I am developing an eating disorder and can't lose weight

This is somewhat of an emotional issue for me and I'll just jump into it. I went from 130 to 115 in about 3 months. I was extremely proud of myself, it was over Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas- the foodie holidays. I got to my goal in mid-January and let myself have about two weeks off in which I gained about 2 pounds back. It took unusually long for me to work those two pounds off again and then I was stuck. I couldn't move any lower. I started taking stimulants and eating below 600 calories a day, and only three pounds came off. I gained the weight back fast and I decided that was too rough on my body to lose like that so I dedicated back to healthy eating and working out (which I hadn't done). Still, after 5 months nothing came off. Binge eating and self hatred became a regular. I went to the doctor and was tested for hypothyroidism and diabetes, but the results were normal. My doctor suggested a low carb diet. I lost several pounds in a week and I was incredibly happy because I have never seen results like that before, but now, I'm gaining it all back. These past 3 days I've binge eaten carbs because my motivation is nothing but after I binge I feel incredibly guilty and for the first time Saturday, made myself throw up. I told myself that I was only going to do that again if I was desperate, and today I ate so much ice cream, and did it again. I just wanted to lose the weight a healthy way. I'm not trying to get extremely skinny. My goal is merely between 105 and 110, and with my petite frame, that should be achievable. I don't know what to do and I am so lost. What do I do, how do I get the scale moving without the constant urge to binge eat? How do I accomplish my goal when, after 5 months, all I've done is lost and gained the same 4 pounds?

Replies

  • Branstin
    Branstin Posts: 2,320 Member
    Your ED should be discussed with your doctor.
  • RWTBR
    RWTBR Posts: 140 Member
    You need a good psychiatrist.
  • Tanya949
    Tanya949 Posts: 604 Member
    What the posters above said... And also find out why you feel you need to lose weight. I don't think you do.
  • You look great. You don't need to worry about it. Just keep up your healthy habits! People who stress less and are content with themselves always feel the best anyways.
    Good luck!
    PS- Everyone plateaus after they lose weight for a period of time. Scientifically speaking, you are probably at near, or maybe even below your healthy body weight. I am surprised your doctor didn't tell you that! :) Take care.
  • I'm sorry this is happening to you, I can relate in so many ways. The last thing you should be thinking about when recovering from an eating disorder, is losing weight. You're already at a perfect weight, girl! Why don't you tone up instead of lose weight? When you starve or throw up to be thinner, you lose muscle mass too.
  • mr_mitch
    mr_mitch Posts: 176 Member
    yeah you really need to go back to your doctor this isn't healthy.

    forget about your weight for now.. you're already at a healthy weight ... the most important thing here is your mental health, please get it addressed as soon as you can.

    good luck
  • MaggieLoo79
    MaggieLoo79 Posts: 288 Member
    See a doctor. Get into counseling.

    Learn to love yourself no matter what you weigh. Seriously. Losing a few pounds isn't going to magically make you happy. Be happy now - just as you are.
  • LaxRunLift
    LaxRunLift Posts: 8 Member
    I'm in the same situation and what I've found helps is distracting yourself. Find a hobby, something to take your mind off of weight and control. Give yourself something to look forward to, find something that will give each day a purpose, get yourself out of the house and away from the food (and really, in a way, the mindset you have) that is giving you the most problems.
  • matlab99
    matlab99 Posts: 7
    I think I am at the same situation. The difference is I am wearing invisalign. It somehow helped me from eating too much food but I'm developing eating disorder as well. Once I take it off I feel like I want to eat everything at once. Binge eating is usual. Like yesterday my company refilled the snack cabinet for the week, I ate 1000 calories worth of snacks plus normal meals. I used to throw up but recently I found myself not able to throw up anymore - the esophagus is no longer triggering vomiting. I lost 14 lbs from November to February by cutting off calories but my scale stopped moving after that. Now I add daily exercise and lost another 6 lbs from February. I think my shape looks better but binge eating still happens.
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    Ask for a referral to a psychiatrist who specializes in eating disorders. Good luck to you.
  • Hun, I tried losing weight with an eating disorder myself....and the only thing it did to me was put me in the hospital. Its not healthy or safe to be dieting when your mind is not in a good mind set. You need to see a doctor. Also I have a petite frame and 105 is what sent me into the hospital. Your body will start shutting down. You shouldnt be eating 600 calories, it isnt enough for your body to run off of. Please seek an eating disorder specialist
  • FatFreeFrolicking
    FatFreeFrolicking Posts: 4,252 Member
    This is somewhat of an emotional issue for me and I'll just jump into it. I went from 130 to 115 in about 3 months. I was extremely proud of myself, it was over Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas- the foodie holidays. I got to my goal in mid-January and let myself have about two weeks off in which I gained about 2 pounds back. It took unusually long for me to work those two pounds off again and then I was stuck. I couldn't move any lower. I started taking stimulants and eating below 600 calories a day, and only three pounds came off. I gained the weight back fast and I decided that was too rough on my body to lose like that so I dedicated back to healthy eating and working out (which I hadn't done). Still, after 5 months nothing came off. Binge eating and self hatred became a regular. I went to the doctor and was tested for hypothyroidism and diabetes, but the results were normal. My doctor suggested a low carb diet. I lost several pounds in a week and I was incredibly happy because I have never seen results like that before, but now, I'm gaining it all back. These past 3 days I've binge eaten carbs because my motivation is nothing but after I binge I feel incredibly guilty and for the first time Saturday, made myself throw up. I told myself that I was only going to do that again if I was desperate, and today I ate so much ice cream, and did it again. I just wanted to lose the weight a healthy way. I'm not trying to get extremely skinny. My goal is merely between 105 and 110, and with my petite frame, that should be achievable. I don't know what to do and I am so lost. What do I do, how do I get the scale moving without the constant urge to binge eat? How do I accomplish my goal when, after 5 months, all I've done is lost and gained the same 4 pounds?

    The reason you aren't losing weight isn't hypothyroidism or diabetes. The problem is that you were eating 600 calories a day and are now bulimic. You are hurting your metabolism and yourself.

    You will accomplish your goal by eating an appropriate amount of calories for someone your age, height, and weight. But quite frankly, you don't have any weight to lose so don't count on losing much.

    You have serious psychiatric issues that need to be addressed by a psychiatrist who specializes in eating disorders.
  • Lara124911
    Lara124911 Posts: 23
    I was over weight and tried so many things. Different things work for different people and I was lucky enough to find one that worked for me. I lost 18 pounds in one month without much exercise and it's been a life changer. I'm a little embarrased to post my before and after photos here but if anyone actually cares to hear what I've been doing then I'd be happy to help in any way. Just shoot me an email at secretosdelara@gmail.com and I'll show you my before and after photos, and tell you about how things are going for me with the stuff I've tried. I wish someone would have helped me out when I was struggling to find a solution so if I can help you then it would make my day