After eating "normally" for around 2 months, I weigh the same

[Nikia]

I am recovering from anorexia. The part of me that is eating disorder and the part of me that wants to get healthy feel two separate ways about that.
I am not cold all the time anymore and don't get headaches as much nor do I feel weak. I think that my health has improved despite the fact that I haven't gained weight.
I know that I probably should see my doctor again or perhaps a dietician.
My therapy and support group has helped me, but I feel that my recovery is still fragile and I wonder what it means that I am not gaining weight.

[meegbear]

1. Since you sound physically better ...

your body has probably been getting the blocks it needs to heal. You'll start gaining soon, I'm sure. Hang in there.

:hug:

[Divameow77]

2. It might just take your body awhile to adjust itself

but I'm glad to see you are in therapy to help you on your way.

Good Luck.

[revree]

3. Keep going, you are on your way.

Metabolism takes a while to readjust. Don't give up. Feeling better is sure proof you are on the right track. Give it more time, and keep eating. You will reach the point soon where your body is healed enough to begin showing it.

I wish you well!!!

[wryter2000]

4. Sounds like you've made real progress

Don't be hard on yourself.

[LynzM]

5. Good for you, dude

2 months of eating normally is a big, huge step. Even if the weight isn't coming back just yet, you stated yourself about how much better you feel. The adjustment to your metabolism will take time, but you will get there! :hug:

[SnowGoose]

6. Normal is a tough thing to pin down.

I don't know what it is myself - but eating healthy, that's a little more objective. I expect you know that better than I do.

I used to be close with someone who had experienced an eating disorder earlier in life. Her eventual compromise was to become vegetarin - it gave her the sense of control and ownership over her body that she wanted, but can also be a healthy way to live. Of course, this may not apply to anyone but her.

I hope you're also paying attention to proper nutrition as well as overall quantity (remember the essential fatty acids!).

Keep it up!

[Nikia]

9. I think that is one reason that I should see a dietician

I think that I am eating healthy and enough. Perhaps, I am eating too "healthy". I am eating seeds and nuts and using olive oil for cooking. I am eating the recommended amount of protein and know how important that is. Perhaps, I need more carbs.
I don't know if going vegetarian, at this point, would be a good idea. I can see how it helped your friend. Unfortunately, I could see how my eating disorder might use that to not get enough calories by calling a salad with only veggies and low cal dressing a meal, for example.
Thanks for your support.

[skygazer]

7. Sounds like you're definitely improving

Seeing your doctor and/or a dietician sounds like a sensible idea. Your body is most likely using everything you put into it to heal from what it lacked before - they will know the best way to start putting on some weight.

I'm glad you're feeling healthier and I bet you'll continue to do so. It's not easy beating something like that - you deserve a lot of credit. :hug:

[SoCalDem]

8. You should talk to your therapist about this.

You may be just compensating for the normal eating, by excercising more.. Happy to hear that you are getting better..:)

A friend's daughter had eating disorders (mostly bulimia) and she's getting better too:)

Schoold need to really start in at around 3rd grade and PUSH the fact that just like you would not get a car to run with no fuel..a body is the same..

Lots of little girls get mixed messages at it stays with them as they start to hit puberty and some get really scared.. My friend's daughter had a little belly, and by the time she would have started to lose it anyway as she matured, it was already too late for her..She was well into her eating disorder before they even knew:(

It's taken her 3 years to get healthy...

Stick with it ..you'll get there:hug:

[Nikia]

10. I do find myself fidgeting more

I do feel more active and less tired so I might be exercising and moving a little more in general. I suppose that I need to be careful about that.
There were so many things that I did not know about how eating disorders can be damaging to the body. There were things that I never guessed would be symtoms of not eating enough for proper nutrition.
I think that people with eating disorders, like me, take certain messages the wrong way. In my support group for example, one woman became very ill after she started college and took a required health and wellness class. One thing that has struck me about all the anorexics in my group, is that we are all perfectionists, mostly fallen perfectionists. One of the recommendations I was given for recovery was not to read women's magazines, which often present weight loss as the key to happiness.
Through my support group, I have become aware that recovery can take a long time. I suppose that having a perefectionist attitude about how I should be completely better all of a sudden is counterproductive.

[pitohui]

11. very difficult to gain weight

it can actually be more difficult to gain than to lose

i would see the doctor again if she specializes in eating disorders, otherwise, i might try to find another doctor or dietician w. such experience

it's a good sign you're not getting cold & headachy as much, keep up the good work

[cally]

12. I'm glad you are feeling better

and I would think you need to see a dietician or doctor. It's great that you are doing so well and eating normally.