As parents who've had gastric bypass we face many challenges raising a family. Perhaps an unexpected challenge is when a child develops an eating disorder that may be exacerbated by the parents dieting habits. It turns out as our children observe us diet and fail (repeatedly) before having gastric bypass, then they watch us lose weight in an almost obsessive excitement after weight loss surgery (WLS), some panic and vow "this will not happen to me." A descent into an eating disorder may follow.
According to AnorexiaBulimaHelp "Dieting or restriction of certain foods, or excessive dieting from parents" is a contributing factor in teen and pre-teen eating disorders. In addition "The appearance obsessed society most people live in can contribute to eating disorders . . . When combined with a low self-esteem, feelings of depression or anxiety or isolation, the effects can be devastating. Eating disorders commonly erupt as a coping mechanism, as a way for people to feel more "normal" and in control in a society that isn't really normal to begin with."
Wow. Are you worried? Growing up I watched my mother work her way up and down the scale many times. No need to name the diets she tried: we all tried them. I believe I learned from her that diet equals failure. It seems like every time she'd get to the benchmark, "this is the lowest weight I've been since having my first child" suddenly her weight loss would stop and back up the scale she'd climb at a rapid rate. She is morbidly obese today and no longer attempts dieting. Who can blame her?
Did she know that was the lesson she was teaching me? That eventually I'd "diet" myself into morbid obesity? I don't think so, and I don't blame her. She didn't know any better.
We know better today. It is our stewardship to our children to do the best we can to protect them, raise them healthy, and teach them healthy habits of nutrition and exercise. We owe it to our children to keep them off the operating table and out of eating disorder treatment centers.
But how to do that? By example and by being informed.
AnorexiaBulimaHelp.com is a comprehensive resource on eating disorders ? if you fear someone in your family is suffering from an eating disorder please visit this site. The site includes many links to several other resources about eating disorders.
Copyright ? 2005 Kaye Bailey - All Rights Reserved.
Kaye Bailey is a weight loss surgery success story having maintained her health and goal weight for 5+ years. An award winning journalist, she is the author and webmaster of http://www.livingafterwls.com and http://www.livingafterwls.com Fresh & insightful content is added daily, check in often.
Airbnb cleaning service Glenview ..The right diet pill should be carefully considered when deciding... Read More
I personally lost 60 pounds in 2003. Here are some... Read More
Whether coming from a close friend, the nightly news or... Read More
Are you concerned about the lack of exercise your child... Read More
We have plans for everything these days. That is how... Read More
Dealing with your sweet-tooth can be one of the greatest... Read More
Many gastric bypass patients report melon to be one of... Read More
Just because you're working hard, doesn't mean that you're working... Read More
The act of taking the first step is what separates... Read More
Obesity is a disease that is not caused by a... Read More
You have been on diets before. You probably have lost... Read More
1. What is Atkins Diet? Dr. Atkins diet, first introduced... Read More
The holidays are now officially over and it's time to... Read More
You may not like what I'm about to say, but... Read More
More and more people are starting to recognize that they... Read More
Wow! You must be on fire by now burning and... Read More
The pursuit of a healthier me (or you) shouldn't involve... Read More
Going away for your holidays will also bring with it... Read More
"I'd love to lose weight, but I don't have the... Read More
If you have been trying to lose weight permanently, then... Read More
The underlying principles of low carb diets are based on... Read More
At its most basic, dieting is about burning more calories... Read More
Curb Hunger and Avoid The Costly BingeEveryone's been there -... Read More
"Your Eyes are Bigger Than Your Stomach""Your eyes are bigger... Read More
It is not recommended to lose more than 1 pound... Read More
efficient cleaning crew Highland Park ..Addicted to Restaurants Are you addicted to restaurants? So are... Read More
What is low carb?We've all heard about the Atkins diet... Read More
Do you know the name of that one disease which... Read More
Mindfulness is all about paying attention. It's amazing what can... Read More
It is important that the public not only understand the... Read More
To prepare ourselves for the Summer Sun we want to... Read More
Not everyone can handle hot food. But who said cayenne... Read More
Whenever I hear someone say they just can't lose weight,... Read More
Why have I allowed myself to get into this shape?... Read More
Twenty years of health club consulting, 50,000 hours of paid... Read More
Dieters dread the plateau. You're on a roll, losing weight... Read More
There are as many reasons you've given yourself to eat... Read More
Contrary to common belief, your weight is not really the... Read More
Phentermine, like many other prescription drugs, works with chemicals called... Read More
Individuals who are interested in bariatric surgery need to be... Read More
I don't know about you, but I absolutely love bread... Read More
When you hear a doctor or a personal trainer say,... Read More
Are you just exploding with the presence of light all... Read More
After the post-Halloween sugar surge, everyone coaches you to get... Read More
Are you considering a low carb diet? If so you... Read More
Natural Weight Loss Is PermanentOnly natural weight loss can be... Read More
The average American eats about twice as much protein than... Read More
Weight Loss Red Flag GuideDespite claims to the contrary, there... Read More
The Order of Energy UtilizationBack to our table of stored... Read More
The importance of drinking water is mentioned in almost every... Read More
Weight Loss |