another eating disorder ?

[lwseymour]

Does anyone know if you can be overweight and still have an eating disorder? I have an appointment with a psychiatrist on Thursday but am thinking about cancelling since I don't really think it possible to have an ED when I'm fat. I have gained alot of weight in just one year and it all started when I started having panic attacks. Do eating disorders and panic attacks have anthing to do with each other? I almost feel out of control eating to the point I become sick to my stomach and then continue eating which I have never done in the past. Why on earth would I still want food when I'm sick to my stomach? I have NEVER experienced anything this weird.

Anybody had a similar experience?

Thanks

Edited to add that years ago (15 years probably) I did have bulemia and used to make myself throw up 9 or 10 times per day for about a year. Just wondering if ED's can come back in different disguises.

 

[allwildgirl]

Do NOT cancel your appointment. It's entirely possible to have an eating disorder at any weight. Anorexia isn't the only type of disordered eating. Eating and panic attacks have a lot more to do with each other than you'd think. What you're doing is called binging. Quite often, eating disorders are all about control, or lack thereof, or perceived lack of control. You must see someone about this. Please. You can PM me if you want to talk further.

 

[materialsgirl]

It certainly is possible to have an eating disorder where you eat too much and it's out of control. In this case, there would be a weight gain. Given your out-of-control eating and experience of panic attacks, I think seeing a psychiatrist would be in your best interest. You clearly know something isn't right - the doctor can help you figure out what's wrong and get you treatment so you don't continue to gain weight. I hope you'll keep your appointment.

 

[exercise forever]

Hi,

I think a psychiatrist would be something you still want to do even if you don't have an eating disorder. Talking to someone can help a whole lot. I could be something deeper why you are eating the way you are. I talk you a psychiatrist for many different reasons, plus I obese over my weight too much. I'm scared of gaining weight one time and then worry about losing weight. I am working on finding a balance in the middle. Really it would be good to keep the appt. with the doctor. There are hidden reasons sometimes why we eat the way we do.

Good luck,

kim

 

[dani21496]

I know most bulimics can be normal weight or slightly overweight. That's why it's so easy to hide bulimia.

 

[clareMc]

Please do not cancel your appointment. You have several psychiatric problems here, and I am convinved that your attacks and eating are connected via mood disorders.

This is not something you can solve on your own. You need professional help to learn how to manage your anxiety. A psychiatrist can help determine for you a program of care that will lead you on the path to wellness again.

It takes a lot of courage to admit you have a problem and to admity you need professional help. I know, I am currently in treatment for depression and aanxiety. To cancel your appointment now would be to take a huge step backwards. I want you to believe me that the huge relief you will feel to know that finally someone is helping you and that you no longer have to go it alone is so worth it, is overwhelming, in a good way.

Now that I have taken this step myself and am in regular therapy, I am so glad I did and wish I had done it sooner.

All best wishes,

Clare

 

[Joni]

You've gotten some great advice here.

I'd also like to encourage you to keep your appointment too and add that this is nothing to be ashamed of, these problems are often caused by biological problems or a combination of biological (e.g. chemical imbalance) and psychological problems that can be identified and treated by a psychiatrist.

You will feel so much better if you get help, and you have lots of support here too if you need it.

Joni

 

[EricaH]

ED's definitely come back in different disguises. I've had anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and compulsive overeating throughout my life. I don't think it's unusual to switch from one ED to another since there are underlying reasons that you develop an ED in the first place and the ED is just the way you act out on those issues. I hope that made sense - I'm not sure if I'm explaining that right!

Maybe you are trying to self medicate your panic attacks with food? Eating certain foods will raise your serotinin level and make you feel better - do you find that you are bingeing on sweets/refined foods?

I definitely recommend keeping your appt. and please let us know what happens.

Erica