Dr. Gregory L. Jantz Answers Your Questions

Executive Director The Center for Counseling & Health Resources, Inc. A Place of Hope

1. Do I have to get fat to get well?
   
   I cannot say this strongly enough - I've never made anybody fat as a part of their recovery and healing. Obesity is just a different extreme of the eating disorder. We work to bring people to an efficient, appropriate weight, and what is healthy is different for everybody. We work to reject the cookie-cutter image of the perfect weight projected through our body conscious culture.
   
   Unfortunately, the society we live in puts an inappropriate value on thinness. Thin people are seen as successful, attractive, competent, in control, productive, and happy. Fat people, on the other hand, are depicted as lazy, ugly, nonproductive, stupid, and lacking in motivation. Neither of these stereotypes has any basis in truth. You must reject the false truth of society, and accept your own worth, based on who you are as a person and not on what your body looks like. You'll find you must work to free yourself, not only from your faulty view of yourself, but also from the false perceptions of society. As you do so, your weight will change. Some will gain weight and some will lose weight. For the anorexic, weight gain, if any, is slow and gradual and usually one of the last aspects of therapy, because the fear is so great.
   
   This is a very common concern. If you're feeling this way, it's normal. Please don't worry - you will not become fat.
   
   
2. I've been out of control with an eating disorder for over seven years. I know I'm bulimic. I've felt such despair. I want to know, can I ever really be happy?
   
   Yes, and the reason why I know you can be happy is, I've seen it happen for countless others. I've worked with people who have been bulimic for over thirty years and I have watched them walk in freedom. (Cynthia French, in "Humanville" writes about her inspiring story of personal happiness and freedom from bulimia).
   
   Personal happiness can be achieved at any point. We can make a decision that "I am going to live in recovery and the eating disorder is no longer going to rob me of my personal happiness." This is a cognitive decision and that helps you make the commitment to live differently, despite how you feel. This commitment involves doing everything it takes in order to live a life of wholeness, even though you may not always understand immediately what that means.
   
   This decision requires great faith and it requires assistance from other people, including whenever possible an eating disorder specialist. There are some wonderful organizations available to support a walk of recovery from an eating disorder. The International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals is an excellent resource and referral agency. They offer certification in the treatment of eating disorders and can provide information on affiliated professionals. (www.iaedp.com) In addition, the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders - ANAD - provides information and referrals for those with eating disorders. (www.anad.org)
   
   
3. I'm a recovering anorexic. I have lots of trouble with constipation and bloating. Every time I eat, I bloat up and feel horrible so I would rather not eat! Is there anything I can do to become more comfortable with the food in my system?
   
   Yes! Some of the greatest recent advances in the area of treatment for eating disorders are in the area of integrating nutrition into recovery. (The other is an increased recognition of the power of God's grace in healing from an eating disorder!)
   
   In order to rebalance your digestive system and move food through without negative symptoms, we utilize our Phase IV formula, with the natural fiber, psyllium. Getting a good source of fiber is important. As your system becomes more regular, you will experience reduced physical discomfort after eating. Digestive enzymes will also help food digest more effectively, relieving stomach distress. In addition, Ultra Meal, with its nutritional and fiber support, also assists in returning healthy digestive function. Taken together, these formulas allow your body to return to normal functioning, reducing periods of constipation and intestinal bloating.
   
   As you are working toward healing, there will be times of discomfort. That is normal. But each day you commit to giving your body what it needs, you will experience relief from these more severe symptoms. It takes time and patience to allow your body to readjust to healthy functioning.
   
   It's important for you to have a nutritionist or a nutritionally oriented physician working with you during recovery. If you are suffering from this degree of constipation or bloating, and you are not under the care of a trained professional, please contact us at The Center. Allow us to assist you in mitigating these effects with our proven and effective formulas. We ask that you commit to using these nutritional formulas for a minimum of thirty days. When you do, you will see positive change!
   
   Products available through The Center, Inc. Resource Website or through our toll-free number, 1-888-771-5166.
   
   
4. I've been anorexic for years. I want to have an accurate perception of how I look when I gain weight, but I always see myself as too fat.
   
   Gaining an accurate picture of what you really look like is important, but it's not the focus of your recovery. Your focus should be on discovering why you see something that isn't there.
   
   Allow yourself the possibility of gaining weight. Understand why you feel this need to be thin. Begin looking at who you are instead of concentrating so hard on how you look.
   
   Liking who you are on the inside can help you to be more comfortable with–and more realistic–about how you look on the outside. The two go hand in hand.
   
   
5. I've been bulimic for years and I've started counseling. I've read your book on healing the scars of emotional abuse. Is it possible I was victim of sexual abuse and am just now recalling it?
   
   Yes, it is possible. Over the years I've found that those things that you need to know in order to have healing and recovery will come naturally. You don't need to force, you don't have to make up, and you don't have to have any ideas implanted. But those things that happened to you, that you need to know, God will allow you to recall through the course of your recovery. And there will be healing. And there will be recovery. Please, don't think you must focus on unearthing abuse. You don't need to search for hidden abuse, and you don't need to search always for "why, why, why." The answers to these questions are not your destination, yet the search for them can become obsessive. What you can understand is that many times there have been traumatic events, or events that happened in your childhood that produced traumatic results. Your perspective of these events can be the root of your eating disorder. It is not necessary to catalog each one in order to heal. Recovery is not about hunting down each one. It is not about remaining stuck in blame. It's not arguing about what happened. It's not debating about memories. Recovery is about moving beyond the behavior, whether you are able to dissect each reason for the behavior or not.
   
   One of the greatest steps to recovery is recognizing, for reasons you understand, or for reasons you may not, you developed an eating disorder as a way to cope with pain in your life. Starting today, you must decide to forgive the past and move on because you desire your life to be whole again.
   
   Just as you do not want to go furiously attempting to dredge up memories during therapy, don't be surprised when memories come. These memories can be quite startling, not only in their vividness, but also in their suddenness. Their "out of the blue" nature might cause you to distrust them. An associate of mine uses the term "decade delayed disclosure" (DDD) to explain this phenomenon. We have found that the disclosures of young children are frequently delayed for a variety of reasons, including memories being repressed, interference of other defense mechanisms, lack of social support for disclosure, or fear of retribution or harm. These memories, once delayed, can lie dormant into adulthood. Often it is only through later adult problems that some abuse trauma surfaces. Again, God will allow you to remember what you need to in order to recover and heal.
   
   
6. I always seem to binge on a lot of sugar. I've suffered from bladder and yeast infections for years along with my bulimia. Are my bladder and yeast infections due to my bulimia?
   
   In about 80% of our bulimic clients, we have found the presence of a yeast infection, known as Candida. Along with the presence of this yeast infection, they have a long history of bladder infections, as well as the range of P.M.S. symptoms. Many of our clients have attempted to control these recurring yeast and bladder infections through the use of antibiotics, with little or marginal success.
   
   As any baker knows, yeast multiplies in the presence of one thing - sugar. Yeast infections can cause the body to crave sugar - its food source. When antibiotics are introduced into the system, they kill off the healthy digestive bacteria, acidophilous. Acidophilous helps control the over-abundance of yeast in the digestive tract so when it is reduced, Candida infections result. Thus goes the vicious cycle of a yeast infection - antibiotics - recurrence of the yeast infection.
   
   The good news is that Candida is treatable. There is one formula we have found to have superior results for those with yeast infections due to an eating disorder. This formula is called Canditrol, available through The Center, Inc. Resource Website or through our toll-free number, 1-888-771-5166. We have used this product for over ten years with great success. Generally, the recommended amounts are two to four tablets a day for the first ten days. After that, the amount is decreased to two per day, for a total of thirty days. Canditrol can be taken with or without food. After thirty days, the amount taken is re-evaluated. Many of our clients keep Canditrol on-hand to control symptoms, and many find that it takes two to three months to be clear of the most severe symptoms. For those clients who are still bingeing and purging, especially on large amounts of sugar, it is necessary for them to remain on the Canditrol until their bulimic behavior significantly decreases.
   
   Canditrol is a very safe formula that will not interfere with medications. It produces nothing but positive benefits for digestion.
   
   
7. I have been suffering in silence from an eating disorder. I know my mother has a long history of dieting and I think she has an eating disorder, too. We've never talked about our unusual relationship with food. Am I going to end up like my mom? Obsessed with body image and always on a diet?
   
   If you've watched your mother through the years be restrictive in her eating and always dieting, her behavior is a major factor in your own eating disorder. This does not mean, however, that the focus and the blame needs to be on your mother. We are able to say that regardless of what family member has had a food obsession, it is not genetic. You can relearn a different way. You can grow beyond these faulty messages.
   
   In the book, "Like Mother, Like Daughter" by Deborah Waterhouse, her research shows that mothers who view their daughters as extensions of themselves are more controlling in areas where they themselves feel a lack of control. Hence, mothers who feel compelled to constantly control their own weight, project that need for control onto their daughter's weight. (This is an important, insightful book for females who suffer from eating disorders, especially pages 28-29, and 32.To purchase the book through Amazon, go to Like Mother, Like Daughter)
   
   This hyper-criticism by mothers of their daughter's weight and bodies does not necessarily lessen as the daughter grows up and matures herself. The good news is, your recovery is not based on what your mother does or doesn't do. It is not based on whether or not your mother stops being critical and obsessed with your weight, or her weight. You are in control of your recovery! You do not have to end up like your mother! You have the ability to break free from the pattern of faulty behavior modeled by your mother.
   
   This will not always be easy. This unusual relationship with food you share with your mother binds you together in an unhealthy way, yet it is still a bond. As you work towards your own recovery, it may seem as if you are betraying your mother. There may seem a pull to go back into the behavior rather than have the feeling as if you are abandoning your mother. This is natural. Remember, however, that your recovery lies not in returning to the faulty behaviors of your mother but in establishing healthy behaviors of your own. You do not know it but your courage and determination to bring healing in your own life may encourage your mother to seek healing in her own.
   
   
8. My parents don't want to have anything to do with my eating disorder treatment. Can I still resolve issues within my past if they refuse to become involved?
   
   Yes, you can, although it is unfortunate they have chosen not to become involved at this point in your life. Remember, your personal happiness is not dependent on them. You can forgive them without them even knowing or accepting it.
   
   Release any expectation you may have of them running to you and begging your forgiveness for all the pain they've caused you. This may never happen. By giving up this expectation, you can begin the process of creating your own personal happiness, regardless of the level of participation of others.
   
   
9. My parents think I'm too thin and have put me in four different hospitals. Nothing seems to work. Why?
   
   The answer to your question can probably be found within the question itself. You say "my parents think" instead of "I think." Your parents can't cure you; only you can do that. You must make the decision to be well.
   
   Also, it sounds as if your parents didn't have your full cooperation when they admitted you to these different hospitals. Again, the same reasons apply. You must want to get better. If you do not, you will not.
   
   Understand that your parents' actions are an indication of the concern they have for your welfare. If, however, the three of you are going to work together successfully to come to grips with your eating disorder, it is important that you and your parents find a process of treatment that treats you as a whole person. Your emotions, your physical body, your relationship to them and to others, and your spiritual health must all be addressed. Only by dealing with all of these issues can you understand your need to change your behavior and maintain your desire to recover.
   
   You will need to be honest about what was missing in your other treatment attempts. Has it been the spiritual piece? Have you been doing this for your parents, and not for yourself? Were your nutritional deficiencies addressed? Do you really want to get well? Do you really want to give up your eating disorder? You have to come to the realization that you can and will change.
   
   Additionally, it has been my experience that hospital settings are not always the most conducive to whole-person recovery. Often the whole-person approach is not utilized, while there is a great deal of control over food and eating. Our outpatient setting recognizes the need for people to learn to handle food and eating independently. Learning how to do this in a realistic setting is part of our therapeutic approach.
   
   
10. My daughter has an eating disorder I've just found out about. I don't understand how this could have happened. What should I do now?
    
    You must face the truth of your child's eating disorder, no matter how much you are tempted to want to minimize it or deny its existence. It will not just go away on its own. Your child will require professional help to overcome this disorder. Your child will also need your support and your honesty during recovery.
    
    If your child is the one denying the truth of the eating disorder, you must not let that denial deter your pursuit of recovery. Read all you can. Ask questions. Be prepared to fight for your child but recognize you cannot cure her/him.
    
    (There is a excellent book entitled, "When Your Child Has an Eating Disorder" by Abigail H. Natenshon, with valuable information to parents on definite steps you can take upon learning your child has an eating disorder.
    
    
11. I've never felt very comfortable with religious things. Can I find healing from my eating disorder without the spiritual component?
    
    Whether you chose to accept it or not, I believe we are spiritual beings. An eating disorder wrecks havoc with that spiritual side of ourselves. An eating disorder promotes shame, guilt, and feelings of worthlessness. It creates an atmosphere of despair and lack of hope. It saps the strength from our very being. It crushes our soul. An eating disorder is, then, a spiritual destroyer.
    
    In order to counteract a spiritual destroyer, it is necessary to seek spiritual renewal. This is only accomplished, I believe, through a renewed relationship with God, our spiritual creator. While an eating disorder promotes shame, God loves us no matter what. While an eating disorder produces guilt, God removes it through the sacrifice of Christ. While an eating disorder promotes feelings of worthlessness, God reminds us that we are his beloved children and valuable to him beyond measure. Faith creates an atmosphere of expectation and hope. It refreshes our strength and rekindles our soul.
    
    Through the power of God, recovery from an eating disorder can become a wellspring of understanding, empathy, strength and maturity. The Bible teaches that God is able to teach us through suffering, as Christ himself learned through His suffering (Hebrews 5:8). I have been privileged to watch the spiritual transformation of those with an eating disorder. They have not only moved beyond their disorder but have been able to use what they have learned on their healing journey to enrich their lives and the lives of others.
    
    The components of recovery can be very difficult. Characteristics like forgiveness, grace and acceptance are spiritual in nature, and even more, come from a spiritual nature outside of ourselves. God is the author of forgiveness, grace and acceptance. It is not illogical, then, to seek His help in obtaining and using these characteristics for yourself in your recovery.
    
    (For a powerful discussion of the role of forgiveness, grace and acceptance, I can wholeheartedly recommend the book, "How People Grow: What the Bible Reveals about Personal Growth" by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend).
    
    
12. I know I have a serious Eating Disorder and need help. What should I look for in a treatment center?
    
    I am glad you are serious about getting help. I have created a special report that helps you to evaluate treatment centers so that you can get the best treatment possible.

Summary

As you have read over these questions, there were probably several that touched more deeply than others. Take a moment to review the questions and make a note of any that were especially meaningful to you. Which ones were they, and why?

Were the answers given, the ones you expected? If so, why?

If not, why not? How would you have wanted the answer to be framed?

Did any of the questions, and the subsequent answers, make you angry? Did they make you sad? Did any give you hope?

Take some time to really explore your reaction to these questions. Allow yourself to think of other questions. Write them down and then indicate how you will go about finding those answers for yourself.

Over the course of my career as a counselor and nutritionist, I have worked with hundreds of anorexics and bulimics. I've struggled with, comforted, prayed for, and loved, every one of them. I've seen people who had given up on themselves and their lives find it in their heart somewhere to try just one more time. I've seen them fight for their lives and win. I've also seen some lose.

I have been privileged to see the human spirit at its best and have had to endure accounts of humanity at its worst. Through all of that, one thing has remained clear to me: the remarkable strength of will that people possess to overcome their heartaches and to turn tragedy into triumph.

This future is possible for you. I know, because I've seen it happen to others who, like you, were destroying themselves through an eating disorder. I've seen them come to grips with the pain of their past. I've watched as they begin to treat their body as something special, giving it the care and nutrition it deserves. I've seen the miracle of spiritual awakening in souls thought long dead, and I've experienced through them their joy at rekindled relationships.

The road you are traveling is one taken by many others I've had the privilege to know and work with. They, like you, had their rough spots and flat stretches. Those who have reached their destination of health urge you to keep going. I urge you to keep going. The road to healing is so very worth the journey.

You now identify yourself by your disorder. Please know this is not the promise of your future. Wholeness lies beyond - a life without the constant identifying behavior of your disorder. You must want that life. You must commit to doing whatever it takes to reach for it. And once you have reached for it, you must determine never to let go.

I am with you. God is with you.

Father, my prayer is for healing for this precious child of yours. I know and am confident in your ability to bring this child safely through to recovery. Surround your child with your love and infuse your child with your strength and peace.

Father, we need your love. Thank you for your everlasting love.

For more information on Dr. Gregory L. Jantz and The Center for Counseling & Health Resources, Inc. go to: www.aplaceofhope.com.