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My Sister- Eating Disorder

My sister who is one of my best friends has always struggled with her weight  she fluctuates between about 150-230ish and always seems to be on some crazy diet- but lately I've noticed she has lost a lot of weight, and the way she is doing it is by being bullemic.

She is really bad- she stayed with me and my husband this weekend  and I noticed she did it at least 3 times (That I noticed!)I asked her boyfriend who she lives with about it- and he said it was really bad- and he gets upset with her but she won't stop.

I asked her about it and she admits it but doesn't think it's a big deal because she's " not skinny" or wasting away- but I know it is so bad for you-our mom had a friend who DIED of this disease. I don't know what to do- she doesn't think it is a serious problem.

What can I do/ I mean getting my parents involved isn't much of an option because my dad generally just gets uncomfortable with these situations, and my mom has some serious problems of her own to be in denial about- Any suggestions? 


Me-27- DH- 38 -Moved to New York* TTC since August 2011, unexplained IF & PCOS HSG - both tubes clear Saline Ultrasound- clear SA- Normal January 2013- Started metformin 1500mg attempting micro IVF 2/8/2013 2/8/2013 Cycle- ganirelix, menopur, gonal F 3/3/2013- ER- 7 Eggs 3/4/2013- All 7 fertilize 3/8- ET

Re: My Sister- Eating Disorder

  • Pull up some facts about bulemia to show to her.  As you know, this is a disease.  She probably can't just stop.  Tell her you worry about her.  Losing teeth from stomach acid coming up when you force yourself to purge is not fun.  Good luck!
  • Help her!  I have a loved one who died from Bulimia, and it breaks my heart to no end.  She wanted to be thin like her sisters, mother, friends etc..... For this person, she thought no one loved her the way she looked.  If she hated herself, she thought everyone else did.  It was apparent at her funeral, that lots of people LOVED her because it was standing room only in a large church. 

    On a side note, she received help for years both unconditional love from family and friends, out patient treatment, in patient treatment etc.....In the end, she had destroyed her body, and it was un-repairable.  She was 20 years old, and had a successful life ahead of her. 

    I hope you can help your sister.  Good luck to all of you; it is a struggle and a journey.

     

  • I worked on an eating disorders unit...the patients we knew to die were ALL bulimic, not anorexic. Something Fishy is a good website.

    I forget which one it is, phosphorous or potassium, one of those is always way off in these patient and sometime people need to see an off lab level to be convinced something is wrong. Do you think she can see her doctor for a physical and have this, and her blood in general tested. I think she needs treatment but I'm trying to think of a foot in the door technique for you.

    Are her parotid glands swollen (cheeks by ears), a face kind of like the grinch

  • Talk to her, and get her help!  I work at a psychiatrist's office and eating disorders are very common.  Get her the facts about bulimia and just talk to her in a more casual setting.  She will do the exact opposite if you try to pressure her to get help right off the bat.  I would look into psychologists/ psychiatrists/ social workers that treat eating disorders and present her with that info.  Say that your worried and would like her to see a Doctor about it just to have a professional standpoint, and go with her to show support.  If the session doesn't work out with that Doctor, then she doesn't have to go again and she can find a different doctor.  I know of some offices that run support groups with people with similiar disorders and it helps alot of patients because its everyday people 9live themselves)living with a disorder, helping out and supporting other members of the group in the same situation.  Eating disorders are hard to treat, but most of the time there is an underlying issue (low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, etc.) that caused them to start in the cycle of an eating disorder. 
    Anniversary
  • srgwsrgw member
    1000 Comments Third Anniversary 5 Love Its Combo Breaker

    My sister was bulimic in high school and finally went to my parents for help right before college. She is healthy now but still struggles almost 12 years later.

    So encourage your sister to talk to you or someone else she trusts. Let her know you want to help her. 

  • If I were you, I'd meet with a counselor who specializes in eating disorders and ask how to help your sister.  Maybe after a meeting or two you will be equipped to handle a much needed, loving, conversation with your sister. 
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