Regaining your self

[runnergurl]

Has anyone ever read this book?

I just ordered it online tonight.
I've been an emotional mess lately, so i figured i would do something for mysefl.

[Aubiegirl]

I actually just ordered this book yesterday, we should definitely discuss when we've both ready it. I saw an interview with the author, Ira Sacker, on The View yesterday and what he had to say about breaking out of the ED identity really struck a chord with me, that's one of the issues I struggle with the most.

Anyway, thanks for posting about this, hopefully the book will arrive soon so I"ll have real commentary!

[desiderata]

I've read a couple of reviews of this book awhile back as well as interviews with Ira Sacker. It looks like an interesting read. You two will have to tell me about it.

Dae

[desiderata]

Has anyone read this? It just came out recently. I read an interview with the author which looks like it could possibly be worth reading.

Dae

[buttercup NY]

My response to this thread is below, sorry i'm new to this!

[buttercup NY]

"Regaining Yourself" really helped me overcome my ED thoughts and behaviors by the describing the relationship between identity and eating disorders. A great aspect of this book is that the author, Ira Sacker, explains that in order to overcome this disease we all have to find our true passions and stop living our lives dictated by what an anorexic/bulimic/binge eaters (or people suffering from EDNOS) should be like: constantly ruled by food. I completely recommend this book to everyone on this site based on how it has helped me.

[thisgirllovestorun]

I am in the process of reading this book. It is really helping me to stop and think about things for just a moment and look at them from a different view. I would definately recommend reading it.

[runnergurl]

Okay, i started this post and finally finished the book.

I didn't really like it.

It kind of teaches you about eating disorders and their components.... and ive been through sooo much treatment. I already knew most of it.

I think its better for family members or loves ones..

I don't need to be taught about eating disorders.

Did anyone else feel that way.

[susibee]

Yes, runnergurl, I felt the same way.

I'm disappointed. I just read most of it today -- sitting on the couch in the bookstore. I had the intention of buying it, but when I opened it and started reading, I realized it was kind of a "lightweight." In other words, it gave me very little food for thought. No revelations in there for those of us living with an ED.

The title is deceiving because it's "Regaining Your Self," as if talking to those of us who suffer with an ED. But, as you say, runnergurl, it really seems meant for therapists or other professional colleagues of his. It's sort of a "show-off" book for Ira Sacker, I think. It shows off his therapy technique and his success stories (various of his patient's stories are sprinkled through the book).

Anyway, it wasn't at all what I was hoping it was going to be. I guess I was in search of some inspiration and motivation.

Back to workbooks. Ugh.

[I flipped through Wasted, as I felt like maybe a memoir or autobiography could be inspirational and motivational, but I was too scared to buy it for the triggering potential...]

[gymel]

i just read this book yesterday and i got a lot out of it. I understand his reasoning behind the PIRT approach, and if anything I've seen what he is talking about in my own recovery, even without reading the book! When I was still struggling I focused so much of my tme, energy, and identity into having an eating disorder. Whenever i went in to treatment I came out with out my eating disorder but nothing to take it's place, so I always went back. The only thing I knew how to be with the girl with an eating disorder. Over the past year I have changed my identity to include the Mel that is a speech pathologist, a friend, an aunt, a sister, a daughter, a girl friend, a volunteer. in the book they talk about that-by finding something that you are passionate about and believe in, something that makes you feel better than being someone with an eating disorder or being successful at that or being thin.

I was pleasantly surprised at the book, and definitely got something out of it! I would recommend it to people-there is not talk about calories, or numbers, and have found it less triggering than other books.

Mel

[See_Lola_Run]

I read this book and learned a lot about myself.....some things I already knew, some things gave me a "new awakening" I suppose you could call it. I agree with :sfishy Runnergurl.....It would be VERY beneficial to family and friends. I have given a copy to my hubby:lubdub , my parents, siblings, and in-laws, and as they are reading it, they come to me with so many questions and it has been really helpful for my family and I. :yay

[roxieatc]

I read this book this week and although I didnt gather many stategies to help my ED, I did learn alot about myself. It really hit home with me. It made me realize that I am too much of a perfectionist and have issues with this. Also, it made me realize that alot of my Ed could be because I dont have an identity when I really think about. I dont know who I am or what I am passionate about, other than food and my weight. I think that is something that I truly need to work on to help me conquer my ED.

[rafferty]

I bought it for the library at work... and I too felt it was a lovely book to give to family, friends and carers... the language is compassionate... he obviously cares for his patients and no matter how difficult things get - continues to see then as individuals - NOT as just another eating disorder.

It's the gentleness with which he writes I think family members would most benefit - particularly parents and partners who are frustrated beyond belief!

And I agree with some of the other :fishy's... it's not got a whole lot of groundbreaking new stuff for people who have been in treatment for a long time... and I would look elsewhere for more challenging personal stuff. But the book itself as a way of understanding ED's is a good one.

:love
:stars rafferty :stars