Is it possible to get my body back? =/

recover_healthy_fit
recover_healthy_fit Posts: 209 Member
edited January 27 in Health and Weight Loss
I've been dieting and restricting for about three years or so, while working out, and I've done damage to my metabolism and my hormones. I've lost a lot of my muscle mass and gain weight easily now. I use to be able to eat whatever I wanted without much worry, but now I'm terrified of even treating myself to one cookie....

- lost period
- hair loss
- fatigue
- weakness
- depression
- hard to get to sleep
- never in "the mood" anymore
- facial hair growth
- food obsession
- dry skin
- brittle nails that peel easily
- lose skin
- boney but fat at the same time
- more cellulite
- mood swings

I went to my doctor and I am seeking help with an eating disorder (EDNOS) but have yet to have my first meeting with them. All my tests came back normal and healthy. Only things are my admitted ED, no period, and being underweight. I don't look my weight at all. the lowest I've ever been was 89Lbs, and that was before Halloween. Now I am 98 - 100.4Lbs of pure fat....I mean I've gained only fat. I tried to up my calories with really tracking how much while trying to lift heavier in hopes of muscle growth, but got no muscle at all from it.... :cry:

I use to be tiny...but now I'm headed for average/chubby, and I hate it. I use to be kinda chubby when I was younger, but that's different. This is from damage I've done to myself and I can't stop dieting.....This goes personal, but i wont be discussing anymore now.

I'm tired of this life style and want my body and life back. Is there anyone here in the same boat as i am?

Replies

  • herblackwings39
    herblackwings39 Posts: 3,930 Member
    I'm not in your situation, but how long did you up your calories and lift heavy before deciding it wasn't working? My understanding is that to gain muscle you'd need to be eating in a surplus and for a woman it takes longer to gain a small amount.

    I do applaud you for recognizing you have a problem and seeking help and hope you're successful in your recovery.
  • recover_healthy_fit
    recover_healthy_fit Posts: 209 Member
    I'm not in your situation, but how long did you up your calories and lift heavy before deciding it wasn't working? My understanding is that to gain muscle you'd need to be eating in a surplus and for a woman it takes longer to gain a small amount.

    I do applaud you for recognizing you have a problem and seeking help and hope you're successful in your recovery.


    I'm guessing I upped for about two weeks, maybe? Hard to tell since I didn't keep track at all... = / I just wanted to gain muscle and burn fat off....it's the illness....it doesn't really make you think healthily.... I stopped lifting heavy fast because of the lack of strength, but I continued to eat more.....
  • commanderval
    commanderval Posts: 187 Member
    Rome wasn't built in one day. You have to learn that it takes time. Sometimes a lot of time. It takes time to gain weight and it takes time to lose it. And because of your situation, it might just take an extra effort. But you'll get there. It's not easy, but it's rewarding.
  • recover_healthy_fit
    recover_healthy_fit Posts: 209 Member
    Rome wasn't built in one day. You have to learn that it takes time. Sometimes a lot of time. It takes time to gain weight and it takes time to lose it. And because of your situation, it might just take an extra effort. But you'll get there. It's not easy, but it's rewarding.

    Do you think it could take years? :frown: I'm hoping the max is two for to get it back to where it was...
  • AnninStPaul
    AnninStPaul Posts: 1,372 Member
    How long did it take to get where you are? You are worth AT LEAST that much time.

    There's an article on Fit or Fiction that states "[male] beginners who lift weights two or three times a week typically gain one pound of muscle per month for about six months". It will probably take you longer, partly because you are female and partly because of the EDNOS, so let's say it is a half pound per month. You'll have 6 more pounds of muscle at the end of a year, and your bone density will have improved. You are worth that effort, and I would guess that you would congratulate a friend upon that effort and accomplishment.

    http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/06/22/fit-or-fiction-how-long-does-it-take-to-gain-a-pound-of-muscle/
  • recover_healthy_fit
    recover_healthy_fit Posts: 209 Member
    How long did it take to get where you are? You are worth AT LEAST that much time.

    There's an article on Fit or Fiction that states "[male] beginners who lift weights two or three times a week typically gain one pound of muscle per month for about six months". It will probably take you longer, partly because you are female and partly because of the EDNOS, so let's say it is a half pound per month. You'll have 6 more pounds of muscle at the end of a year, and your bone density will have improved. You are worth that effort, and I would guess that you would congratulate a friend upon that effort and accomplishment.

    http://www.thatsfit.com/2010/06/22/fit-or-fiction-how-long-does-it-take-to-gain-a-pound-of-muscle/

    Six pounds by the dn of the year? Not bad if I do this right...It would help if I knew my starting weight before all this mess. I know i'm 5'3" and pear shaped...medium build, but tiny wrists.
  • commanderval
    commanderval Posts: 187 Member
    Don't look at it in years. Break it up in small goals.
  • recover_healthy_fit
    recover_healthy_fit Posts: 209 Member
    Don't look at it in years. Break it up in small goals.

    Trying to...I just don't want to be in my 30's when i reach my goal. i'd like to reach it while im still in my 20's. I'm 22 now.
  • stealthq
    stealthq Posts: 4,298 Member
    You can do it, and it won't take you a decade, or anywhere close if you are reasonably dedicated.

    You're starting from a bad place, but one good thing about starting with so little weight on you and so little strength is that small changes as far as gaining strength and muscle will be more noticeable. Figure out a healthy diet - with your ED, make sure you talk to a dietician and keep an honest food diary. Then if I were you, and not strong enough to start with weights, I'd do body weight exercises until I built enough strength to add in the weights.
  • recover_healthy_fit
    recover_healthy_fit Posts: 209 Member
    You can do it, and it won't take you a decade, or anywhere close if you are reasonably dedicated.

    You're starting from a bad place, but one good thing about starting with so little weight on you and so little strength is that small changes as far as gaining strength and muscle will be more noticeable. Figure out a healthy diet - with your ED, make sure you talk to a dietician and keep an honest food diary. Then if I were you, and not strong enough to start with weights, I'd do body weight exercises until I built enough strength to add in the weights.

    I can lift weights, just not like before... all i know is the weight needs to be challenging to lift but keep proper form and control. make every rep count. im just scared about the amount i'll need to eat to gain muscle because i know i'll gain more fat first and faster..
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