Wow, I can definitely relate to everything you all are saying, and as a brand new member, I am so relieved that I am not the only one who struggles with bingeing. Anyway, I am 23, and have been losing weight slowly for about the past 2 years. I have dropped quite a bit of weight (10-15 pounds or so?) since November 2006, and I did it by making the decision to get all of the processed junk out of the house (especially the sugary stuff!), and running. About a month ago, I guess I was feeling kind of cocky, because I hadn't binged in several months, was losing weight, getting lots of compliments, and felt that I had put this bingeing thing behind me (yeah right, not that easy!)...so, I started thinking I could trust myself with a few of my favorite treats, and well, we all know what happens after that.
Had I not found this forum, I may have thrown in the towel as I did in the past, but I truly want to learn how to manage this problem and be happy in my body. So far, I have put on about 3-5 pounds (it would have been more but I was determined to keep exercising no matter what), and would also appreciate the support of this group.
Raven, I would say that the single most important piece of advice I have gotten (from my mom who also struggles with bingeing) is to make a commitment to exercise no matter what goes in your mouth. The benefit of this is two-fold; you will offset some of the calories you consume from bingeing (though admittedly not much), and you will also likely be motivated to eat a balanced diet to fuel your workouts (it's no fun running for an hour after a binge, I know from first hand experience!) I have found that just making this promise to myself has helped me get back on the horse multiple times, and helps me avoid falling into the awful cycle of bingeing, getting mad at myself, not exercising, then feeling more depressed because I am bingeing AND missing workouts. At least if you can keep up the exercise, you are winning half the battle.
Sorry so long, but I really can relate to exactly where you are, and think that a place like this is what will help us pull ourselves out of the hole and get back to being good to ourselves. Take care!