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”

  2. Thank you SO much, I needed to hear this. I started recovery as an UP for about a week ago, and I blost like crazy. I have been FREAKING OUT and hating my body more than I ever did, but it us such a relief to hear that it is only temporarily and will go away. Thanks for making me feel better and not trigger a relapse. 🙂

    Like

  3. So this marks the first time you include pictures of yourself in the posts. I like that. While your recent posts include that, anyone going through this part of the journey will be able to put a face to the voice as well. Not that’s it difficult, but you do have a kind smile that shines in a genuine fashion to show display the love of Jesus. 🙂

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    1. aw, thank you Derek. Yeah, perhaps I should share one earlier. Honestly, I didn’t really think people would read it, so I haven’t gone back and jazzed them up with pictures, but perhaps I should take a second look at doing that. 🙂 I was also thinking about putting these all together in a book. I’d love to know if you think that’d be worthwhile. 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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      1. Would this be something separate from your current book? Would it include more personal accounts of what you defeated? History is written by the victor, and the enemy needs to be seen. Or do you mean the pictures? I don’t think any one would mind seeing pictures of you placed in a book either haha

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      2. Bottom line: I think any book written from a place to help people from a personal place is always worthwhile. I love a good story. Stories are my niche, despite my proficiency being fiction/fantasy. I love a good personal story, so I would love to read a autobiography once you feel like you could engage in one. I don’t want you to revisit moments that would cause a triggering effect, but I also think people need to see darkness to realize how bright your light really is. Food for thought.

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  4. As a recovering Bulimic, I struggled with bloating for many years. I had used booze to self medicate (drink my dinner so I wouldn’t have to binge/purge) and it was just an awful situation. I finally managed to get the bloating under control once I stopped binge drinking but binge eating/drinking go hand and hand (at least for me) thank you for sharing. I love your blog.

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  5. Good work you are doing. Our culture has put forth a false image of how someone is “suppose to look”. When you buy into this myth it can lead to eating disorders. Keep up the good work.

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  6. Love this, will pass on to clients struggling with similar issues. I am constantly battling with how to best support clients with Eating Disorders and I do believe that support from those who are battling and doing well is key as well as correct treatment at the start of the process of course. Would you consider allowing me to add you as a guest blogger to my Eating Disorder awareness site here in Cape Town?

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  7. Thank you so much for this. I’ve recently been experiencing the bloating after having begun to eat healthy amounts of food for recovery and it’s been giving me a bit of anxiety. I decided to look into it a bit and was lucky enough to end up here ❤

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  10. Very good advise for those who are struggling. Thank you for reading my blog and hope you will continue to do so.
    Blessings from Nancy at Boyer Writes

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  11. Great article. I suffered from anorexia in my early 30’s. Wish you had been around then, though with the support; of a wonderful doctor and friends I was able to get back on track fairly quickly. Bless you and others who have struggled with any stress-related illness.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m sorry that our pasts connect us, but I’m so glad that you’re doing well! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  13. Thank you so much for this post!
    But I still have a question, how long is it going to take for the bloating to go away? Because I started recovering 5 months ago and I still get bloated, of course not as much as when I first started, am I doing something wrong? ❤

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    1. Hi Lucia, thank you for your question. Yeah, it can definitely take a while. It did for me. For me, I would bloat when I still wasn’t eating enough. This is definitely the hardest part of the recovery process. hang in there warrior. You’ve got this. Hugs and love xox

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  15. So glad I found this post! Will share it with someone I know who is struggling with ED. Thank you for all the clarity on a difficult subject!

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  17. This illuminated an astonishing amount of the nitty-gritty medical details about anorexia and recovery for me; a real eye-opener. You describe it so clearly and thoroughly and compassionately, and though I’ve never struggled with it myself, I know those who have. I feel much better equipped to encourage people on this journey now. Thank you. ❤

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    1. Thank you. Gosh you’re on a reading roll! But seriously, I’m so glad this she’s some light on this very misunderstood disease! Thank you for reading and caring and seeking to understand 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  20. I love your strength
    My monster is Hemeplegic Migraines Disease (HM)
    Specifically – Familia Hemeplegic Migraines – female dominate
    (FHM)
    It is a genetic glitch in several genetic points
    I have it (58yo) my daughter (38yo) and her daughter – my grand daughter (18yo)
    I am adopted with no family medical history so we can look forward but not back
    I have a couple of posts on it on my blog
    There is no magic pill – they aren’t just headaches – one of my biggest triggers is low weather fronts Big Help there
    I agree with your comments on Richard Simmons – the number of lives he touches – go on into today and tomorrow
    This left over hippie needs some help coping with a body that still goes forward – just not as easy anymore

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    1. Gosh thank you so much Dori. I appreciate you sharing your story. I’m so sorry that you’ve had to deal with that. I will definitely keep you and your family in my prayers. Sending so much love and hugs xox

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m with ya – prayer is a staple of recovery! Big hugs to you xox

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  24. Hey Girl, I have always heard from my Mom since my childhood that starving makes you even fatter, though I always believed every single word of her, now I know why is that so. Good that now I have a written article to share with my friends who are starving to loose weight.
    Keep writing & keep sharing the knowledge! All the best!

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  25. So touched by your truth and transparency! My oldest daughter was anorexic. I wish I would have seen something like this back then. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I’ve gone through weight loss surgery. I so appreciate when people are open about their truth and reality and let God use that to encourage others!

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  26. Hi, (Sorry I do not know your name)
    Thanks for sharing with everyone on your journey and struggles. I have been reading a lot of documentation about it, but could not conclude/relate that the problem definitely relates with it. Kept somewhat thinking that it should be other reasons.

    Not that I suggesting that the information is incorrect, but I just could not link them together.

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  27. Beautifully put! Thanks for stopping by my blog today. I was surprised to find this post. Someone who’s been where I’ve been! I remember the bloat. There’s one picture of me walking on the beach next to my dad. The bloat is very evident in it. I gained about 50 pounds in six months once I started eating again. Everything evened out eventually but it’s crazy to think what I used to do to myself. It’s been ten years now and I’m just now starting to trust myself to exercise safely.

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  28. Hello! I just entered the refeeding stage about a week ago and it’s been rough (both mentally and physically). I’m doing inpatient at a hospital so I’ve been working with a nutritionist for meal planning and all that stuff. I’ve been bloated for the majority of the time and this article really made me feel better. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU SO MUCH! I do want to ask, about how many weeks do you believe it’ll take for the bloating to go away?

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    1. Hang in there Samantha. You’re a rock star and I’m cheering for you. The bloating will subside. (Prob around 2-3 weeks, everyone is different.) You’re reclaiming your life and that is something to celebrate!!

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    1. Thanks Nicole. It’s different for everyone, but it will with continued and adequate nutrition. 🙂 hang in there. I believe in you!! Hugs and love xox

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  35. Hello!!! I’m eating a normal amounts of food about 2 years, but I’m always bloating, after I eat breakfast my belly is a ballon, I still to control my weight is true but after 2 years of eating normal I can’t undestand if I’m always bloated because my anorexia “past” or can be another reason.
    Kiss

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    1. Hi Diana, thank you for your question – I definitely dealt with this for a while, and for me, it turned out that I actually wasn’t eating enough! it is absolutely so counter-intuitive — it’s like, I’m bloated, why would I eat more?! — But that’s precisely what helped – the consistent, adequate nutrition and it worked itself out. Keep nourishing your body. I know how frustrating it is. But you’re doing the absolute right thing for yourself, and I hope you can hear me cheering for you as you embrace recovery!!! sending the biggest hug. Hang in there. xoxo

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  36. Such helpful and marvelous information about bloating, Actually it is a result of eating at late night when we can’t control or avoid late night eating habit it disturbs our digestive system and it is a basic cause of many health issues and stomach problem such as bloating, belly fat(bloated belly) and many other various problems to find out more visit us and let us know about how helpful it is for you and your family,So do share as well.

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  40. Although I just see this article 4 years later, I would like to share a bit of help to anyone with eating or body-image issues:

    medical:
    In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), bloating is a sign of a lack of spleen-energy which together with the stomach is responsible for transforming food.
    The problem with dieting in order to look slim is that most deprive themselves of vital energy and slow down their metabolism so they create a catch 22 situation in which they only can loose more, if they deprive themselves further.
    The solution there is not to cut out everything, but only the crap like sugar for example, but meanwhile keep the center energy strong.

    spiritual:
    A strong center is not only beneficial for digestion, but for being centred, so bloating on a mental level is equivalent to worrying – another factor which is crucial in ones self-image:
    There is much to much concern about the perception others have about us and a strong center brings us back to our middle (medium in latin), so the best MEDIcine is being in ones own center. The best way to accomplish that is to MEDItate regularly.

    religious:
    And since this is a religious blog, I want to add that there often is a misunderstanding that being faithful and humble would ensure the bliss of the lord; but that thinking actually can draw one away from oneself into a state of sacrificing ones own destiny for the sake of imposed ethics.
    A much more constructive approach is to drop the authoritative image of god and replace it with the divine within which flows through each of your cells. This way very religious people as well as agnostics can benefit from it.
    The deeper one travels inside the more of god is revealed and this then explains miraculous healings such as the catholic Bruno Gröning was able to perform.
    (there are 3 parts about “the phenomenon bruno groening” on youtube)

    Not only miracles are possible when aligning ones center with the divine,
    but also a long forgotten self-love arises which renders all external dissatisfactions irrelevant.
    “Love your neighbour as yourSELF” ❤

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  42. I am always so touched by your sharing of yourself, and your insecurities. Your passion to love others and to share hope that you have found in the Lord Jesus Christ, and the tools you have in your recovery are so needed. I know as a recovering alcoholic that it is important to remember where you have come from, in order to keep moving forward. Many Christians fail to remember that they were living a life controlled by the shame of their past sins, locked in a losing struggle against their own isms. It is our remembrance of what the Lord has delivered us from that keeps us looking to him for our hope in salvation. Thanks for caring enough to share yourself. You have a beautiful and lovely heart in Christ.

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    1. Gosh thank you for this beautiful encouragement. It really means a lot 🙂 and you’re so spot on – it is vitally important to remember where you come from to keep moving forwards – I love how you put that. So glad you stopped by , and I really appreciate you sharing your story. Hugs and love xox

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  44. You really had nothing to worry about as you look amazing today. Looking over the comments it is apparent your blogs are appreciated and needed. Keep up the good work. It’s a needed ministry.

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  45. Hi I was wondering. with eating disorder recovery, has anyone experienced the swelling of one whole leg? like one leg feeling bigger than the other?

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    1. Hi friend, thank you for your question. I have personally dealt with swelling of the ankles due to edema – which I know can effect the legs. But I have not experience just one leg. But yes – this is fluid retention – and it’s important to consult your doctor to ensure your vitals are healthy. Cheering for you and your recovery! Hugs and love xox

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  50. My stomach is still protruding and I’ve be out of treatment for almost 2 years now… I’m really frustrated that it hasn’t gone down and don’t know what to do.

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    1. Hi April, thank you for sharing your journey, i am so sorry that you’re going through that. I am not a doctor, so all I can offer is my own personal experience. BUT – i will say that I was afraid of fat for a long time, and as a result ate a nearly no fat, vegan diet. And this resulted in having to consume a lot of raw veggies and fruit, and due to the sheer volume i had to eat, i too had a protruding stomach. It wasn’t until i introduced “higher calorically dense” foods into my diet — things like avocado, nut butters, eggs, fish, OIL!!!! (Oh my gosh oil is the elixir of life!) But when i introduced those into my diet — while continuing to eat THREE meals a day, meeting my nutritional needs, only then did my bloating subside. Additionally, there were other periods of my recovery where i was only eating one huge meal, or still staying at a calorically deficient standard and then bingeing every couple days…and THAT really REALLY negatively effected my bloating…because my body didn’t trust me. I’m not saying that either of those scenarios are you!!! (just btw 🙂 ) I’m just sharing my experience. I’m sorry that you’re having to deal with that. this is where the rubber meets the road in recovery. My first suggestion – other than seeing your doctor — would be to increase your fat intake. I would say that now, 70% of my diet is from fat…which sounds like a lot, but it has made ALL the difference! 🙂 hang in there April!!! Hugs and love xox

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