Question:
Has anyone developed an eating disorder after surgery?

I was going to post this on the message board, but need to do this anonymously. I had open RNY gastric bypass surgery in November, 2000. I am struggling w/ a possible eating disorder. I have lost 155 lbs since November. Specifically, I am talking about Bulimia. I also will make myself go 4 or 5 days without eating. I understand intellectually why I shouldnt do this, but I still cant seem to control it. I was just wondering if anyone has ever struggled with this and what they did about it. Thanks    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 31, 2001)

August 31, 2001
I'm not as far along as you are, so I'm not at the point that I'm "making" myself not eat and throw up. However, I do throw up just about every day and I have no desire to eat. I worry that this may become addicting because I'm clearly losing weight. Unfortunately, I think this is a problem that both of us either have to take steps to fix on our own, or we may need to see a psychologist. We've had this surgery to get healthy. Let's not start being unhealthy in a different way now. Best of wishes.
   — [Anonymous]

August 31, 2001
I have not had my surgery yet. I am an Rn and am concerned for you.Are you making yourself throw up after you eat or are you just thinking about doing it? Bulemia is serious and can cause esophageal erosion and bleeding.Plus you are risking your electrolytes becoming out of balance, especially potassium levels which are very important for cardiac function.I don't know how you can go through the day without eating for 4 or 5 days at a time.Where do you get the energy to even get out of bed? You have lost alot of weight since November.The surgery is a tool and you will lose weight. Are you afraid that if you eat you won't lose anymore? I understand that is is an uncontrollable thing for you and I am not judging you at all.Have you been bulemic before the surgery? I used to starve myself, and this is a serious problem also.I would suggest you get counseling to find out the root of the problem.You should also contact your Docs office and have some blood work done if you have not done so already.You had to surgery to get your health back not make it worse.Sometimes you need to reach out for help. good luck
   — [Anonymous]

December 11, 2001
I can really relate to your post and I am so glad that you wrote about your situation. Personally, I think your question relates more to anorexia since you seem to be really limiting your food intake. I pray that you are doing better since your post! I had surgery this summer and have thus far lost about 75% of my excess weight. About that, I am overjoyed -- However, I believe that I have developed bulima due to the limitations of the surgery. I have been purging at least eight times per week (yes, often several times per day). I try to limit what I am eating and find that now even when I limit my meals to two ounches, I still feel the urge to relieve myself of the food. Considering that I underwent surgery in hopes of getting pregnant in the next few years, I am so dismayed at the situation because I am still in a situation where it would be dangerous for me to concieve. I just wonder if any other people who've had the surgery have faced this and if so, what did you do to get over it? I am really at my wits end.
   — [Anonymous]