Question:
Am I bulimic?
— Just C. (posted on September 9, 2004)
September 9, 2004
I have heard of someone else on this site doing that at a buffet. It
really is a topic for your therapist. Any eating that doesn't involve
swallowing is suspect. I guess it is better than making yourself vomit
though. Take to your therapist though.
— mrsmyranow
September 9, 2004
It sounds like you already know the answer to your question. I haven't been
in your shoes, but it sounds silly to spend money on food just to spit it
out or throw it up.It sounds like you need some mayor help. My family has
been worried about me, but I eat all the time and keep it down. I cant
stand to throw up. You need to get help. I will be praying for you.
— LeeAnn W.
September 9, 2004
I am Bulimic (in recovery sort of) and to answer your question.... Yes you
are. I wish I could tell you how to stop, but if I knew that I would be
cured. I do not throw up anymore but occasionally spit food out, just to
have the taste- maybe once a week.
I am glad you are seeing a therapist and telling them what you are doing.
Remember it is just a waste of money. PLUS you do absorb calories in your
mouth- trust me, I'm a nurse!
Geraldine
10/27/03 304/150/150
— Pupcake !.
September 9, 2004
Hi, like the others have said, it sounds like you already know the
answer... Yes, it sounds like you're bulimic. I worry about the vomiting
because I worry that you will hurt your pouch, and esophagus, and teeth,
although we don't really have lots of stomach acid coming back up anymore.
If you could "just stop doing it," you probably wouldn't have
needed the surgery in the first place! I'm sure if I could have "just
stopped eating cookies, candy, ice cream, 2nd helpings, etc." I could
have lost weight and not needed surgery. I am glad that you're taking your
vites and getting your fluids in. You're doing better than I am... I
constantly forget my vites... I know, Bad Moysa! Anyway, when I go on
those rampages when I think I have to eat, even though I'm not hungry, it's
usually because I'm anxious or depressed. What I try to do is pick up an
inspirational magazine, or knit or crochet to keep my hands busy, or do a
crossword puzzle, or come in and get on the computer... These are some
things that help me. Sure, sometimes I STILL go ahead and get a few bites
of something I'm craving. Usually, though, it makes me feel so bad that my
stomach hurts, and if I TRY to throw up, I can't, then my stomach hurts
worse! Anyway, I hope you're able to figure out what triggers these
episodes and figure out a way around them! Good luck, Hon! Moysa B, RNY
08/19/03, 275/143/140
— Moysa B.
September 10, 2004
I'm not an expert, but I did see myself in some of what you said. I'm not
bulimic though, I'm a raging carb addict. Sometimes when my blood sugar is
"swinging" I feel this driving compulsion to eat. What struck me
was the list of foods that you're chewing and spitting. They were ALL
carbs. Even the broccoli, even though it's a "good" carb. Is it
possible that the driving force behind your actions is that feeling of
needing a high carb food? Pre-op, the compulsion would feel overwhelming
and I'd eat a whole box of cereal or loaf of white bread. Post-op, I can
control it much more, but I still get the carb urges. I even have to limit
my whole grains and fruits as it can cause that feeling. Sometimes, when
I've eaten my protein dinner, and my non-starchy veggies, I still have the
urge to eat, even though I'm full. It's not a "hunger", it feels
like a compulsion for something carby. Just a thought. I know some people
are much more sensitive than others, and you may be the super-sensitive
kind. If that does turn out to be the issue, you may need to limit whole
grains (I try and minimize them, or eat them later in the day) and limit
the fruit to low glycemic index fruits like berries. Prunes, for example,
are SUPER high in sugar, and certainly would have satisfied that carb need,
while creating a bigger need later when your blood sugar dipped again. If
you're interested in the affect of blood sugar swings on your body, the
South Beach Diet book has a good chapter in the beginning. Good luck..
hope you find your answer!
— mom2jtx3
September 10, 2004
I'm sorry, sweetie, that you are going thru this. But there are several
good things to speak about here. First, you are "sort of at goal with
a 200 pound weight loss". Very, very good. Big pat on the back and
be proud of yourself. Alot of hard work there in 16 months. Next, you are
talking to a therapist, so you recognize you need help and you are working
on trying to figure out why you do what you do, which is the 2nd step
towards resolving (the first is the recognition that you have a problem).
The third is that you keep bad foods out of the house. Broccoli, plums and
prunes are better than chocolate, cookies and potato chips. And you are
also doing well with water and vitamins. Chewing and spitting is also
better than vomiting. My big concern for you is eating until you vomit.
That will do irreparable harm to your pouch eventually and possibly screw
up your electrolytes and good health you have worked to achieve. My
question/comment: can you use the same dedication (and you used the word,
religiously) in being faithful to water and vitamins and try to psyche
yourself to do the same with not overeating/vomiting? Perhaps set small
goals for yourself. Like, today, for this meal only, I will not overeat or
vomit. Check. Then, work towards, OK, today I will not overeat or vomit
for any meal. And if you succeed reward yourself (not with food) but
perhaps a bubble bath or a new sweater or an hour with a good book with no
interruptions. Whatever works.
— Cindy R.
September 10, 2004
I find your situation most interesting and I hope my thoughts can help you.
You answered most of your own questions and you know you are having major
problems in your life. Since you have lost so much weight in such a short
time indicates you know what you are doing. Could it be that since you are
"sort of at goal" that you are afraid that with the rest of the
problems in your life that you might regain your weight as you have in the
past by turning to food for comfort? I can almost see myself in that
senario. Problems=food=weight gain. You need to have some faith in
yourself and your surgery. My suggestion would be to make a plan. It could
go like this, Today I am going to have this for breakfast (list every item
you should eat for a healthy meal) and this for lunch (every item) and this
for dinner(every item down to the liquid). Figure your protein, etc. so
that you get everything in. I am going to wash clothes and mop today.
List everything that you plan to do in that one day. Have your plan for
the next day done before you go to bed. When you get up in the morning
stick to your plan. If you say on your list that you are going to eat X
amount for breakfast eat every bite of what is on that list. Do other
tasks on your list and when it is time for lunch eat everything that is on
that list. Keep going throughout the day. If it isn't on the list you
can't eat it. If it's on the list you have to eat it because that is what
you need to be healthy and not gain your weight back. Leave about 10
minutes during your day to hate your previous situation that you just left
and that is all you get and the rest of the day you need to look ahead at
what you can do to make your life better. Remember if it isn't on the list
you can't eat it***if it is on the list you have to eat it. I know it's
not easy, but it's the best I can do. I'm on Wellbuterin too! Oh
Yeh, go and read Pouch Rules for Dummies, it has some interesting facts in
it. E-mail me and let me know how you are doing. Terry Buhre
[email protected] I live in Montana
— buhret
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