Anyone fully recovered from binge eating disorder?

Melissachoc
Melissachoc Posts: 4
in Food and Nutrition
I'm new to myfitnesspal but a long standing binge eater. I have been battling eating in secret and binge eating for over 10 years now. Generally I binge once a week (sometimes more), but between vomiting, regular exercise and a restricted diet on the other 6 days a week, I manage to keep my weight within a 10lb window. Let me be clear that when I say binge, I am talking a disgusting amount of food (easily over 5000 calories a time.) As much as I'd love to lose a few pounds, what I really need is to overcome this for good. My partner and I would both like children in the next couple of years and can't imagine bringing up children whilst still struggling with this disorder. So what I am asking is, has anyone on these boards managed to fully overcome binge eating, and if so, what is your advice?

Replies

  • Melissachoc
    Melissachoc Posts: 4
    Bump
  • WilsonFilson
    WilsonFilson Posts: 83 Member
    I've known people who have overcome it, but it has been through eating disorder counseling. Generally, its not a food thing, it is an emotional pain thing brought on by experiences that need to be dealt with. Counseling counseling counseling. Good luck.
  • stephgas
    stephgas Posts: 159 Member
    eating disorders are increasingly being treated like other addictions. you may never be considered 'fully recovered', but it is an ongoing process. i would strongly suggest contacting a professional and letting them know you're hoping to use myfitness pal. certain discussions may trigger you, and not everyone on this site is sensitive to other's feelings/needs. good luck :)
  • WBB55
    WBB55 Posts: 4,131 Member
    Not to be too flippant here, but "fully recovered"? Is that like being a fully recovered alcoholic?

    I've had a history of binging/purging, so I think I can relate. I never got treated for it specifically, though, and my psychiatrist was aware of it. He thought (and I agreed) that it was more of a symptom of a different problem. Got some of my other issues under control, and the binging/purging isn't an issue like it was. But "fully recovered"? No.
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    I honestly dont think you ever recover from it. I think for the rest of my life I will have to stay vigilant especially when I get emotional. I think it's like any mental illness or addiction you never fully recover, but the days get easier.
  • Dementedllama
    Dementedllama Posts: 177 Member
    It's a lifelong battle, but yes. A lot of people have been able to find ways to control it.
  • uberpsycho
    uberpsycho Posts: 4
    Hi, I'm a recently recovered but not fully healed binge eater since the last year and you have all my empathy! Binge eating truly is a battle to overcome addiction as previously mentioned but it is certainly possible to eat healthily and sanely despite our troubles!

    Binging once a week I think would be too risking for me (after 7-8 months of almost literal nonstop eating) but after dieting for 7 months I'm currently experimenting with binging on a certain day every once or two months. Since I'm a constant dieter, even being strict with food when I was thin, it might be healthy to entertain the cravings as a way of treating myself.

    I wish you the best of luck!
  • lives21
    lives21 Posts: 78 Member
    I've known people who have overcome it, but it has been through eating disorder counseling.

    This. In fact the dietitian I went to see had several great reviews on yelp (kind of weird I know), but she had helped people of different ages, different disorders and different genders. I highly recommend going to see a dietitian, just having someone tell you you can do it and who is supportive is more helpful than you think. Plus they will probably help highlight problems you can't see. Hope this helped, I wish you well!
  • Melissachoc
    Melissachoc Posts: 4
    Thanks for all the replies. Unfortunately I just don't feel comfortable talking to anyone about this in person ie. Counselling.

    I know that my 2 biggest triggers are being home alone and being hungover - so I guess avoiding these is step number one. When I am not binging, I eat very healthily (plenty of wholegrains, protein, fruit and veg) but the problem is that if I deny myself too many treats then it can trigger a binge, but on the other hand, eating sugary treats does seem to lead to more cravings to eat more sugary treats....Either way is a problem on the wrong day!!!

    However, on the bright side, last night was the first night in over 2 weeks that I have managed to stay home alone and not binge. So for now I feel good and in control. I hope the feeling lasts!!

    Josie - I'd be grateful for the name of the book please?
  • Lyra89
    Lyra89 Posts: 674 Member
    As a binge eater, I hate to offend my saying this, but it seems (to me, at least, from all the research that I've done) that you in fact are suffering with bulimia, and not binge eating disorder. Over compensating after a binge with vomiting, excessive exercise and 'dieting' are all related to bulimia, and not BED. It is very possible to recover, however you NEED to talk to a professional about this. For yourself and your future children!
  • pyrowill
    pyrowill Posts: 1,163 Member
    Hi Melissa, I'e struggled with an eating disorder for quite a while, I don't think I'll ever be recovered, it'll still be somewhere deep inside me. What matters is that every day you try your best to make the right choice, you can only take it one day at a time, even an hour at a time if thats what it takes.

    I chose to not see anyone about it, despite advice froms ome very close people to me, one who is on this forum even, its just how I role, and getting counselling is not only daunting, but to me its like accepting that its even more of an issue that it requires the counselling. I'd rather try and get over it myself. I still have uncontrollable binges, but luckily I don't have uncontrollable purges anymore. It becomes more about learning why I binge and to try and fight that battle now.

    Like others have said to me I'd suggest counselling, even though you prob won't just like I didn't. Try to turn success days into a huge deal, because thats what it is. Every day you beat this is a huge success and deserves a big pat on the back. Plan your day, write out what you'll have, whatever. Baby steps for victory. I won't say you wont have anymore binges, I'm sure you will, but so long as you have less and less of them you are still winning.

    Feel free to message me if you need to.
  • pyrowill
    pyrowill Posts: 1,163 Member
    As a binge eater, I hate to offend my saying this, but it seems (to me, at least, from all the research that I've done) that you in fact are suffering with bulimia, and not binge eating disorder. Over compensating after a binge with vomiting, excessive exercise and 'dieting' are all related to bulimia, and not BED. It is very possible to recover, however you NEED to talk to a professional about this. For yourself and your future children!

    Actually quite often bulimia sufferers also suffer from binge eating disorder and vice versa. They are two very commonly related ED's.
  • sciamachy
    sciamachy Posts: 12
    I am a bulimic/binge eater in recovery right now - if anyone wants support or understanding please add me, I'm looking for supportive MFPals!
  • Melissachoc
    Melissachoc Posts: 4
    No offence taken Lyra. The purging is something that has come into play more recently and I think Pyrowill might be right in my case at least - that the lines are blurred for me and I lie somewhere between the two.

    I really can't face the counselling thing. I hope that I can somehow find a way to overcome this alone.

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