The Truth about Bloating in Recovery

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Alright, truth time.

There’s an elephant in the room, and it has to do with refeeding in recovery. And that, my friends, is bloating.

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This is an uncomfortable topic to talk about, because it has to do with body image. During recovery, we’re working on accepting our new body and learning to love it. We’re overcoming body dysmorphia, and #realtalk: we’re working on weight restoration.

Frankly, bloating makes progress in those departments rather difficult.

My biggest fear during weight restoration was that I was going to wake up one morning and just be massive. I was afraid that my body would just balloon out of control. There was so much anxiety about that allusive “weight range.”  I journaled about it a lot:

I am nervous and weary of how my body will be at the end of my stay [at inpatient]. I am scared that if it changes to a point beyond where I am comfortable, that when I get home I will be depressed and unhappy. Lord, please give me the strength, courage and endurance to get through today. I know You will protect me from anything that scares me.

So let’s have some #realtalk about bloating. Spoiler alert: it happens in recovery.

During your eating disorder, you’ve been in a state of starvation. Your body has been feeding off of its own muscles. That’s why you become skeletal: because your muscles are literally deteriorating in order to keep you alive. But here’s what we so often forget: your organs are muscles too. So they deteriorate and shut down too — all in an effort to keep you alive. That’s why your menstrual cycle stops – because your reproductive organs have failed. You’re cold all the time because your circulatory system is shutting down. You can’t sleep because the adrenal and hormonal levels are off, because they’re shutting down. Your digestive system and metabolism as slowed to a halt. Your organs are literally wasting away, day by day, to keep you alive. And that’s why girls die from anorexia: because your heart is a muscle too, and it shuts down. Let that sink in: 1 in 10 people die from eating disorders. It’s nothing to joke about.

But what does all this have to do with bloating?

Well, since your body has been in a state of starvation during your eating disorder, it doesn’t trust you to nourish it. So, when you finally do begin to feed it again, it still thinks you’re going to deprive it in the future. So it holds onto the nutrients. Just think of a cave man, or a prehistoric animal: they would stock up when they could, because they never knew when a famine would hit, or they’d have to hibernate for the winter. That’s what your body is doing. It just thinks that it’s a temporary “feast” period, and that it should hold on to all those nutrients because you’re heading into another famine.

So in an act of self-preservation, your body insulates the most vital organs first, again, in an effort to keep you alive. And where, might you ask, are those vital organs? Around the trunk of your body: your heart, your lungs, your liver, etc. So it initially stores the nutrients around your midsection.

Before you start panicking, “Oh goodness, it’s true. My worst fear is actually a reality. I’m going to get fat!”

PAUSE. Breathe.

NO. YOU’RE. NOT.

After a few weeks of getting consistent calories and adequate rest and restoration, your body will begin to trust you again to nourish it. Then, it will redistribute evenly. You will fill out beautifully, and in all the right places. I promise. 🙂

But here’s the kicker: In order to “beat the bloat,” you have to keep eating. You have to keep nourishing your body with adequate nutrients and sufficient calories consistently, or you body will stay in that starvation mode, and hold on to every nutrient that you consume.

This is very hard for a lot of girls in recovery, and is the moment where the “rubber meets the road,” and your recovery is tested. Your perseverance and will to fight are tested. Will you keep going or will you fall back into old ED habits because of poor body image? Will you continue to banish ED to the fires of hell, or will you let him creep into your mind because you are scared of a temporary bloating phase?

This is where the true warriors rise to the top.

This is where you become gold, refined by fire.

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Finally, I’ll leave you with a few tips that I found helpful dealing with my bloating during recovery.

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing. This really goes without saying, but tight clothing is very triggering in recovery. Stick with clothes that give you room to breathe. Yoga pants, hoodies, t-shirts. The stretchier the better.
  • Avoid the mirrors. Again, this is something that is intuitive, but scrutinizing your body in the mirror is not going to make the process any easier. In fact, just the opposite. Your body is blooming into the woman you’re meant to be. Trust the process. Learn to love yourself.
  • Take a gentle walk. This can be tricky, as a lot of women and girls abuse exercise as a way to purge calories, but I’m not talking about a power walk here. I’m talking about a gentle stroll — Something that will help to take your mind off of a bloated and triggering tummy. Talk a walk in your backyard and take pictures of flowers. Take a stroll through the park and look up the different plants on your phone as you mosey along. Be outside. Surround yourself in the beauty that God created. Remember that you’re also His creation, and are covered in His fingerprints:)
  • Drink water! Another aspect of bloating is that your body is holding onto excess water, otherwise known as edema. It’s counterintuitive, but the more water you drink, the less your body will hold on to.
  • Be with supportive people. It is so important to surround yourself with supportive people. In your recovery, you need people by your side who lift you up and support you in your recovery, not bring you down. 
  • Dwell on the Truth. Lastly and most importantly, keep your mind focused on the Truth. Otherwise, ED will find a way back into your head, and this time he’ll bring 7 friends with him. So remain centered on the Truth. These were some thoughts I found to be helpful in recovery.

Hang in there, sweet girl. Bloating comes with the territory, and is only temporary. You’re doing the right thing: you’re sticking with recovery, nourishing your body, and learning to love yourself. The bloating will pass. Keep doing the right thing. One day at a time. One meal at a time.

I believe in you.

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649 thoughts on “The Truth about Bloating in Recovery”

  5. As a paramedic, your posts help me to understand what is happening within the body. Better yet, it also helps me to know what to say and what not to say when I encounter someone with an ED. Keep up the good word.

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  6. Great post – another tip might be “avoid fitspro posts and magazines” so you’re not being bombarded with unrealistic images of what the female body ‘should’ look like.

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  7. So beautifully written! Although I do not share in this condition, through your writing I can relate. Thank you for sharing. May God bless you, and may you feel His presence throughout your recovery. Have faith!

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  8. Thank you so much for your kind and relieving words! ♥ I’ve been abroad for a month during September to join an intensive recovery program, where I ate around 2200 kcals a day. Until just before I left I had a low and unhealthy intake, but still I didn’t gain a lot of weight (only one kilo in the entire month!) and I didn’t get too bloated though I always encounter (extreme) bloating when I start to eat more. But since last week (I’ve been home for twoo weeks now) my belly looks like it will explode; I’m constantly bloated from the moment I wake up until I go to sleep. I gained more weight since my return than during the entire month. I eat around 1800 kcals a day now but very healthy. This bloating makes me want to throw in the towel because I look twice my size now and I’m afraid to leave the house. How was this not happening last month when I actally ate more? Is this normal or did I get intolerant for certain foods? I’m sorry for al this nagging but I’m so desperate… 😦 Again, thank you so much for your uplifting words and love, it helps a lot!!

    Hugs from the Netherlands!

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by. Good for you for adopting recovery and going to an intensive program. That’s amazing! Bloating is a tough aspect of recovery. I’m sorry you’re experiencing this. But the important thing is to just keep nourishing your body and eating through it to “beat the bloat.” I think I would say to make sure you’re getting at least 2000 a day, and if that’s difficult from a volume standpoint, try more calorically dense food – nut butters, avocado, dairy. I know it’s hard when you’re bloated to want to keep eating, but it’s the consistent Intake of nutrition that will get you through it. I hope that helps. Keep fighting, warrior. I believe in you xx

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      1. Beautifully written and very informative. Thank you for speaking out on this topic. I love your blog. I recently started my own and would love to collaborate sometime and maybe even learn some more about your blog. 🙂

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  11. EXCELLENT article on the re-feeding process! I only touched briefly on this issue in “Redeemed from the Pit”, but it’s important and you did a superb job of explaining it medically AND how to renew one’s mind from the fear and anxiety a recovering anorexic or bulimic goes through. Mind if I re-post with a link?

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  15. Great read, I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this. I’ve often struggled with my weight thankfully I had supportive people around me helping me to accept my body. Keep up the great job and I’ll say an extra prayer for you. God Bless….

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  17. Reblogged this on Prism Integrative Acupuncture and commented:
    A great article about recovering from eating disorders.
    Acupuncture can help get your digestion and other systems back on track again during recovery! Acupuncture helps to return your menstrual cycle, reduce bloating and edema, and restore muscle strength and organ function.

    Like

  19. Great post! I think it’s so awesome that you are sharing your experience with others. Thanks for following my blog. Although we are recovering from different diseases, I can relate to what you wrote. 🙂

    Like

  23. This is a very useful article on bloating, something I recently experienced and also had to overcome. My situation is a bit different but the bloating prevented me from eating enough and now that I am ok with the felt sense of a bloating stomach and understanding that my body needs the nourishment, all the anxiety about it has evaporated and I have more energy. I hope lots of people read this blog. Anna

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    1. Hi love. Thank you for your question. Well, first I think you should talk to your doctor. Losing your period is one of the signs that the body is not receiving adequate nutrition and the hormone levels are off. Exercise plays a factor in this as well. I would just say to make sure you’re meeting your calorie needs sufficiently and being gentle with your body. But definitely talk to your doctor. Fertility is not something to mess around with:) thank you for reading and for asking this question! Sending lots of love and hugs. Stay strong, warrior xx

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      1. The truth is I’m currently dealing with bulimia. I talked to a doctor, but he recommended me to take hormone pills and I didn’t. I’m scared of gaining weight and I don’t know. I just want my period back…

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      2. I know, it can definitely be scary. But not all hormone pills cause you to gain weight. I’d talk to your doctor about your trepidations about that side effect and see if he has a particular pill or patch that doesn’t have that side effect. Hang in there love. You are strong. You are worth a life free from the bondage of bulimia. Love you Xoxox

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  30. It’s so amazing what God has programmed into our body system. Your post allows one to appreciate HIM the more. I thank God who has given you the knowledge to do this great job. I’ve learned a lot. I want to thank you for liking my post, “It’s Christmas”. More grace to your elbows!

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  32. You liked my post today and I decided to check out your blog. I’ve been praying about how to deal with my 10-year battle with what I’ve finally decided was an eating disorder. Due to lots of health issues and huge amounts of water retention, I never have appeared super skinny/underweight. In fact, just the opposite. I’ve always been over my weight range even when I lived on less than 800 calories a day for years. Still, the struggles are there. Thanks. I needed this today.

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    1. Hi friend, Thank you for this reflection. It definitely takes a lot of courage to really confront ourselves. I want to encourage you that there is freedom out there to be found. The body is a well oiled machine and needs adequate fuel to flourish. Eating issues are definitely hard, but the freedom of recovery is truly glorious. Feel free to email me if you want! But know that I am rooting for you. It is amazing how much food the body can process when it trusts itself to nourish it properly. Sending love and prayers your way❤️ thanks for stopping by xx

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  33. So thankful for this! Yeah, I’m a guy, 32 years old, and has had an eating disorder as a result of a (too) successful weight loss from a low calorie diet in early 2014. I’m on a constant calorie deficit. 1500 calories and I work full time as a landscaper. My pulse clock showed that I burned over 4000 on a work day. My issused with bloating began when I reached 6.5% body fat. The bloating would come and go, but since November last year it has been constantly bloated. One problem that I’ve had ever since I started, was if I ate a normal size dinner portion, I would get bloated and constipated

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    1. Hi Mats, thank you for sharing this. I’m sorry that this common link connects us. Yes, bloating is definitely a bane of existence in recovery, but eventually, it will pass with constant, adequate nourishment. Wishing you all the best on your recovery journey. You got this☺️ thanks for stopping by!

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  34. “Since your body has been in a state of starvation during your eating disorder, it doesn’t trust you to nourish it”. I think that is true of those of us who struggle with anything – from joy to happiness to self-confidence. When one gets used to living in poverty of spirit, it can feel quite unnatural to have joy be our regular rhythm. I know for me, I have to “feed” myself constantly. The goal is – when in the future I have an off day – it’s because I am missing the constance of joy and not the other way around. I will pray be praying for you as you journey toward nurturing yourself spiritually, mentally and PHYSICALLY. You are worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. Oh thank you so much Andrea! What a beautiful perspective! I’ve never bought of that before. How incredible. You’re so right. Thank you so much for the prayers. They mean so much. You will definitely be in my heart and prayers as well:) thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love to you friend!

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  35. This post was very helpful but very hard for me to read because I’ve been in recovery for a little over a year now eating completely unrestricted and the bloat and constipation is just as bad as day one. So to read that for most people it only lasts a few weeks is extremely discouraging 😦

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  37. Wow as someone who has suffered with an Ed, thank you for opening up and sharing your story. Thank you for your tips and tricks. You’re a beautiful person. I love reading about your faith.

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  38. Thanks for sharing your experience with others. Lots of food for thought. No doubt that one must start at the source of the problem. And that is your inner Self. And as long as you are feeding yourself, the proper nutrition/thoughts, it will begin to show on the outside as well. Unfortunately we must reflect on the innermost mirror, in order to change the image in the mirror on the wall. And you are doing a great job, keep up the good work.

    Love your dedication, firstly to yourself, and the sharing of the experience with others. Giving strength to the weary, restoration to the broken hearted. Returning to the former glory. It’s as a cup of cold water, too ease the flame within. And a cool breeze from the blazing heat of the Noon Day Sun.

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  47. What an amazing and honest read! It takes a lot for most people to get to place where they can love their bodies again and feel comfortable in their own skin. I hope they read your blog and get comfort in that fact that it is possible.

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  48. Spot on truth! It’s also a great reminder of some scary statistics for those of us further along in recovery. My digestive system is still prone to days where it simply doesn’t want to work. reason #104 to keep up with recovery. Thank you!

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  49. You write a lot of sense, and that will carry you through anything. You’re not just sitting back feeling sorry for yourself — you’re finding out WHY and HOW, and that puts you back in control.

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  50. Marvelous post, I’m dealing with a colestomy bag over the next 6 months until another abdominal surgery puts my intestines back together and the issue of body image is massive. My family who loves me find it difficult to help with my care because looking at my stoma is gross. And I have the hardest time myself. My body looks mutilated and there’s an overwhelming urge to withdraw frim the world and wallow in self pity. I know I shouldn’t and I’m working at not doing this but it ain’t easy. Your post really helps with its positive attitude towards this period in your life

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    1. Hey friend, thank you so much for sharing this. I’m sorry you’re going through that–I will definitely keep you in my prayers for quick healing. So glad you stopped by. Sending you big big hugs.

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