Losing weight intentionally and thinking I am sick....?


Question:
I've battled hypochondria for over 10 years now. So much so that I gained 137lbs! I purposely over-ate to make sure I could gain weight. In my mind if I was able to gain weight then I couldn't be sick. In January, I decided to do something about my weight and began the Optifast (all liquid) diet. I've averaged 4-5lbs lost per week & have a lost a total of 133.5lbs. I'm now approaching my goal weight & my hypochondriac thoughts are popping back up. I'm beginning to wonder if I am sick again & I am about to go off my diet to see if I can gain again. Mind you that on this diet, I visit a Nurse Practitioner who weighs me in, checks my blood pressure and does a monthly Complete Blood Count. I've even been to my internist last month who did his own blood tests and everything was perfect. I am 34 years old and smoke so naturally my biggest fear is Lung Cancer which has a symptom of unexplained weight loss. What can I do? I've been to shrinks but they don't help. Arrggh.. this really sucks.

Answers:
Go get some x-rays of your lungs done. If they turn out to be fine that could put the hypochondria to rest for awhile. That would then be your chance to quit smoking. Smoking actually causes a lot of anxiety. So, I recommend quitting even though I know its easier said than done. There are a lot of options to help you quit, so talk to your doctor about those too.

Other Answers:
YOU NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP
Are you really sick? Maybe. But we can't tell you that. Only a doctor can do that.
Seriously seek medical help. Psychiatric and from your general practitioner.
Seek out another physiologist until you obtain one that can help you with this matter. It sounds like it is differently mental and without proper professional help, can hurt you physically. Keep trying and don't give up...
Honey,are you married or have anyone special in your life?
First of all,do what I did!Stomp your feet & tell God you can't stop smoking on your own & cry yourself to sleep!
I quit over 2 yrs ago after trying for 15yrs to quit.I woke up totally smoke free after that night.
I have a weight problem also,but mine hasn't responded to diet or exercise.I gradually gained due to age & depression & illness.
Stop with these groundless fears!You are wasting your life!
congrats! ur having an eating disorder. welcome to the sick land of obssesive women with eating disorders. dont go too far though..u dont wanna be anorexic or bulimic(like me! lol)
Hi
First of all do not jump to your conclusions , Its proably nothing actually see if you like your fears put to rest ,the right information can help so here goes,

If you are serious about losing weight, the calories in the food you eat should be less than the energy you use. You will have to increase your metabolic rate now, and plan your diet carefully.
Formulate your own weight loss plan and you will lose weight faster. More details available at http://tinyurl.com/m7ckx

good luck


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