Gained a much needed 10 lbs in 4 months, now want to lose again!

Had a very successful last 4 months. I moved back home with my mum, and just this week moved out and am living on my own and feeling great! Now over the worst of my ED, I've gained a MASSIVE 10 lbs now putting me at 110lbs at 5'2, which I am actually ok with. I have some flesh on me now, not just skin and bones, but I'm wondering whether I could try and sensibily lose a bit of weight? I'm not completely comfortable with how much I weigh, baring in my I have a rather small frame.

I'd love to have some advice/opinions on this. I had a very bad year last year being diagnosed with anorexia, but feel as though I could control weight loss now. I actually eat and enjoy eating healthily, but is it too soon? I'm just worried that I may get a bit out of control, now I like eating again, I might not stop!

Thanks for any advice :)

Kat

First of all, congratulations for your awesome progress! But trying to lose weight again would be too soon. You are fine as you are, and getting over this ED is more important than anything else. Worrying that 'now I like eating again, I might not stop' shows that the ED thoughts are still there sometimes. Better not take the risk.

I don't think that losing weight is a very good idea, since you've had a history of eating disorders, and, you're perfect just the way you are :)

How about just doing some exercises to tone the parts that you;re not completely satisfied with?

I think you already know the answer to this. You say the weight is "much needed", so why would you lose it? There IS no way to "sensibly" lose much needed weight, because it's not something you should be doing in the first place. Also, 10lbs is not massive. I put on 90lbs over the course of my anorexia recovery, and am still a healthy weight. 10lbs gives you only a BMI of 20, which is the minimum recommended BMI for recovering anorexics.

Losing weight at this point would be giving in to the ED voice and setting back your recovery. Don't.

no, don't try to lose weight... you're at a perfect weight for your height, and it's still a low and thin weight

in fact I'm the same height as you and weigh about the same as well and I am quite happy here.. check out my pictures if you'd like. I don't think I am 'heavy' or 'fat' in any way... in fact I actually think that I am TOO skinny sometimes as my ribs and collar bones still stick out quite a bit... most people guess my weight to be at least 5-15lbs less then I actually weigh; I guess I carry my weight well??

point is, you should'nt be trying to lose weight especially if you are in recovery... that's like an alcoholic saying "well I went 1 month without drinking, can I start drinking again now?"

if you already have issues about your weight, then losing it again isn't going to make you happy, I'm sure you know this. You need to learn to be at peace with yourself and except who you are. I bet you feel a lot healthier and energetic and happy now in general, right?

this is the ED talking, and trying to lose is just giving into it... so don't.

I agree with everyone above. You said that you were comfortable with your weight, yet you also said you were not! 10lbs is not 'massive' and as you say, you certainly needed it. Being 5'2 and 110lb is incredibly healthy and slim. Well done on getting there: don't slip back to old habits now!

You said you are ok with the weight gain now yet you want to loose so I am confused? Can you look more into why? I agree now with a therapist I once had statement that when you have had an ed you can't go on a diet because there is too much mind/body connection. I have in times when gotten to a healthier weight wanted to loose a few pounds and it just becomes out of control. I have heard others struggle to with this so I would encourage you to just focus on being healthy and that you are already slim.

Thanks so so much for all of your supportive replies. Gaining weight has been a very confusing experience, on one hand I've been so happy about it, but there's always the dark side of it, where I remember being thin and loving it, but also remember the pain I went through, it's a messy situation to be in!

I need to remember that I am still not over weight, and am healthy again, which is the most important thing! :)

Original Post by kat0386:

I remember being thin and loving it

 YOU STILL ARE THIN

I'm the same height and about the same weight as you... and I can barely see a difference between me at 100lbs and me at 110lbs. It's all about how you carry your weight. If you feel 'big' then add muscle and decrease fat... I swear I have a smaller waist NOW then I did at 100lbs, and clothes that fit me at 95-100lbs STILL fit me now.

I'm in the best shape I have been in, well EVER.. and enjoying every minute of it. I am strong and healthy and happy, and I hope that soon enough you will be too.

best wishes

I can relate to mixed feelings. I think it is good you can identify some of the reasons but try to not to glorify the past because things are hard right now. A few thoughts too about how you fear becoming out of control and it does not have to be all or nothing. Try to focus on today and worry about the what if's later. I know that is hard trust me but who knows you may be surprised at how you feel and maintain. I wonder too if moving out though good is a change and that is bringing some of this up as you are more self accountable?