Eating disorders- eeek!

[nsd_user663_7276]

Hello people. I'm new to this forum but have met a few very nice people already through my failed quit earlier this week. Now gearing up for a new quit.

Just wondering whether anyone else here has or has had an ED and might be in a position to advise on the whole stopping smoking/increased eating situation?

My ED has never been formally diagnosed but it definitely exists and has been a subject of discussion when I've had counselling. Basically, I vacillate between binge eating and strict calorie restriction coupled with excessive exercise.

I'm at a bit of a loss as to how to handle my eating issues whilst stopping smoking. Several times in the past, I have managed to quit for a few weeks and have then so hated the binge eating and weight gain that I have made a conscious choice to return to smoking. In my warped brain, ill health and slavery to the weed tends to seem preferable to getting fat. My rational brain knows it's illogical and ridiculous but I really struggle with it.

I know there probably aren't any easy solutions but if anyone else out there has managed to stop smoking and whilst simultaneously managing their eating in a normal, healthy way, I would love to hear from you!

[nsd_user663_42390]

Hello people. I'm new to this forum but have met a few very nice people already through my failed quit earlier this week. Now gearing up for a new quit.

Just wondering whether anyone else here has or has had an ED and might be in a position to advise on the whole stopping smoking/increased eating situation?

My ED has never been formally diagnosed but it definitely exists and has been a subject of discussion when I've had counselling. Basically, I vacillate between binge eating and strict calorie restriction coupled with excessive exercise.

I'm at a bit of a loss as to how to handle my eating issues whilst stopping smoking. Several times in the past, I have managed to quit for a few weeks and have then so hated the binge eating and weight gain that I have made a conscious choice to return to smoking. In my warped brain, ill health and slavery to the weed tends to seem preferable to getting fat. My rational brain knows it's illogical and ridiculous but I really struggle with it.

I know there probably aren't any easy solutions but if anyone else out there has managed to stop smoking and whilst simultaneously managing their eating in a normal, healthy way, I would love to hear from you!

It sounds to me reading all the above that you should see a proffesional. The advice that smile has given above is good advice but I reckon you would benefit from a trip to your GP and mention your concerns to him/her because I am guessing it was them who refered you to a therapist? If so they could maybe get you another appointment. I think your ED needs to be formally diagnosed if it is as severe as you describe.That is what I would do.

[nsd_user663_7276]

Thanks so much both of you for your thoughts.

I am currently a healthy weight and actually have never wavered much from the weight I am now. A stone either way is as extreme as it's got. My diet is mostly pretty healthy, apart from the binges, and I love exercise.

I'm not quite sure why the binge eating happens. It is definitely worse at certain times in my cycle. I do adore sugar and am probably addicted to it. I can rarely be disciplined enough to eat just one biscuit or cake!

Restriction usually follows a period of bingeing, or otherwise just arises as a control thing. I am very black and white in my thinking. At the moment my mum is very ill, and the lack of control over her situation resulted in me gaining very rigid control over my weight, and I now seem to be in a bingeing cycle again. It's all so very tiresome and tiring.

Smile, it's encouraging to hear about your experiences with managing/maintaining your weight after stopping smoking. There's no reason in the world why I shouldn't be able to do that. What you say about NRT is interesting too- I hadn't realised that might be able to help in some small way.

Haze, you are absolutely right. I am on a waiting list for counselling and hope it will come up soon. The eating issues have been mentioned in previous counselling but have never been the focus of the therapy. They will be this time as they are gradually getting worse over time and I need to work at resolving this.

Thanks again for your kind thoughts.

[nsd_user663_7276]

I put down what I had done/my experiences as you asked at the end of your message about people quitting and handling eating etc in a healthy sort of way. I hope you did not think that I was meaning the same should be for you.

Smile X

No, not at all, and I hope I didn't sound like I was being arsey in my reply, because that's not what I intended at all. I am just reflecting on it all. There really is no reason why I shouldn't be able to do what other people can do. It's all psychological, and I really believe that I can change my beliefs about myself and my behaviour, although I know it will be hard. I have found your replies really helpful and kind, so thank you.

Carbo and sugar binge pre-period: yes, definitely! That is maybe something I don't have to change. Just need to get my head straight and focus on the things I can change

Thanks again. x