Results 1 to 17 of 17

Thread: how to end the binge/purge cycle?

  1. #1
    Veteran Member knp001's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2008
    Location
    A constant state of denial
    Posts
    241
    Thanks
    6
    Thanked 20 Times in 11 Posts

    Default how to end the binge/purge cycle?

    so my bulimia is coming back.
    how do I get out of the binge/purge cycle?
    this sucks cos I am in a different country, away from home. health insurance won't cover therapy sessions. not one of my roomies knows about the ed. I am running low on money. and I just can't stop, I am caught in the cycle again.

    a few things:
    - I eat for comfort
    - I crave crave crave the feeling of intense fullness
    - I am at one of the highest weights I've ever been at, and I'm trying to lose it through really healthy means, but it just lead to this
    - I cannot let food go to waste, nor open a package of something without finishing it
    - My cravings last for DAYS, not like 20 minutes like all the "experts" say
    - I OBSESSIVELY think of food. it is constantly on my mind.
    - when I have meals, esp as the day goes on, I have trouble saying to myself "ok, meal over." It is just a craving for constant food, particularly after dinner.

    Should I take adderall (I have a perscription, I just never take it because I hate the way it makes me feel) or topamax for a few days to suppress my appetite, just to get out of the cycle?

    please help, I need advice so badly.
    Self-love is not so vile a sin as self-neglect."
    - Shakespeare




  2. #2
    Senior Member patchouli's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2009
    Posts
    134
    Thanks
    6
    Thanked 23 Times in 18 Posts

    Default Re: how to end the binge/purge cycle?

    I wish I knew how to help. I started therapy this past fall because my eating and exercise habits were taking over my life (to be honest, they still are). Hang in there :hugs: I just wanted to reach out and say you're not alone. Please take any advice you read in this forum very lightly... the average person, whether or not they've had an ED in the past or currently have one, is simply NOT equipped to give us advice.

    I also deal with the constant cravings and since you're not able to be in therapy right now I'd suggest writing in a journal about your cravings and feelings you have before/after eating *as they occur.* I have found that helps me on my days in between sessions simply to be aware of my thought processes and what's leading me to eat the way I do.

  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Joined
    Mar 2008
    Posts
    196
    Thanks
    8
    Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts

    Default Re: how to end the binge/purge cycle?

    Easier said than done but start doing things that make you feel good e.g. if you try your best to think positive thoughts and focusing on doing things that make yourself feel f***ing fantastic you're less likely to resort to the binge/purge cycle.
    Get rid of your thoughts of food, try your hardest not to obsess about it. I'm a firm believer in the law of attraction, that is the more you think about something the more likely you'll attract it.
    In the short term it's all about getting your mind free of food related thoughts, long term measures are to try and find out why you have this obsession with food, hypnotherapy have worked for friends of mine. But if you can't afford it for now make it your mission to save up for it.
    Eating disorders act on the brain much in the same way as any addiction, resorting to it make you feel good temporarily and when you stop doing it you'll have withdrawals, prescription drugs may help, but ultimately it's your own thoughts and will power that will over come the cycle.

  4. The Following User Says Thank You to shameless For This Useful Post:


  5. #4
    Veteran Member knp001's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2008
    Location
    A constant state of denial
    Posts
    241
    Thanks
    6
    Thanked 20 Times in 11 Posts

    Default Re: how to end the binge/purge cycle?

    I like the idea of writing in a journal, that is a good one! I have been getting better at deciphering the feelings behind binges, but I always keep it in my head! It would prolly be better to get it somewhere I can look at it, I suppose.

    And I I've considered hypnotherapy before, but I never seriously thought about getting it. If it will help me though...I think I might save up for it.

    I've gotten acupuncture, but only one session. Has that helped anyone? Should I go back for more?
    Self-love is not so vile a sin as self-neglect."
    - Shakespeare




  6. #5
    Senior Member
    Joined
    Mar 2008
    Posts
    196
    Thanks
    8
    Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts

    Default Re: how to end the binge/purge cycle?

    Quote Originally Posted by knp001 View Post
    I like the idea of writing in a journal, that is a good one! I have been getting better at deciphering the feelings behind binges, but I always keep it in my head! It would prolly be better to get it somewhere I can look at it, I suppose.

    And I I've considered hypnotherapy before, but I never seriously thought about getting it. If it will help me though...I think I might save up for it.

    I've gotten acupuncture, but only one session. Has that helped anyone? Should I go back for more?
    Acupuncture is meant to correct the energy that flow through your body, that is when you have pain/dysfunction somewhere acupuncture may help to clear the disruption. If you have temporary muscle ache one treatment may be enough but I'd think that to treat an eating disorder a course of treatments would def be needed to make a difference. Whether it helps is up to the individual as eating disorders are essentially a disease of the mind not so much the body.

  7. #6
    Veteran Member Ruby Ruckus's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Virginia
    Posts
    524
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 38 Times in 31 Posts

    Default Re: how to end the binge/purge cycle?

    - I eat for comfort
    ----------what else comforts you? do you have a favorite stuffed animal? a song that really relaxes you? do you like stress balls? create a combination routine for when you're severely upset. listen to your favorite song or record, hug your stuffed animal, cry and write about how you feel. it'll give you something to do with your hands and your mind that will hopefully keep eating off your mind.


    - I crave crave crave the feeling of intense fullness

    -----------drink more water. eat higher protein foods. protein creates a feeling of fullness, water will take up empty space. if you've been bingeing heavily for more than a couple of days, your stomach is probably stretched which means it will take more food to make you feel full. if can deal with being a little bit hungry (but still eating enough calories so that you aren't losing weight), your stomach will shrink back down some and it won't take you as much to be full.

    - I cannot let food go to waste, nor open a package of something without finishing it
    ------------buy smaller packages of food. individual serving sizes.


    - My cravings last for DAYS, not like 20 minutes like all the "experts" say
    ------------get a small version of whatever it is you want and satisfy one craving a day. might help to keep a check list of cravings, so you can check them off once they've been satisfied. this will tell your brain that you are officially done with that item.


    i really wouldn't take the drugs unless you absolutely had to. you might become reliant on them whenever you have a relapse, and you could easily become addicted to them. instead try to fight as best as you can to change your habits and mental attitudes, it'll be a much longer lasting fix.
    "If she wants to dance and drink all night, well there's no one that can stop her. She's going til the house lights come up or her stomach spills onto the floor. This night is gonna end when we're damn well ready for it to be over, worked all week long, and now the music is playing on our time. Yeah we do what we do to get by, and then we need a release!" - Against Me!, "Thrash Unreal"

  8. #7
    Veteran Member knp001's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2008
    Location
    A constant state of denial
    Posts
    241
    Thanks
    6
    Thanked 20 Times in 11 Posts

    Default Re: how to end the binge/purge cycle?

    ^^^thanks so much, esp for the protein tip. I'll try that
    Self-love is not so vile a sin as self-neglect."
    - Shakespeare




  9. #8
    Veteran Member Electrum's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2008
    Location
    If I was up your butt you'd know, Michigan
    Posts
    738
    Thanks
    16
    Thanked 38 Times in 30 Posts
    My Mood
    Daring

    Default Re: how to end the binge/purge cycle?

    Maybe you could find an online support group? That could maybe temporarily replace therapy. Obviously it can't *replace* therapy, but being able to have support online while you're away from home might be a good idea.

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Lysondra
    I had previously stuck the bananas and cucumber in my cooter, yes.

  10. #9
    Senior Member patchouli's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2009
    Posts
    134
    Thanks
    6
    Thanked 23 Times in 18 Posts

    Default Re: how to end the binge/purge cycle?

    Quote Originally Posted by knp001 View Post
    I like the idea of writing in a journal, that is a good one! I have been getting better at deciphering the feelings behind binges, but I always keep it in my head! It would prolly be better to get it somewhere I can look at it, I suppose.
    Letting those feelings out somehow will help you with recovery. That's good that you've been deciphering them already. Writing them out helps release and also reflect when those familiar feelings come up.

    I brought my journal in and read parts of it out loud in therapy yesterday for the first time... and wow. I cried and cried and discovered some important elements of disorder with my therapist. If it weren't for writing down how I felt I don't know how long it'd take me to get to this point in recovery, if at all. Facing our true emotions is powerful!

  11. #10
    Senior Member patchouli's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2009
    Posts
    134
    Thanks
    6
    Thanked 23 Times in 18 Posts

    Default Re: how to end the binge/purge cycle?


  12. #11
    Veteran Member chitownchick's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2005
    Location
    chicago
    Posts
    478
    Thanks
    23
    Thanked 34 Times in 33 Posts

    Default Re: how to end the binge/purge cycle?

    i sent you a pm
    "I need a Win Dixie grocery bag full of money right now to the vip section...."

  13. #12
    Featured Member Cassandra39's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2007
    Posts
    800
    Thanks
    5
    Thanked 19 Times in 17 Posts

    Default Re: how to end the binge/purge cycle?

    I know the feeling of binging (never purged) it helped me gain 25 lbs in less than 2 months. I dont know if you're like I was, but I couldn't have just 1 of anything, it was all or nothing. If I had one little treat early on in the day I was screwed eating everything in sight to the point where I would even eat an old stale pita bread with freezerburn on it just to eat. I found that if I did well a few days in a row, I had waaay more control and the empowering feeling begins to take over, at least for me.
    Ok this prob isn't the advice I'm "supposed" to give for support, but I would prob get the Adderall just to get rid of your appetite. It'll make things way easier but that's just me I'm sure the other suggestions are better in the long run.

  14. #13
    Veteran Member ScarletPhoenix's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Dallas
    Posts
    297
    Thanks
    4
    Thanked 41 Times in 25 Posts

    Default Re: how to end the binge/purge cycle?

    As a recovered (recovering?) bulimic, I have one thing to say:

    take the adderall.

    I have a prescription, and it helps so very very much. Not just because of appetite suppression, but because it got me out of the obsessive food thoughts and let me focus on doing other things. Like clean the house. Or paint a mural on the wall. Or balance my check book. Seriously, you should try and power through the first week of feeling "weird" on new meds and take your adderall.

    It worked wonders for me. I can't guarantee it will for you, but it's worth a shot.

  15. #14
    Veteran Member knp001's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2008
    Location
    A constant state of denial
    Posts
    241
    Thanks
    6
    Thanked 20 Times in 11 Posts

    Default Re: how to end the binge/purge cycle?

    I took some this morning. I haven't had one craving and the good thing is, I took it AFTER breakfast. that stopped me from wanting to purge it, cos then the adderall would leave my body!
    there. killed two birds with one stone.

    but the short-term thing terrifies me. also, what if I build up a tolerance?
    ugh, fuck this ed. it is such an asshole.
    Self-love is not so vile a sin as self-neglect."
    - Shakespeare




  16. #15
    Veteran Member knp001's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2008
    Location
    A constant state of denial
    Posts
    241
    Thanks
    6
    Thanked 20 Times in 11 Posts

    Default Re: how to end the binge/purge cycle?

    Quote Originally Posted by Cassandra39 View Post
    I dont know if you're like I was, but I couldn't have just 1 of anything, it was all or nothing. If I had one little treat early on in the day I was screwed eating everything in sight to the point where I would even eat an old stale pita bread with freezerburn on it just to eat. I found that if I did well a few days in a row, I had waaay more control and the empowering feeling begins to take over, at least for me.
    I can totally relate. that is exactly how I am - all or nothing. my parents were big on "don't waste food" so I got used to eating what was in front of me. not that it is their fault, it's not like they knew what it would lead to!

    and I understand the pita thing - I have eaten food out of the trash!! it's just...you get to a point where you're not even in control and nothing matters except for getting your stomach as full as possible. but you are all in control now? what were/are your cravings like? do you do anything else or have any mantras for feeling empowered?
    Self-love is not so vile a sin as self-neglect."
    - Shakespeare




  17. #16
    Veteran Member setian's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2010
    Location
    east coast
    Posts
    233
    Thanks
    59
    Thanked 161 Times in 83 Posts

    Default Re: how to end the binge/purge cycle?

    Take the topomax. It is not addictive, you just have to get used to the tingly sensation and NEVER abruptly stop it. You'll get the worst migraine of your life.


    Seriously, take it for a month, titrate down and voila, eating habits "reset". I have to do this every few months as maintainence. As a matter of fact I am starting a new round again now.

  18. #17
    Banned
    Joined
    May 2010
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    3,877
    Thanks
    4,436
    Thanked 3,170 Times in 1,403 Posts
    My Mood
    Bored

    Default Re: how to end the binge/purge cycle?

    Even though I'm not a bulemic, so I don't know exactly what you're going through.
    but, have you thought about buying kid's sized forks and plates?

    You said you can't let things go to waste.

    Maybe, if your portions are on a smaller plate, it won't be as much food.

    I definitely agree with Ruby too, buy single size portions of stuff.

    Wish I had more advice. I hope you get through this. *hugs*

Similar Threads

  1. Help with curbing Binge eating
    By 4everresolutions in forum Body Business
    Replies: 18
    Last Post: 08-10-2012, 07:44 PM
  2. How do I control my binge eating?
    By soxysassy in forum Life Support
    Replies: 28
    Last Post: 06-14-2009, 12:34 PM
  3. Binge eating, not being able to stop at one or a few
    By jaizaine in forum Body Business
    Replies: 41
    Last Post: 09-21-2008, 04:52 AM
  4. Binge Eating
    By mia_bella in forum Body Business
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 08-05-2006, 02:59 PM
  5. Voter-Purge List Made Public
    By Isis in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 07-02-2004, 08:22 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •