Three weeks into the meal plan and Im a bit disappointed and confused. Im sticking to the 6 "small" meals a day on most days and not excersisng as prescribed by the nutrionist. Its been three weeks and the only thing that has changed is that Im constantly bloated and I am experiencing digestion issues (either lots of gas, or Im not 'regular' in my bowel movements). I havent put on any weight and the only part of my body that seems to be physically getting bigger is my stomach. Im finding this whole process very uncomfortable and I cant stand the feel and the sight of my bloated stomach. Is this normal? Have other people experienced similar things? And should I not be putting on weight in other areas?
What did/are other people experiencing while being on a meal plan?
Hmm Simone, i can't say that i have stuck to a meal plan for 3 consistent weeks but at the end of my 2 weeks of regular eating (without purging), i did still find myself bloated on occasion. Well, all the time actually and it was incredibly difficult to deal with but sometimes, it was not too bad. I am sure there are others on here who could give you more advice about this. I am guessing that the reason you are not gaining is maybe because your calorific intake is not high enough. I think everyone reacts differently and what may be enough for others may not be enough for your body when trying to gain weight.
I would say though that it is worth sticking with the MP as long as you do not have any specific allergies which you may not be aware of. I hear that things improve over time.
Have you discussed all these things with a dietician/nutritionist?
Bloating is quite common because your body isn't used to keeping and digesting food. But I promise it will go away :) so will the sick feeling...do you experience reflux? That will go away too, but will take longer than the bloating. I'd recommend having tums and/or zantec on you at all times, and take it to alleviate the acidity
I've struggled with irregular bowel movements ever since I first developed anorexia, and started taking laxative to help the ... but bulimia caused me to abuse it, so I'm still trying to get my body used to lessening them. So I know how you feel.
Your body, like I said, is not used to digesting...so things are going to move slow. Unfortunately stomach issues can take months to get back to normal, but the wait will be worth it. For now just boost up your fibre, eat lots of yogurt and drink water!
Have you ever tried a heatbag? When I have bad gas pains I love to curl up on the couch with it. They also sell gas relieving pills if you're really in a lot of pain...but just be careful not to use them regularly if you do. But they will definitely help move the gas...don't give up though! You're doing great :)
Simone,
Sorry you are so uncomfortable, but great job sticking to a plan! It's true that your body will take time to relearn how to digest foods properly. You may want to try taking some digestive enzymes to help with the bloating, etc.
Papaya enzyme is good for this, and you can buy it in a chewable tablet form which tastes quite good! We keep it around for everyday stomach indigestion, etc.
Good luck, and keep it up!! Take care..Jan ♥
for sure it is normal, when i first started recovery--my stomach was sooo bloated i had to go to the hospital! i later found out i have IBS, a stomach condition where i bloat almost all the time--which is embarrassing for me, but i deal with it. but yes----when you are feeding yourself again, your stomach will bloat a lot because it is not used to food yet....
but dont worry, this will go away shortly as your body adjusts to food...
Perfectly normal, though very uncomfortable... That will pass in time. Your dietitian will adjust your meal plan from time to time. When you start gaining, remember that eventually your weight will redistribute. I'm still trying to get used to my fleshier arms. ;0) When you experience the night sweats, you'll know your metabolism is boosting. (Something I wish I had known to expect.) ♥
I just read your comment about IBS on here, and I was wondering if you could tell me how you deal with it?
I've had ED for 8 years, and now my tummy is always bloated too :( It sounds pretty vain, but when I was refusing to eat for so long, the body part which troubled me the most was my stomach: i always wanted it to be smaller, no matter how thin I was. As you can imagine, now that it is bloated all the time all the old thoughts are there :'(
I know i've got IBS, but I don't know what to do about it. Nothing seems to help. I've tried special pills, drinking lots of water etc. Nothing. I'm so sad and very desperate!
i have IBS for about 10 years now. the first thing i have learned was learn what makes ur stomach upset and what helps your stomach. for me nuts, corn and dairy make my stomach feel bloated and everything so i know to avoid those foods.
I could go 3 days without eating...I'd still be bloated like a whale. Nothing changes :'(
How do you find out what food trigers it? :/ I know there are food diarys and stuff, but I can never identify anything! Also my parents get so angry at any change in my diet, if I tell them I want to cut out wheat or milk for a month, they'd probably start doing the whole guilt trip thing :(