Remuda Ranch (for recovering from anorexia/bulimia)

Hi, I just wanted to know if anyone has been to or heard anything about Remuda Ranch, I know that on the Tyra show they always send there eating disorder patients to Remuda Ranch, but I want to hear stories from real people about what they experienced while they where there and stuff. My therapist and I are seriosly considering visiting the Remuda Ranch in Arizona, to check it out and then possibly check my in....but I am scared, because I have been inpatient before and it was horrible and was so controlly, lonely, and was in a hospital.

Hi, I know, I just want to hear real experiences, I'm afraid it will be a big smoke and mirrors thing where I'll get there and be like, "ok, lets go home" Anyway I have read alot of your posts on the ed recovery thread and I am just wondering what your story is and where you are right now. I unfortunatly have tacked on bulimia to my restricting so now I have dug myself into a pretty big hole and can't manage to climb out. That is why I am thinking maybe I do need to leave my current enviroment and get some treatment...that I know I need.

I had to go to Remuda Ranch about 3 years ago, my junior year of high school.  I was there October thru March.  Overall it was a positive experience, but it is VERY challenging!  They also revolve around a very religious structure so be prepared for a lot of biblical and religious activities.  The most difficult part for me was being so far away from my family.  They do have a "family week" where your family can come and you go through a lot of family therapy ect... you also get plenty of phone calls home.  It is also hard being around so many other girls 24/7 who not all have the motivation to recover.  Their equine therapy works wonders too.  You get to take care of your own horse.  It really makes you think - if I want this horse to eat and be healthy and happy, why don't I want the same for myself.  

Have you been to any other inpatient or residential treatment programs?  If you live anywhere near Minneapolis, Minnesota I would highly recommend the eating disorder program at Methodist Hospital.  It is an intensive inpatient program and they are so loving and supportive there.  I learned the most during my treatment and that hospital.

i would love to hear as well, as im told i HAVE to go there is i dont gain 2 lbs a week till goal weight!

Thanx for your experience, Yeah I would be very far from my family as well=( I was inpatient at Stanford Hospital in San Jose and it was HELL. They made you eat every single thing on your plate, I remember my first morning there, I had finished all my french toast and said I was done and they were like, No you need to finish the butter and syrup too!!! How long did you stay, do they "make you eat", do they weigh you, etc. I just feel like a have a million questions!!

There's no avoiding it, they will make you eat every last morsal of food!! but they do ease you into it.  Your meal plan starts out very meager and they give you easier foods.  They gradually add on to your meal plan as needed so your not so overwhelmed in the beginning. You can try refusing the food but if you do they just end up shoving a tube up your nose and pumping it directly into your stomach- so your better off just eating it!  

Also, I don't know your stats, but if you are severely underweight they will tube feed you at night.  So don't be surprised if you see a lot of girls with yellow tubes coming out of their noses!  Eventually they are taken out when you start to but on weight.  

I know it sounds daunting, but don't be scared though, everyone there is so loving and supportive.  They really get down to the core issues that have sparked the eating disorder in the first place.  Sometimes the therapy was so much harder than eating! Please let me know if you have any other questions.  Unfortuantly I have a lot of treatment experience under my belt!  I was in and out of treatment programs (inpatient, outpaitent and residential) for over 7 years but am now living on my own, have a stable career and a real life.  I still struggle everyday, but I have vowed to never let anorexia take away my life again.  I know treatment is hard, but it is better to just bite the bullet and put your all into it.  There is really no use fighting it- that will only make you sicker!

All you need to know about Remuda is at the site below

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=8335153 005&topic=4291

it has tons of reviews about it from many people who have actually gone there. That facebook group is an amazing resource if you're looking to go IP.

Thank you oomboo 2, that was very, very insightful and I really learned some stuff from all the girl's comments about RR. It really helped!!=)

I just got back from Remuda about three months ago, and it was the best experience of my life. There are so many completely insane rules, but after getting used to them in the first couple of weeks, you realize that they really are there to help you. i felt relaxed there for the first time in years.

you are required to eat everything on your plate, and theyll redirect you if you start ritualizing it up... but you learn and get used to things, everyone is there to help. It really is a new start at life... i went to the remuda life program for 45 days after that, i didnt like that as much, but it was still incredibly helpful, it definitely prepared me more for coming home. you can email me if you have any questions... =) arizonachick45@yahoo.com

I had a friend who was sent there and she was dreading it, but it was the best thing possible for her - she cured her anorexia, and then she was able to deal with her other emotional issues and really turn her life around.

i was at remuda twice, many years back now. it is a very good and effective program. i would highly recommend it, although if you don't eat you won't make it there very long. you need to go knowing that the work is going to be extremely hard, but worth it. if you want to recover from your eating disorder, you are going to have to be willing to do things you don't want to do, like eat and follow rules. it is so hard but so worth it!

i have been recovered from my anorexia now almost eight years- remuda gave me many good tools that helped me in my recovery. i don't look at food anymore as the enemy, count calories, worry about what i eat, etc. i try to stay healthy but i don't worry about it. i can truly say i have recovered. i feel like the ed was never part of my life, because it seems so far removed.

if you can go to remuda, i woudl recommend it. much more effective than shorter programs or hospitalizations. remuda helps work on more than the eating- also the emotional, spiritual and mental person. good luck and hang in there!

zsazsa90, are you still looking for reviews or info about RR?  I was there from 2007-2008 (and also went to Remuda Life, the residential programme after RR).  I'd be willing to answer any of your (or anybody's) questions...

I know that this post is old. But Remuda saved my life.

I would highly recommend it, I have never felt better about myself and you make life long friendships with women who know what you are going through and who can give you the support you need. 

Its an amazing place.