My wife has an eating disorder an she will eat like a horse and go make her self barf,sorry, didn't mean to be gross, and I know it is bulemia but what causes this. I know it is psychological, but has anyone else ever had to deal with this condition or had a family member with it? She is going to counciling, and she hasn't done it for a while, but she won't tell me what the doctor says to her, and I don't want to pry, I just want her to get better. She's not fat at all, she looks like a model to me, but she says she's too fat. Can anyone tell me a website or personal experience about this disorder? Thanks

I was anorexic as a teen and now I occasionally suffer from binge eating. Thankfully I don't make myself sick afterwards. I just feel really guilty. This is a diease like alcoholism. It takes long-term dedication and there will be backslides. She's taken the first step which is admitting she has a problem and seeking help. Just be there for her and let her know you love her no matter what. When she's ready to tell you why and how, she will. Just give her time. It is a very hard thing to talk about for awhile. It's embarrasing and shamefull to admit that you can't control yourself, or it was for my anyway. There are support groups online that could help her in the between time with her counselor. I will look them up and get back to you on it. Good luck, and your a great guy for wanting to help!!
OK, go to www.eating-disorder.org. There is a wealth of info for you and your wife there. There is also a link to a online support group your wife might be comfortable with along with a link for family members. My thoughts will be with you both!

[This message was edited by DIXIEGIRL26 on 06-14-02 at 05:23 AM.]

my sister-in-law had a combination of bulemia and anorexia, she had the condition before there was a medical term for either of them. She went to every doctor, mayo clininc, etc...and was never able to overcome her illness. When she died she weighed 58 pounds. There are some very real reasons why these disorders occur and no real answers as to how to a: prevent them B: cure them, as there really is no cure, much like alcoholism, it is an everyday battle. She must be willing to get help, and not just from an M.D., but from a pschyologist as well. You may want to think about a support group for yourself as this will not only affect your wife but it wil affect you as well. My prayers are with you both

Hey QJS, my thoughts are with you and your wife. Bulimia has other effects that can be lasting, such as causing abrasions in the esophogus, etc., as a sideline to the starvation aspect.

I'm glad that she is in counseling, as the emotional and mental aspect is always in the forefront of eating disorders. If she's in a group, you might want to see if spouses are welcome, and if not, get an appointment on your own with the therapist to see if there is anything else you can do to help her...I'm sure she knows you're supportive, but maybe the therapist could give some suggestions on triggers that might help her even more.

I hope that she can overcome this.

It is really hard to get over. I think that u r lucky to have a wife that cares about her appearance but she should find a healthy way. It is hard to stop throwing up (physically) because after doing it everyday it becomes like a reflex action after eating. So even if she decides she wants to stop it can be hard. If u can keep her from puking for 2 hrs after the meal (the time it takes to digest the food) she wont be able to purge her meal. I really hope that she gets help cuz I had a good friend who was bulemic and she killed herself because she was so deluded about her self image. She was drop dead gorgoeus too it is really sad.

I agree. It is a disorder that is very hard to overcome. I suggest she find a suppost group or therapist that specializes in eating disorders.

People with eating disorders typically have a lot of control issues. You can learn a lot by reading the journals of other anorexics and bulemics at healthyplace.com.