Gary and Angie, even if Lara won't go to counseling, you should go yourselves. She *is* an adult and can make her own decisions, but if you go at least you will know how to support her and approach her and make her environment as healthy as you can. My sister is bulimic. She will always be bulimic. She's not always acting on the behavior, but it's always in her head. Being open and honest was a huge first step for us in getting her help. She still has never seen a therapist more than twice in a row - I think partly because she's embarassed and partly because she *thinks* she has her behavior under control. It's hard. You don't want to bring it up for fear of exascerbating (sp?) the problem but you don't want to not bring it up for fear of letting it slide through the cracks. Bulimics can cause serious physical problems in addition to just weight issues - heart problems from the imbalances caused by vomiting, severe reflux issues from the acid coming up the esophagus, etc. My sister is also a drama queen, hypochondriac, needing attention constantly. She is a beautiful person who has so much to offer but she has low self esteem and covers it up by being "the funny one" or by inviting attention with suspicions of strange ailments.

*I* (in my oh-so-unprofessional opinion) think that she needs to find something she's really really good at (like pottery or painting or music or anything!) so she can get positive attention for a positive behavior. I just haven't figured out how to get her into any kind of classes like that. In the mean time, I just keep the communication lines open, however awkward it is, and try to be the best sister I can.

I don't know if that helps you at all, but I do wish you the best. Your family will be in my prayers.

Kara

Gary and Angie,
I will keep Lara in my prayers, and pray that you two will get the wisdom and knowledge you need to know how to deal with this.
God Bless!

Another sign to look for, since I know I was bulimic and didn't have any of those above, except for occasional popped blood vessels - sorry for being graphic but - most of the time when people vomit some water/vomit splashes up around the toilet, either onto the floor or ONTO THE WALL - the acids will leave little bleached spots on most paint jobs.

Honestly, I think the next step is to confront her directly - although it may be beneficial to talk to a therapist first about how to do this. Do you know any of her good friends? Her boyfriend? Anyone you would trust to help you? Good luck.