I am afraid and vulnerable ,for some reason, to begin a program to overcome my compulsive eating. Food means much more to me that just nourishment. It is my protection from the world. It takes up my mental time so I don't face things that I need to face. Alot of the times it is what gets me out of bed and then sends me back to bed because I have eaten so many carbs I am tired. I know to overcome an addiction you have to replace it with something else and as powerful a pull food has on me I cannot imagine replacing it with something else. I could easily replace it with alcohol or some other equally bad habit but that would be crazy.I see a therapist but I think this is something you have to find deep down inside yourself. I don't know where to begin to find something that would replace my almost complete addiction to food. Food is all encompassing for me.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so Much,

Bonnie

I feel for you so much. I completely understand and I feel for you.

I had a pretty severe case of BED, but in the last year it seems to be in remission. My binges were so severe at one time, I used to hit four different food stores for one day's worth of bingeing. Usually I couldn't wait to get home to binge so I would begin bingeing while walking on the street. I was so afraid ppl would notice so I'd vary my path.

I remember I could gain 5 pounds in a week. And my digestive system couldn't take it, but I'd binge anyway.

But you can do it. Persistence is key.

For me I did a lot of things to get better. I think doing a day program for ED was great. I was going to go inpatient, but there was a waiting list and since I was fat and not dying of starvation, they didn't let me in. I was mad at first, but I'm glad I did outpatient. I tried meds, but they didn't work. Exercise helped. Developing hobbies and interests outside the house (the binge zone) helped.

I have had so many setbacks it was ridiculous. But they were learning experiences.

I adhere to certain rules now. One rule no binge food in the house, even if it's healthy. Another rule, only eat at meals- no impulse buys and no free food.

I could go on and on because to deal with binge eating, you need to attack it on all fronts: mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Good luck and when you fall of the wagon for nth time, forgive yourself, ask yourself what have learned and carry on.

Motivated Chickie,

How did you find the day treatment program. Did your insurance pay for any of it? Thanks so much for all your advice. Your advice about attacking it from all fronts is great!

Hi,

I searched for ED treatment online through somethingfishy.org - It's a website devoted to ED. They have a treatment finder.

I am fortunate to live in the Philly area so the Renfrew Center is here, which is a famous treatment center.

Insurance paid for the treatment, but there was a weekly $25 copay.

Good luck!

I don't have any super special advice but I felt very much the same way. As you said, attacking the compulsion on more than one front is the way to go.
I have often thought of food as my best friend, as the way I show love to my family (cooking), reward, everything. Right now what is working for me is staying on plan and AWAY from foods that push me towards the binge. South Beach is really doing me well but it took me a couple trys to get the hang of it. Also, I am keeping myself busy by trolling for recipes that will both keep me on track and that my family will enjoy.

Right now I'm spending a lot of time in bed because I injured my back. I don't think there is any way I could be doing as well as I am with my food without the women (and guys) who post here. It's amazing what this kind of support can do to lift me up.

I wish you all the best. You CAN do this.