Question:
I think I'm creating a new eating disorder!

I haven't seen this problem yet, and I was hoping someone else would ask this question, but here goes. I chew most of my food and spit it out. It's gross, but I don't seem to be able to monitor my hunger, and I want to eat/chew very large amounts of food. I feel a little crazy. I had my surgery 4-7-99 and have lost 85 lbs. but have been at 180lbs for 3 weeks and I feeling really scared that I won't lose anymore weight. Can any one relate. HELP.    — renee P. (posted on September 15, 1999)

September 15, 1999
Hi Renee, I have never heard of chewing your food and spitting it out , but if it works for you and you are swallowing enough to keep your protein and vitamins up, I guess its alright. I have lost 115 pounds but I too am stuck at 175-180 pounds. I may try your new eating disorder. I have a hard time getting and keeping proteins down. But I have no trouble with crackers, and other carbs. I am scared that I will start gaining my weight back. Some days it seems like I can eat and eat all day. Mostly snacks. My Doctor keeps telling me to exercise. I hate any sort of exercise. But I guess If my weight doesn't start going down again I am gonna have to. Good luck and keep keep chewing and spitting out. Can you imagine what would happen if you swallowed all of it.you would be right back where you started.
   — Ellen M.

September 15, 1999
Hi there Dont be discouraged! I know how hard it is im still there except waiting for my surgery date. But I do know this much, when you bite off alot and your mouth is full your mind is telling you that you want it because it has told you that for probably your whole life or at least part of it! now you would think if im not swallowing it how will I gain weight! well you are still swallowing the juices from the food which contain calories and I may be taking a guess but if your not swallowing your probably still hungry due to the brain not scencing that your stomach is full so you are probably chewing lots of food all the time this could be your problem call you doctor, if you start eating small portions and stop chewing big ones maybe your weightloss will continue and you will start feeling more satisfied take care hope this helps.
   — Ann F.

September 15, 1999
Are you sure your name is not Janice - I had my surgery on 4-7-99 and I have been at 80 lb loss for about 3 weeks. Some foods like bread, red meat, etc. Looks and smell great, but once its in the mouth it's okay to chew but not to swallow. I'm now trying to cut way down on salt and add more protein (powder mix) and of course lots of water. If you would like to talk more send email to [email protected]
   — Janice C.

September 15, 1999
You have probably just reached a plateau. They can be hard at times. I know telling you to wait it out feels like a copout. Try drinking more water or making sure you are getting enough protein. Measure yourself I have been told that when the scales won't budge the inches melt off. And as far as chewing and spitting it out. I would try to get that under control. This could very well become a habit that will be hard to break and may have severe consequences. You don't want to go through all this just to gain it back. You could very well have an association with food that you will need professional help with.
   — bperrin

February 22, 2000
You are not alone. Before the surgery I turned to food for everything. That behavior did not go away just because I had the surgery. There are still many times when I turn to food for comfort. The only difference now is when I "binge" I don't swallow because I know I will get sick. So instead, I just chew the food to get the flavor, spit it out and then I'm satisifed.
   — Kathi L.