lacking in.

To start, I'd have to agree here. If it happened after giving blood (I'm assuming it was a quantity of blood, like a donation vs. a few lab vials), you might be anemic. Try drinking Blackstrap molasses. I find mine at amish-type markets. Also online, probably. It is a less-processed version of molasses that is extremely rich in iron, calcium, and many other important nutrients. I just mix a few tablespoons with a hot cup of water and some milk. I started taking it when I was pregnant to help build up my iron for delivery. Worked great!

Secondarily, if this keeps up I'd definitely talk to your doc about things. It sounds a little scary and fast, and not only do you need to make sure that you are not sick or imbalanced somehow, but you also need to get back to a healthy place physically, emotionally, mentally. Take care of yourself!

The iron suggestions are great, but please get bloodwork first, too much iron is hard on your body also

BarbWhite09

If this started after giving blood your body may be going into freak out mode...How long ago was the blood thing? Your body may be needing vital nutrients & trying to compensate

If that doesn't take care of the problem then you may want to seek psychiatric help...Sounds like there may be some underlying issue here. Your general practitioner can give you some advice, but will likely refer you to a mental health specialist. Keep an open mind & speak with your therapist openly...It can make a huge difference! [Im a little biased because I'm going to school to be a counselor...Lol...]

TerraLea

Is it possible that you are pregnant? I did that at the beginning of my 1st pregnancy. I have done the binge eating during TOM, but not for very long. I never thought about my iron being low, I thought it was my body trying to compenste for my quitting chocolate. My iron being would make a LOT of sense.

NewTeena

I've got a complicated history with food, and I really have been trying to regain control but I've really seem to have lost it this time. I'm crying all the time and I feel horrible and in 120 degree heat I'm in sweats and long sleeves, eating, or sleeping. 24/7.

As someone who is diagnose with clinical depression, and who grew up with a family member who is now diagnosed as type 2 bi-polar disorder, I can tell you that what you're describing is more than just being sad. There's no shame in having depression, it's an illness and not something you can control right now. Like SherryTeach said, you need to see your doctor and get a mental health referral. The first step is the hardest, but thing of it as getting your mind into the kind of shape you're trying to get your body into.

I agree with this. I've battled depression for all of my adult life (whether I knew I was or not). I'm 42 now and it is finally under control.

Don't ever give up on yourself, you are worth it. We all are, that's why we're here. :flowerforyou:

jeka91

Perhaps it's more than just the giving blood that stressed you out. This sounds alarmingly like a binge episode and I agree that you should consult a mental health professional to see whether you are experiencing depression or perhaps just need someone to talk to. Esp. if anything has stressed you out recently as this could be the real root of what caused the binge. Consult a general medical doctor as well to see if this is a thyroid issue. Best of luck to you and whatever you do just know that on the paths to any goal there are obstacles, it doesn't mean that your goal won't be met. Only that you must keep pushing and find a different way to get to it.

Captian_Dathon

Is it possible that you are pregnant? I did that at the beginning of my 1st pregnancy. I have done the binge eating during TOM, but not for very long. I never thought about my iron being low, I thought it was my body trying to compenste for my quitting chocolate. My iron being would make a LOT of sense.

OH NO I can't be pregnant! ^^;; Unless virgins can somehow procreate with themselves now....

Captian_Dathon

All of this after giving blood? You're body is needing a nutrient, and you're not giving it, so that's why you're having these "cravings". You should try to take some iron...you may be anemic, maybe your body is craving iron and that's why you're eating food that's not fully cooked.

Try a multi-vitamin w/ iron. Call your Dr. and they can do blood work to see which vitamin you're lacking in.

Thanks! I didn't even think that I may not be getting a nutrient I need. I will try to find a multi-vitamin to take. I really would not like to go to a doctor.

Captian_Dathon

And I have been giving blood regularly since I was 16 ^^;; So I feel I can rule out that giving blood "shocked" me. If it ever shocked me it was the first two times I passed out! Haha! But I haven't passed out since, and still give regularly.

Is it safe for me to give now (I donate again in a week and 5 days) if I am like this?

ctwm84

Why do you really not want to see a doctor? Doctors are here to help us.

anna_lisa

this has happened to me before. If you want you can friend me. I can empathize with what you are going through


I am also in grad school for psych nursing and have minor in nutrition and holitistic and integrated health. Don't call the looney doctyor there could be many things going on. But I know how you feel

And maybe I can help/

nogoldilocs

All of this after giving blood? You're body is needing a nutrient, and you're not giving it, so that's why you're having these "cravings". You should try to take some iron...you may be anemic, maybe your body is craving iron and that's why you're eating food that's not fully cooked.

Try a multi-vitamin w/ iron. Call your Dr. and they can do blood work to see which vitamin you're lacking in.

Thanks! I didn't even think that I may not be getting a nutrient I need. I will try to find a multi-vitamin to take. I really would not like to go to a doctor.

Why would you want to avoid going to a doctor? At minimum you should have some blood tests done to check for things that could be easily corrected if identified (thyroid issue, anemia etc). No offense to MFP, I think that the advice and support here can be amazing, but using this board to find an answer to the symptoms you described without seeking real world help does not sound like a good idea.