[emmaukgrl]

I have always been chubby since about 8, even then I liked snacks - crisps/choc/sweets.

When I was 13 and had my own pocket money and free time I would go and buy sweets and other 'bad' foods.

At about 14 me and a 'freind' would eat only 1/2 a cup of dry pasta all day, then go and buy macdonalds followed by making ourselves sick - is that bulimia? I dont know because by myself I would only be sick when I would binge to the point I physically feel sick (can't lie down, stomach pains, mouth filling with saliva etc)

When I was 18 and started drinking - in particular beer/ lager and began to feel bloated and large.

This is when I really began to noice a problem with my weight. I was slightly overweight (by 10lbs or so) and I started this 'diet' of eating low cal foods etc. There were a few points were I would overeat and go back to making myself sick after binging (e.g. around 3000 cals of food in 1 sitting)

Since then I've lost 2 stone (28lbs) but I'm noticing some paterns emerging. I will do well on my diet, which now I KNOW is not good around 700-800 cals for a couple of months and then have a couple of months of eating really badly ( pint of ice cream for breakfast, 20-30 pckts of crisps during the day and thn a nomal family dinner of meat and veggies) during this time I would be sick - sometimes on purpose, sometimes just because I had eaten so much food.

I really dont know what to do. I'm 19, I live with my parents in England, and I'm really at the end of my tether. I just keep thinking I need to sort this out but I don't know how to begin. I know what is healthy but I cant seem to do it! To outsiders i dont seem to have a problem because I have never been severey overweight or obese. But this (to me anyway) is a real problem that constantly affecfts me. Even when I'm not eating, this is what I am thinking about.

Do I have a problem? Should I just get on with it? Please help.

[Pandora123a]

You do have a problem, you know it! Think about getting some counseling or joining a support group. I don't know if yours is classic bulemia, but my guess is that you are pretty close.

My guess is that this is affecting other parts of your life too, especially if this is all you are really focussing on.

Good luck

Pandora

[bargoo]

Yes, you have problem. It won't get better by itself. Seeing a doctor would be a good place to start.

[Pachyderm]

I agree. Some problems we can manage by ourselves, others we need help with. You have already said that you can't manage. You see it as a problem and that is a great first step - now you need to get real help. You could try talking to your family about it, but I think that a professional would be a better idea.

Have a chat with your GP and ask to be referred to a counsellor, and come here regularly for any support you may need.

[Alexistrophic]

You do have a problem and it is one that you absolutely can overcome. Reaching out for support is a great place to start.
Are there any resources in your area (Overeaters Anonymous or counseling) that you might be able to use?

Keep coming back and know that it doesn't always have to be like this...

Good luck and much love,
~lexis