recovering fom sickness, change in activity level = change intake? HELP!

So a little quick background for those who haven't read my other posts elsewhere:

I had a little fainting spell a few weeks ago which led to me being in the hospital for 3 days for observation, during which I wasn't even allowed to walk five feet to the bathroom, for fear I would pass out randomly again. They finally released me after doing a lumbar puncture, or spinal tap. After that procedure, I couldn't even raise my head more than a few inches without getting a blinding, nausea-inducing headache, so I was flat on my back for another week because of it. That makes almost two weeks of literally NO physical activity. Needless to say, my ED thoughts were in full force. I forced myself to eat, and my family (who could clearly see what I was eating because duh, they were practically feeding it to me, lol) made sure I got three square meals and plenty of snacks. I couldn't count at all, but would guess I was above maintenance most days because of the food they were shoveling down my throat. 

So fast forward to this week, and it's my third day actually up and about. My aunt still won't let me excercise until my headaches and dizzyness (the symptoms from the spinal and whatever else is going on that they still haven't figured out yet) completely subside. That means I'm allowed to walk from the car to class, from the metro to class, and from the metro to home. And back. Nothing else. Needless to say, I'm feeling like Baby Beluga from all the overeating, and the lack of exercise isn't helping matters. I feel like I can see extra fat EVERYWHERE, and I know it's probably just a little lost muscle tone, if that, but still. It's horrifying.

So my question, after that long-winded intro, is this: do I eat back at maintenance, or do I reduce juuust a little to try to get back to where I'm supposed to be? I'm actually at a higher weight than I was aiming for, and well within the healthy BMI range, I just want to be toned and healthy and not go back into starvation mode. I don't necessarily want to lose, and I definitely don't want to gain, just maintain, but I don't know where to put my cals to do that.  Is 1200 enough, seeing as I'm now totally sedentary, or should I increase? It's just so scary, especially seeing my body doing what it is. . . I need support, guys. Keep thinkin' those positive thoughts, and chowing down on life, everyone. It's a rough battle, but WE CAN DO THIS! 

 

Well, first tell me how much you weight and how tall you are. Also, how old are you?

Darn, I always forget those stats. I'm 5'7", anywhere between 130-145lbs, depending on the day and sodium levels and fun stuff like that, and I'm at the ripe old age of 20. 

Hey lover! Okay so I know all about your hospital scare and I can really relate to the feeling of huge and marshmellowish, but 1200 is way to low! I know you are trying to maintain (and you look fab) but for someone our height we should be maintaining between 1800-2000....so definitely don't go below like 1500!

But how about trying to eat without counting for a few days? I know that I make sure that I get past 1200 and then from there I just stop counting so that I don't have a freak out or something!

Just a thought, but I want you to know that I think you are doing wonderful with recovery. You are such an inspiration. You are at a great and healthy weight. And remember that those big feelings are sooo in your mind!!

Keep it up babe!!

Linny, hun, marry me. Just kidding. (I don't think that's legal in this state, and Nick might get mad, lol) 

Okay, I'm taking the plunge. Think spoon into jar of PB-style plunge. (mmmm sticky) and laying off the counting for a few days. My head's been in a bad place this week, and that is SO counterproductive. Plus, I'm going out for dinner not one, not two, but THREE times in the next four days. So that's only one dinner I get to have complete control over. As much as the very thought of eating all of that rich, fat-laden food in such a short period scares me, I'm not going to put my life on hold to make my ED happy. So there!

Thanks for the advice guys. You really know how to "talk me down." 

I also definetly agree that you should be eating around 1800. I love taking a few days to just not count to get my head 'back in the game'. Good luck! :D