This isn't an eating disorder, but what is it?

[scared and alone]

I'm not anorexic or bulimic, but sometimes I have a problem eating. I DO eat though, but sometimes just the thought of the food makes me not be able to put it in my mouth and chew and swallow. The thing is, I LOVE to eat. Only certain foods I can tolerate and eat though. what IS that? And no, i'm not trying to lose weight or worried about it. I need to GAIN it actually. I do eat, every day, just not enough. Something happened a year ago and I lost my appetite and I never quite gained it back. And before that I could eat damn near everything in the house, in one sitting. ](*,)

[Seraphim]

What is it that happened because that is the key to why there is an issue.

[redhearts]

Do you have worms in your stomach? Ever been out of the country?

[scared and alone]

Nothing has happened, thats the thing! I dont get it! Its for NO reason! oh by something happened a year ago, nothing HAPPENED, its just all of a sudden I lost my appetite.

[Seraphim]

I would check with the dr.

[Daligal83]

Have you spoken to your doctor about this?

[redhearts]

I have the same weird thing though I went a few days without eating only like a medium fry each day because I really didn't feel like food or eating anything for that matter. I'm not trying to lose weight, actually needa gain it. So it was odd, but I ate something I hadn't in a while and there ya go=]. Back on track for a little way.

 

You should get a hold of your doctor, or a nutrionist.

[chocolatemilk]

anxiety? allergies?

[nutbrownhare]

When you say 'Something happened a year ago' - what sort of something?

 

I don't want to read too much into something which may not be the case, but your username suggests that you are maybe anxious. Some people react to stress by losing their appetite - I know I do - and maybe this is your way of coping in a situation you can't do anything about.

 

Possibly.

 

You don't really say enough about how you're feeling for me to be able to add to this.

 

Good luck!

[scared and alone]

Like I said nothing really HAPPENED, but I was just really stressed and it made me lose my appetite. And when something is stressing me out,I can NOT eat. I can't even look at food. I'm not going through that now, but that can't eat feeling is still there and i'm trying to figure out why!

[Daligal83]

You didn't answer the couple of questions about your doctor. That's the person who can figure this out better than anyone.

[scared and alone]

well, i dont have a doctor and can't afford a doctor right now, but as soon as I can, i'll go see one about this.

[Nixee]

I can really relate to this, so I definitely have sympathy. My appetite has been quite different over the past year than it used to be. I used to crave sweets as comfort, now they actually kinda turn me off. ... Truthfully, a lot of food does... quite easily. And I think a few people have the right idea here - stress... anxiety. It can play a huge role.

 

The other thing that I would ask about is medications... do you take any, or did you used to take any that you stopped? Or any vitamins/supplements? Part of my appetite change I know has been linked to a medication change. But even after I adjusted to that.... I still don't wanna eat sometimes. Or most times...

 

And of course after you go awhile eating less and less, your stomach gets used to it and you feel fuller faster, your appetite is smaller and smaller. It really does feel like a domino effect, a downward spiral sometimes.

 

If you are getting to be underweight, feeling bad or unhealthy though, definitely see a doctor and/or nutritionist to get to the bottom of things... or maybe even a therapist if it is stress/anxiety related.

 

There are ways you can force yourself to get the calories you need also that don't really feel like "eating" that sometimes work for me - juices, smoothies, snacks between meals. Anything to help.

[WindowTo]

Yea mental issues about eating can be just as damaging as the more prominent ones and be considered eating disorders all the same. For example I knew of a girl who had a fear of choking and she was in the same program as the poor souls with anorexia and bulimia. If you have a mental issue that is disrupting your nutrition and health you need to take it seriously. Gotta eat right to stay alive and healthy.

[scared and alone]

I am taking it seriously, thats why i'm posting here! lol i'm worried. But yesterday we were out to eat at sweet tomatoes and i ate more than my boyfriend lol. which is a good thing. I just wish I could figure out how to make whatever it is go away so I can eat normally again.

[CallingAllAngels]

you sound like you have anorexia to me.

 

you don't have to be "skin and bone" to have it.

 

make an appointment with your dr. or nutrioinist.

 

My best to you,

 

~Allie

[scared and alone]

well what exactly do you mean anorexia? I don't believe so... I do eat, I honestly do, every day, a few times a day. And i'm NOT trying to lose weight like I said, I actually want to GAIN at least 15 lbs. I just want to try to get my appetite back.

[CallingAllAngels]

well what exactly do you mean anorexia? I don't believe so... I do eat, I honestly do, every day, a few times a day. And i'm NOT trying to lose weight like I said, I actually want to GAIN at least 15 lbs. I just want to try to get my appetite back.

 

The fact that you are afraid to eat and you've lost your appetite.

[scared and alone]

No, i'm not AFRAID to eat, its just sometimes any food I see, I literally can not eat. I think its just because i'm so sick of the same food all the time. Maybe my whole problem is I need to expand my diet.

[Nixee]

I don't know that I would call it anorexia really, because an actual dianosis of anorexia is completely centered around body image and the desire to lose weight or stay thin.

 

If you are really honest with us and with yourself about wanting to gain weight, then no... anorexia isn't exactly correct.... though, I know it can feel like it.

 

My weight loss in the past year or so caused my own mother at a couple of times to ask me if I was starving myself or throwing up my food .... Not a very nice thing to hear mom say when the truth was I'm TRYING here... just really unable to finish a meal some days.

[nutbrownhare]

The other thing with anorexia is that you're actually really obsessed with food; you don't necessarily lose your appetite, you just don't allow yourself to eat. The obsession with food shows itself in encouraging others to eat, making meals for others (without having anything yourself), measuring the amount you do eat against what others are doing (e.g. she's eating less than me - I'll have to stop), obsessive calorie counting, lying about the amount you're eating so that well-meaning parents will stop getting on to you about it - and so on.

 

The body image is another aspect. I cannot imagine anyone with anorexia stating that they need to gain weight. Also, a diagnosis of anorexia will not be made if the person is still having periods.

[CallingAllAngels]

I wouldn't say ACTUAL ANOREXIA, just some Anorexic tendencies.

[Applewhite]

If you figure out what 'happened' can you let me in on the secret I wish I didn't have much of an appetite

[Nixee]

If you figure out what 'happened' can you let me in on the secret I wish I didn't have much of an appetite

 

People say this to me all the time heh... or roll their eyes and scoff if I complain about not wanting my food, not finishing my sandwhich, or my clothes feeling too big for me.

 

And yeah.. I can see things from the other side as well, as I've sat on that side of the fence too. Thing is.... the grass is always, always greener.

 

Unintentionally losing weight can be just as frustrating as unintentionally gaining weight when you are having a hard time getting your appetite in check.

[CallingAllAngels]

People say this to me all the time heh... or roll their eyes and scoff if I complain about not wanting my food, not finishing my sandwhich, or my clothes feeling too big for me.

 

And yeah.. I can see things from the other side as well, as I've sat on that side of the fence too. Thing is.... the grass is always, always greener.

 

Unintentionally losing weight can be just as frustrating as unintentionally gaining weight when you are having a hard time getting your appetite in check.

 

Spot on. I know this as well.