Eating Disorders

Question: Dear Luise: I’m 5’’9”, large-boned and weighed 195 until recently. Then I put on 25 pounds. When I went in for my physical, my doctor insisted that I have an eating disorder that needs treatment. He wants to refer me to a specialist. I think that’s nuts. Yes, I need to get back in line, lose the 25 pounds and get back into shape, too. But I sure don’t feel like this is a mental illness. I’d like to know what you think. Thanks, Shandra

Answer: Dear Shandra: I think what you think is the most important thing to consider. If nothing else your doctor seems to have made you mad. Use that to come up with a plan that makes sense to you. Call it what you want. Fat?

I’m 5’2” and I got up to 203 pounds. My doc never said a word. However, my mirror did! I didn’t go to a specialist but I found a program that was put together by one.

I feel this is one of those things that we all need to handle personally. What works for my friend, which is a weight loss group, isn’t my thing. Some people just ignore it, see it a “normal”…buy bigger clothes and leave it at that but there are a lot of roads that can lead you back to health.

Read up on it, talk to friends, ask yourself what you want and need. For me, I most wanted to feel energetic again. It got up to a size 22 and I have to admit that I like 6 petite a lot better. However, the health thing was number one for me. My husband thinks I look like million no matter what, but he’s really proud of my “doggedness”. That’s a plus, having a cheerleader.

My answer was in Laurel Melin’s Solution or Pathway program. It goes by both names. I heard about it on Oprah and found it on the web. Then I joined a Solution group in Seattle and plowed my way through five workbooks and endless calls. It took me several years and a lot of hard work. For me, it definitely was psychological but I don’t know if that’s always true.

I know people who have just made up their minds and done it. I needed help.

It’s wonderful that you asked the question. That usually indicates an open mind but sometimes it only means you are looking for agreement. Whatever your motive, face the tiger if you can. Who wants bad knees, a bad back, diabetes, and fatigue…to just name a few. Blessings, Luise

About Luise Volta

Luise’s long life has brought her to being the great grandmother of four teenagers. Born in 1927, the miles in between her teens and theirs have been full of falling and getting up, learning and growing and then falling and getting up again. A normal, though not simple, process. She has had diverse careers in nursing, teaching preschool, interior design, Real Estate sales, insurance adjusting and dairy herd testing. She’s lived in the Mid-west, South and West Coast. Luise is married to the love of her life, Val, born in 1911. Their little terrier, “Rosa,” makes most of the major decisions at their house, (or thinks she does).
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