Digestion

[BballGoon]

I am recovering from anorexia, and since I have been eating normal, well balanced meals, I don't think my food is being properly digested and I have become constipated. It feels like the food stays in my stomach for days. Since I never used laxatives as a method of weight loss, I have used them a few times to relieve the constipation. The problem is, they work for a day, but I just end up becoming constipated again. My doctor said that eventually my system would straighten itself out, but it has been weeks, I am extremely uncomfortable, and I don't want to depend on laxatives or enimas. Has this happened to anyone else? I am interested in what other doctors may have said or how long it has taken others to get "straightened out."

[Cat_Luver]

I can relate... and wishI had an answer. I could have written your post, in fact. It's been a bit over two months that I've been eating more (began slowly) and can say that I've been eating smaller, but normal amounts since at least mid-May. However... I'm still in the very same place.. Once in a blue moon my body decides to work, and then nothing for one week until I'm so uncomfortable. I end up doing the same thing; finally taking something (I also barely ever used laxatives while restricting). I hate having to do it, and at times even that doesn't work :ugh

My doctor and dietitian told me that my body will begin to work, but I get worried as it seems that it should be happening by now. But, I guess I have to pay now for abusing my body :sad

BUT, I do have hope -- and hope you will as well -- that our bodies WILL getting working normal again.

[SanFran]

Yep, I've been through that constipation crap (literally! :sarcasm) My suggestion is to stop the laxatives because your system will never get straightened out and work by itself if you don't. The more you eat, the more you'll poop. :sarcasm But it'll take awhile (at least a few weeks) for the bowel movements to get regular.

BTW, are you still going to St. Joe's?

[arcLA]

Hello!

Well, I think Fish of Hope is right here...stop taking the laxatives so your body can get used to just being alone with the food. Once I went to a nutritionist, and he told me that if I eat three times a day, I should poo three times a day. I found that odd, but he said he does! :surprised So, there are foods that naturally make you go, so maybe look them up in a book of home remedies, and also look at the ones that cause constipation in some people :winky so you can stop eating those temporarily.

You'll work soon! :happy

By the way, congratulations and a big WOOHOO to you for your excellent Recovery news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lisa :love

[soma-UK]

:hugon bBallgirl :hugoff

I am sooo proud of you for choosing to walk down the recovery road. You won't regret it :yay.

I had the very same problem when I started to eat again.
I had to be patient and let my body learn to digest again. ( I know what you are thinking- I want patience and I want it NOW!!).
Patience is a BIG issue with people with eds. As we all want instant gratification and results.

See a dietician and also eat a variety of foods, especially bio-cultured yogarts ( they will give you digestive enzymes your system may be lacking), water, and fresh fruit and veg.

Let us know how you things turn out ( no pun intended :sarcasm).