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Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention; if you think your problem could be acute, do so immediately. Even qualified doctors can't diagnose over the internet, so do bear that in mind when seeking or giving advice. If you need to talk to someone in confidence, please contact Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity.
Eating disorders
Laxative abuse
Noregrets25 · 09/01/2018 19:04
Hi I’m new to mumsnet, but I have been reading this page and seems very supportive. Iv had anorexia and bulimia for a long time. Iv finally decided to give up the laxatives, I just can’t do it anymore. Iv put on 5 pounds in one week! I’m so bloated, so uncomfortable and my stomach really hurts. I just wondered if anyone has been through this and could give me any advice and also how long till my weight steadys out? Thank you
manicinsomniac · 09/01/2018 23:44
I don't think you've gained 5lbs of fat. It should steady out over the next week. It will be fluid. Laxatives don't make you lose actual weight, I don't think. They just clear your system out (and the waste obviously weighs something) and dehydrate you. I'm not an expert because I only really use them if I want the number of the scale to be smaller for some twisted reason of my own. But I don't think it causes a genuine loss.
fluffycat5601 · 12/01/2018 18:11
wish i could help. i'm there myself. sometimes i can go ok othertimes i just get so bloated and cant go and in so much pain i eventually reach for the lax. been trying to get off them since 2014!
did you take a lot?
Noregrets25 · 13/01/2018 20:51
It’s such a vicious circle isn’t it? Yeh on an off I can take packs at a time, then stop, then freak out etc. But really trying this time, it’s such a miserable way to live, constantly checking where the nearest loo is!! I’m wondering if cutting back slowly would be better then cold turkey? Not sure what’s best.
abbsisspartacus · 13/01/2018 20:54
Try using yogi tea the detox one it helps keep your system running smoothly without using laxatives I used them for years and it's awful trying to get off them
fluffycat5601 · 14/01/2018 07:25
Yes cutting back initially can help some people you could try it but apparently cold turkey is better.
It is horrible cuz you just don't know when they're going to kick in and all the other horrible stuff that goes with it.
Noregrets25 · 14/01/2018 22:37
Where can I get the yogi tea? Somewhere like Holland and Barrett? Thanks for your advice x
abbsisspartacus · 15/01/2018 20:12
Yes it's the digestion one from Holland and Barrett xx
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