Daily Post--7/6/08

Eating disorders after weight loss surgery..... Have you (or someone you know) been affected by eating disorders since your surgery? How have you/they coped with it? What advice can you offer to those who think they might be dealing with an eating disorder?

I've been accused of having anorexia ~ I'm afraid to eat. I don't know how to deal with it other than continue doing what I am = eat to live.

My pcp has sent me to an eating disorders specialist. I've been diagnosed with body dismorphia (having an unrealistic body image of myself), compulsive eating and anorexic tendencies. I'm at 138 and 5'6", so I'm in a normal weight range for my height. But my surgeon, pcp, nut and shrink all agree that I can not go below 133. So, I've made 133 my goal. Actually, 135 is, but I want a little "wriggle" room. I do eat, it's just that I nibble. If someone is concerned, they should seek help. You don't want to go to the other extreme and become unhealthy again because of lack of weight.

If "head hunger" is a eating disorder, then I have it. Jules

I have had food transfer issuses. I have subtiuited good foods that would not go down for food w/o and nut value. So I will not but junk foods any longer to keep around for the GK's

I think I've done really well with my new eating habits. I have trouble avoiding certain things sometimes, but that certainly isn't a disorder. My mom had WLS two years before I, and she's gained some back, but her surgeon didn't give her nearly as much support or teaching as mine did. Her goal at this point is to just stay within a healthy range, so she doesn't lose the health benefits she's worked so hard to gain. All of us have the ability to contact a professional, through our surgeon or our PCPs. There is no reason not to ask for advice or support!

I have been really open with people about how much I can eat, so that they dont worry when I eat such small portions. So I havent dealt with this yet. Vivienne

Wow! This post is fate! I hadn't checked on today's post yet and I just got off the phone with a good friend who is going through a bad divorce. She has always been thin (fluctuated between 120 and 150 even when pregnant) but her self-confidence has ALWAYS been tied into her looks. She got really crazed the first time she saw me after surgery (I was down to about 250 then) and decided she needed to lose weight---shortly afterwards, her husband decided he wanted a divorce. From our phone conversations, she has been only eating salads ("but they have protein in them, Karen!") and fruit, and working out for hours at the gym and in the yard. She says several people have told her she is too thin but she's proud to the point of sickness that she wears a size smaller (2) than her 19 year old daughter. She claims she weighs the same she did when we were in college but should someone who is 50 weigh what they did when they were 20 and on a competitive cheering team? To top it off, her sister is a physican and is concerned. I have advised her to talk to a professional about the stress she is facing and we have talked about healthy eating, BUT I really get the feeling she isn't eating well (or at all). Wish I had more help for everyone and for her, too.

If compulsive eating is an eating disorder then I guess I have always had one. I guess it is just starting to rear it's ugly head again. Was pretty good the first year after the surgery. I am trying to deal with it through counseling. Have only been 2 times so far. See how it goes. Sally

I don't know anyone who has been affected by an eating disorder. I've been told I "look" anorexic, but I think that's because no one has ever seen me thin. (I've been heavy since I was 5 years old.)