gaining & exercise

hey everyone :)

i have some questions & would LOVE if you could answer...

the past month i've been suffering from heart pain and trouble breathing, so last weekend i went to an eating disorder clinic to be evaluated. they found my weight to be at a sad and very low 74 pounds. after running some tests, they took me to the ER because of a very low heart rate (38). after spending my day being fueled with saline because of dehydration, i was still found healthy enough to go home. this little adventure really caught my attention...

so i've decided to finally break out of my restrictive and obsessive habits to make myself healthier. this past week i've upped my calorie intake from regularly 300-400 calories to 800. i've also stopped exercise (except for a light 40 minute pilates segment every other day).

since i've upped my intake, i've noticed myself getting hungrier and hungrier, and i'm actually wanting to eat more. i know i need to increase my calories even more to gain, but this is where my questions come in...

1. if i added, perhaps, 200 more calories (up to 1000) will i start seeing a weight gain?

2. will increasing my calories and not exercising (except for pilates) be bad for me? i'm really scared that all my weight is going to pile on FAST & in my stomach area. the only reason i haven't added more calories is because i'm not active at all. i spend my days studying at home and/or school and my parents have restricted me from any exercise.

that's it :)

please respond!

You are at such serious risk I would feel guilty and wrong giving you any advice because I am honestly worried that anything I tell you will shock your body so much you will die. You are at risk of just keeling over and DYING. Your weight is the equivilent of a SMALL CHILD.

You should not be attempting refeeding without professional supervision no matter how much confidence you have in yourself to recover alone it is just not an option for you. I'm not sure why you were discharged from the hospital but you definitely should be in IP. 

800 calories is STARVATION!! Literally! 200 extra calories is STILL STARVATION!! you need medical attention and fast!! your heart pains should be a red flag!! 

The physical dangers that come with undereating are numerous. You put yourself at risk of osteoporosis, of loss of fertility if you lose your period, hair loss, electrolyte problems, a weakening of the immune system, low blood pressure, blood disorders such as anemia, heart problems, and even death. The mental woes that come alongside can be just as devestating. Depression is common in undereaters, as well as distorted perceptions and problems like Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

If you want some online support try http://www.something-fishy.org, and take a look through CC's Eating Disorders Health, Resources and Info Thread. But your most immediate concern is your health - and for that that means you need to talk to your doctor. But know this: Calorie Count's mission is to promote healthy and sustainable weight management and if you are not seeking to manage your weight healthily we cannot and will not help you.

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oh goodness - thanks for the quick response...

they discharged me because all my tests and evaluations came back normal and healthy. the only thing they told me is that i should keep fluids going through me and increase my calorie intake, which i have been doing. that's why i posted this, hoping to get a little advice from those who are also trying to increase calories.

anyhow, the doctor at that particular hospital told me that my heart pains should stop. they def. are a red flag, but the hospital staff seemed to believe that i'm fine.

thank you so much :) i will be increasing asap!