Although I am new to the board and am not even banded, I have been in recovery from bulimia and compulsive over-eating for over a year. My first step began at the Renfrew Center in Philadelphia. It's an all-female, intensive in-patient facility for women with eating disorders. I can honestly say that it saved my life. The Renfrew Center also offers programs in other cities on the East Coast some in-patient, some out-patient. They teach you how to get your LIFE back from food.
Last fall, my whole life was centered around binging and purging... then starting a diet.... then failing at the diet.... then binging.... then purging. I was so miserable but I didn't think it was that serious and I certainly didn't need an in-patient facility!! It was serious and I did need it. Binging has serious long term health consequences not to mention obesity. I do realize that I am preaching to the choir! Purging ie. throwing up, using laxatives, abusing exercise can have disasterous consequences. I will for the rest of my life have a heart problem due to a prolonged electrolyte balance.
Anyway, back to the Renfrew Center as a treatment option. Am I crazy? Nope....okay a little. But only when I dance! Now, I'm in control of my binging and purging and I'm ready get rid of this weight. I sound like an infomercial but seriously, go to the website (google Renfrew Center) and look around. If this sounds like you, SEEK HELP!!
Finally, I know some of you are looking at my age and asking what can a 20 year old really know about a life long addiction to food? My mom is a nutritionist/dietician, my dad is a doctor and I've been sneaking food since I was 4 years old. I'm an aspiring singer who was so committed to bulimia that I neglected the damage I was doing to my vocal folds by essentially pouring stomach acid on my throat. But, I didn't have a "problem." Nope. Other people had problems. I wasn't "depressed" and if I could just gather some gumption, I could stop by my own "will-power." I was lying to myself and was completely disconnected from reality.
So I guess, I have a little plea. Please get help. Take back your life. This is a progressive disease that needs to be treated. Eating disorders affect men and women of ALL shapes and sizes.
Don't wait until you pass out in the Union Square subway station because your heart isn't working right. That floor is NASTY! =)
With love, Sheila
