I met the lovely Kim from Redefining Kim, and her husband and little girl, at Fitbloggin’ this summer.  Her personality and openness light up the room.  When I asked for guest posts she willing shared her story of her eating disorder and how far she has come.  This post hits very close to home and I’m so happy to have her guest post.  Send her some love on her blog.  She’s a wonderful southern lady.

This is me in 2002. I look happy and healthy don’t I?

Would you believe me if I told you that at this point in my life I had been battling bulimia for nearly a year? What if I told you that it would take another 4 years before I got help?

Shocked?

Surprised?

You shouldn’t be. Research estimates that between to 8-10 million women are battling an eating disorder at this very moment. And nearly 5% of them will die within 10 years due to their battle.

Why?

I cannot speak to anorexia but I know that from personal experience bulimia is the secret disorder. My therapist calls it “the silent killer”. Bulimics often appear healthy, so their disorder goes untreated until the physical effects –

• Heart problems, such as irregular heartbeat, low pulse, low blood pressure, weakened heart muscle, or heart failure
• Fluids and electrolytes problems, such as dehydration and low levels of potassium, magnesium, and sodium
• Intestinal problems, such as constipation, irregular bowel movements, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping
• Mouth problems, including cavities, tooth enamel erosion, gum disease, and sensitivity to hot and cold foods
• Throat and esophagus soreness, irritation, or tears
• Stomach problems, including ulcers, pain, and delayed emptying
• Anemia

– Cause their body to simply stop working.

Over the years, I have had multiple opportunities to talk with the families and friends of bulimia patients, and each of them always asks ‘How did we miss this? What signs should I look for in my daughter/girlfriend/sister?’

Perhaps you are wondering the same thing. Here are some potential warning signs that a person is suffering from bulimia:

A preoccupation with body weight or shape

– This is not the occasional comment along the lines of “I’d like to lose 5 pounds. Or I need to tone up”. This is numerous comments over a long period of time. For me, I would often ask friends if they thought I had gained weight, or if I was as fit as someone else, I would constantly complain about my weight (even weighing myself multiple times a day).

Secretive about eating and does not eat around other people

– During the height of my eating disorder, I would NEVER eat in front my boyfriend, and at social events I would only have 2 to 3 bites of food. Then when I would return to the privacy of my apartment, I’d consume an entire pizza, a box of doughnuts, and countless candy bars all in a single sitting.

Sneaks food or hides food in the house

– Once while cleaning my room, my roommate found 10 bags of potato chips stuffed under my bed. I kept the chips handy in case I felt the need to binge in the middle of the night.

Uses the bathroom immediately, soon after or frequently during meals

– If I was forced to eat in front of others (think family dinners), I would drink several large glasses of water, so that I would have an excuse to disappear to the restroom so that I could privately purge.

Looks sick or has symptoms such as tooth decay, sore gums, mouth sores, extremely dry skin, hair loss, swollen salivary glands, teeth marks on the back of hands or calluses on knuckles from self-induced vomiting.

 

Once you  have sufficient reason to believe that someone you care about is suffering from bulimia, the question then becomes “How do I help?” If you suspect that you friend or family member has bulimia, talk with the person. Be prepared for them to deny that there is anything wrong. In fact, they may react with anger – I did. But reassure them that you care for them and want to see them live a long, happy, and healthy life.

If the person admits to their disorder, help them find a therapy program. The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) has a plethora of resources.

Above all else, keep offering support and encouragement to the person. When I first started therapy for my bulimia, I attempted to alienate myself from my family and friends – as I was angry that they thought I had a problem. They stayed by my side, and offered me encouragement and compassion when it was needed most.

It was their love and support that got me to this place today. 5+ year bulimia free and living life to the very fullest!