Eating Disorders Support Group

Hi Cathy,
I abuse laxatives too and have been having a difficult time getting off of them. (I really want to stop because this is bad, bad, bad for so many reasons.) I don't really take them to try and purge calories (b/c I know that doesn't work) but because I like having my stomach feel all flat and empty. I've gotten addicted to this feeling. This makes getting off of them hard, because when you stop, you tend to get all constipated and bloated. I stopped for 4 days last week and finally gave in due to bloating, severe gas pains and stomach cramps. I think the trick is finding a way to get through this yucky period so your body can get back to normal. Not sure what that is, though.

I would love to hear about successful "quitting" stories as well, and would also like to know what to expect. How long does it take to poop normally? (Here we go, talking about poop again :))
And sorry, but they talk about temporary weight gain as a side effect - how much exactly are we talking about here? Knowing what to expect would help.

And no one has been helping me on this, btw, or even tracking it. My treatment team just says to stop taking them.

Ali

I do know some fruits like prunes help regulate you and also you could try eating yogurt. You could use these until your body regulates its self... Even before I used laxatives I used these when I was constipated.
I used laxatives for only one pack and then I got scared of it hurting me because I took too many and it made me very sick for a couple days... So I have never been "addicted" I guess but every time I go to the store I think about getting them..

OK, I can weigh in here at least with my experience. I was addicted to laxatives for a couple of years. I wasn't taking 70 at a time or anything, but I constantly relied on stimulants, mineral oil, Epsom salts, whatever it took. I had to attempt like 5 different times before I actually completely stopped. I spoke to my dietitian about it, and she tried to tell me about foods that would build fiber, but not bloat too much like sesame seeds, fruits, beans, etc. but to avoid the bulky bran cereals, like Fiber One.

What I had to finally do- and I know no one likes to hear this- but really was to just STOP. Like, stop and don't give in. I did take Miralax, which is safe in its recommended doses. Other than that, TONS of water. It sucked for awhile, and yes, you will bloat and gain TEMPORARY WATER weight. But it does go away, and when it does you feel SO much better. I wore huge sweatshirts during this "detox" time to help me feel more comfortable.

My bowels are still not normal because I still under eat and am still very under weight. But... I am NOT addicted to unsafe laxatives anymore. Occasionally if I am too backed up I will still take Miralax, but nothing else.

You guys, I can honestly say it so SO worth the wait and weight. You just have to suck it up through the bloat, but your body will thank you later. The longer you wait, the harder it will be. Good luck!

Hi Cathy,
I'm a new member here. I'm a recovering anorexic. I want to HUG you for asking for help.... I have received the best care - emotionally & physically from my nutritionist. The best thing that keeps me comfortable - cuz I eat, than don't eat which screws up my digestion - is having 1 1/2 cups of stoneyfield yogurt w/granola in it. This I learned by my nutritionist....... Good Luck and keep trying..... "Moment by Moment"

I too was once a laxative junkie. I agree with people who suggested talking to a nutritionist. I talked to mine about my continued irregularity, she suggested activia yogurt. I have not used laxatives since july and before that it had been a few years, but that little set back was enough to throw my system into shock. I also was prescribed miralax at one time which is safe and does not bulk you up or make you feel bloated.
But like one poster already said the only real way to stop, is just stop, cold turkey and suffer through the side effects. I know it sucks but yes it can be done. Good luck to you.

I'm glad to hear that Miralax is safe. Does it work? I also found this article on laxative withdrawal if anyone is interested.

http://www.bulimia.com/client/clie...

I saw the dietitian today and she said to just stop them. She said that because I'm not eating it won't cause any side effects like bloating. She was more concerned about the anorexia than anything. Thanks for all your suggestions.

So.....we're supposed to stop eating when we stop taking laxatives? That doesn't sound good. Good luck, though - kick those nasty little pills and let us know how it goes. Post a support goal if you need one. :)

I think I may need some help quitting. I don't think I can just suck up the side effects and ride it out w/o some kind of monitoring. :( I'll have to talk to my doc about it.

Yeah, I would talk to your doc about it. Everybody is different. Good luck.

Congrats keeping your visit with your nutritionist. I'm glad she's more worried about you not eating, you can work on some other techniques to help with all the side effects once you start eating again. Check out a local health food store, most people thaat work in them are pretty cool, and I got some great ideas from them..you sound very strong and determined, so go give ED a run for his money.
Nubin