I have a wife with bulimia and it was getting to the point where I couldn't take it any more. She needed bulimia treatment badly, but I didn't know where to turn. Through the internet I came across your site and sent my wife for bulimia treatment at your center.
Whoever she first spoke with made her feel so comfortable, she even became excited about the possibility of not having to binge and purge any more. The change in her is amazing. I know she will always be recovering, but I am proud to say she is the most courageous person I know. Thank you for all of your help.
-- Preston V., Nashua, New Hampshire
I needed to find an eating disorder clinic so badly. I used to eat compulsively and had swung over completely to purging and laxatives. I felt so bad about myself, the shame and guilt was just killing me. I had been to an eating disorder clinic before, but they really did not address my mood swings, that I have since understood them to be a bipolar disorder.
Your staff kept telling me that my eating behavior was a symptom of other problems. Well even though I didn't believe them they turned out to be right. I don't use laxatives, I have even learned to exercise moderately. Thank you so much. By the way, it has been ten months since I last purged.
-- Bonnie S., Boston, Massachusetts
Well Shelly, I told you I would write when I had one year in recovery and here I am. Who would have guessed. I have so much gratitude for you taking your time and referring me to a great facility. I knew from the moment I walked in there that I was in the right place. The next time I come by it will be to visit, not as a patient. You are absolutely the greatest.
-- Venessa C., Raleigh, North Carolina
Bulimia Nervosa
Find bulimia nervosa treatment by calling our nationally recognized toll-free eating disorder helpline at 1-800-941-5313. Get the help you need to recover your health and reclaim your life. Caring professionals are standing by 24/7 to assist you and all calls are confidential.
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder involving recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by purging (eliminating the food from the body) through:
Vomiting
Diuretic abuse
Laxative abuse
Compulsive exercising
Fasting
Bulimia treatment should be sought immediately for those who binge and purge to prevent detrimental health effects.
Bulimia Nervosa Symptoms
While you can't tell by looking at someone if they have bulimia nervosa - they may be underweight, normal weight or even slightly overweight, the following bulimia symptoms and signs may indicate someone has bulimia nervosa:
Binges or eats uncontrollably
Purges by vomiting, fasting, excessive exercise, laxative or diuretic abuse
Uses the bathroom frequently after meals
Is preoccupied with body weight
Has a distorted body image
Mood swings
Avoids social situations
Heartburn
Irregular periods in women
Swollen glands in neck and face
Bloodshot eyes
Sore throat
Dental problems
Vomiting blood
Indigestion
Exhaustion
Complications Related To Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa has many serious, possibly life-threatening complications. These complications are dependent on what type of purging method has been used.
Bulimia complications include:
Cardiovascular problems. Electrolyte abnormalities or use of syrup of ipecac to induce vomiting can lead to life-threatening heart muscle disorders and irregular heart rhythms.
Low blood pressure and fainting.
Dental problems. During vomiting, stomach acid washes over teeth and gums. Repeated vomiting can cause a significant and permanent loss of dental enamel. The person may have more cavities and teeth may become chipped and/or ragged.
Mouth or throat sores caused by frequent vomiting. Bleeding may occur.
Low potassium levels. Purging can dehydrate the body and lower blood potassium levels causing weakness and irregular heart rhythms.
Digestive problems. Excessive vomiting or laxative use may irritate the walls of the esophagus and rectum. In severe cases, rupture of the esophagus may occur, leading to life-threatening bleeding. Repeated purging may also cause constipation. Abusing laxatives often leads to dependence - the person will not be able to have normal bowel movements. Gastrointestinal bleeding also may occur.
Abuse of medications and drugs. Purging may involve abuse of laxatives, diuretics, appetite suppressants and ipecac, a drug that induces vomiting. People with bulimia have higher rates of alcohol abuse and drug abuse.
To start your path towards bulimia nervosa treatment and recovery, call our nationally recognized toll-free eating disorder helpline at 1-800-941-5313. Professionals are standing by 24/7 to assist you and all calls are confidential.
