Share Your Poetry And Writings About Your Eating Disorder


Writing is a very powerful tool for many with Eating Disorders and an excellent way for others to relate and be inspired. Do you have a poem(s) and/or writing(s) about your struggles, experiences, or recovery with your Eating Disorder that you'd like to share with others? Weighing The Facts would like to feature your writing here so that others can relate, find support, and encouragement towards recovery.

Participation may be anonymous or credited, whichever you feel comfortable with. Poems/writings must be your own work. If you're interested in participating please contact me at Mrsmenopausal@yahoo.com.

Thank you.

*Submissions can be found in sidebar drop down menu.

Eating Disorder Recovery: One Woman's Story



Video By: Ilovegooner


*Please see sidebar for Recovery Inspiration, Resources, and more.

Recovery Quote Of The Week: January 23, 2009




"Health is not merely the absence of disease, it is the balance of mind, body, and soul." Hippocrates

Please see:
*sidebar "Inspirational Quotes" and "Recovery Quotes of the Week" for links to more recovery quotes.

BULIMIA: You Are Not Alone


A video by TallSkinnyCappuccino


Additional Information:
Bulimia Nervosa
Warning Signs Of Bulimia
Laxative Abuse For Weight Loss
Diuretic Abuse For Weight Loss

*See sidebar menus for ED resources, Hotlines, Tools, and Recovery Inspiration.

Eating Disorder Bloggers: What Others Are Posting About



A sampling of what other bloggers have recently been talking about on their Eating Disorder Blogs:


ANOREXIA: A FEEDING TUBE COULD BE IN YOUR FUTURE
Medusa

The ins and outs of PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) and NG (nasogastric) feeding tubes...

So, what are NG and PEG feeding tubes?

They are medical devices used to provide nutrition to those who cannot obtain nutrition by swallowing. Feeding tubes are often a last resort for chronic anorexics.

An NG tube is passed through the nose, down the esophagus and into the stomach, and a PEG tube is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen into the stomach.
Read in full here.
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RECOVERY OR RECOVERED?
Life With Cake: Bulimia Recovery Blog

A couple of years ago, I volunteered at a nonprofit eating disorder organization, USF Hope House for Eating Disorders. Upon meeting me, the director posed the question, "Do you think it's possible to be "recovered" from an eating disorder?"

With all of my OA program knowledge, and knowing that her program wasn't 12-Step based, instantly I replied, "No." Was she serious? Recover from an eating disorder? I had learned better.

Since then, I have questioned the term "recovered" often. "Recovered" could be rather subjective, depending on who you ask. Read in full here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE DROP OUTS?
ED Bites: Carrie Arnold

Eating disorder research is made especially difficult due to the large number of patients who prematurely drop out of treatment. Sometimes, this happens in such numbers that the studies are, essentially, invalid. This is also why studies of eating disorders in adolescents are much more successful than those in adults: parents can usually (but not always) be called upon to insist that their child receive care, even when the child isn't exactly enthusiastic about the whole idea.
Read in full here.
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ED RECOVERY: DEALING WITH THE UNEXPECTED
ED Recovery Blog

One of the first things that anyone tends to learn when they start to take a closer look at eating disorders is that it’s not really about the food: it’s about emotions and control. When everything is upside down and feels twisted inside out, sometimes it feels like the only thing that you can control is what you do or do not eat - and in what quantity. Part of recovery is recognizing that there are other ways of taking control in life and learning “more effective coping mechanisms.”
Read in full here.
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SIX-YEAR-OLDS AND EATING DISORDERS
Feed Me: Harriet Brown

This Canadian article, published last November, is one of the few I've seen anywhere that overtly links comments and teasing about weight with eating disorders. A significant percentage of teens with eating disorders are overweight at some point. As this piece points out, other people's responses to their weight can start them spiraling down into the hell of an eating disorder. Read in full here.
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THE TIES THAT BOND
F-Word

I took college courses in my senior year of high school and attended for two years after, but then took a several-year hiatus. When I returned in my early-to-mid-20s, I was thus often the oldest student in the class. Combined with the fact that I had a professional job and had been financially independent for years already, I often felt old much in the same way I imagine Clint Eastwood feels standing next to the cast of High School Musical.

So, I well understood the palpable discomfort of the woman, who looked to be about the age of my mom, walking into my women’s history class for the first time on the third day of class. If I, one who is approaching just 30, feel out of place in our mostly undergrad class, I’m sure this woman felt very awkward indeed. Read in full here.


Kimkims Lawsuit: Class Certification Granted

Heidi Diaz portrayed herself as the beautiful woman in the red dress above. The real Heidi (in red, center) at one of her depositions. Heidi captured by PI surveillance.

In a long awaited decision, class certification has been granted in the lawsuit against Kimkins, owned by Heidi Diaz.

Stuffing her site with false testimonials, fake before and after pictures taken from online Russian dating sites, and lies about having lost 198 pounds in less than a year and maintaining that loss for over 5 years, Heidi Diaz/aka Kimmer, charged those seeking to lose weight a lifetime membership fee to her site. Following a feature in Woman's World Magazine where Heidi Diaz represented herself as one of her many aliases, Kim Drake, membership boomed, as did Diaz's bank account.


Heidi Diaz claimed the above pictures as her after pictures.

Despite Diaz's lack of nutritional/medical training, certification, or scientific backing, claims of the diet's benefits to certain health conditions were made. Members also report being advised by Heidi Diaz to take laxatives and to lower calories to dangerous extremes. Many experienced health issues including heart palpitations, dizziness, nausea, menstrual irregularities, weakness, disordered eating behaviors, and hair loss. Members state that after questioning her advice, voicing health concerns, or stating disbelief over the fake testimonials, they found themselves banned without warning, explanation, or refund of their lifetime membership fee.

Real pictures of Heidi Diaz/aka Kimmer. Pictures 1 and 3 were used as her before pictures.

Headed by the efforts of Jeanessa Fenderson, a lawsuit was filed. Represented by lawyer John Tiedt, class certification was sought on the behalf of all Kimkins victims.

Class certification was granted on January 14th, 2009:

Case RIC483005 - FENDERSON VS DIAZ
Action:

HEARING RE: MOTION TO/FOR CLASS CERTIFICATION * BY JEANESSA FENDERSON
01/14/2009 - 8:30 AM DEPT. 04

HONORABLE MICHAEL B DONNER, PRESIDING
CLERK: L. HALL
COURT REPORTER: T. FOSTER
JEANESSA FENDERSON, KARIN BILLECI, TRISTA ESSEX, HEIDI MARTINEZ, KATHLEEN ROGERS, DIANA SHERBY REPRESENTED BY MICHAEL L COHEN A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORP - JOHN TIEDT PRESENT.
MOTION FOR CLASS CERTIFICATION IS GRANTED.
FORMAL ORDER TO BE PREPARED, SERVED AND SUBMITTED BY COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF



*Congratulations and thanks to all those who put (and continue to put) so much time, effort, and energy into uncovering and proving the fraud, providing the evidence needed.

Related posts:
Kimkins Wins Worst Diet Product Of The Year
Kimkins: An Internet Diet Scam
Kimkins San Diego Victims Sought
Falling For A Diet Scam

*Be aware: Heidi Diaz, in the midst of being sued and having filed bankruptcy, has started a new diet site, "Simple Choices Diet.” This is not the same diet that is trademarked and owned by HMR (Health Management Resources) and according to reports they are not happy about the trademark infringement.



source: woman's world apology: http://www.grilledcheesewithpickles.com/2008/02/i-dont-accept-your-apology-womans-world.html
all other sources linked in post.

Recovery Quote Of The Week: Jan 14, 2009



"You are today where your thoughts have brought you; You will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you." James Allen


Picture source: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en
http://flickr.com/photos/somemixedstuff/2403249501/

The True Beauty Wales Competition: Finding Images Of Real-Life Beauty



In conjunction with the Dove Self-Esteem Fund, The Cross-Party Group on Eating Disorders in Wales has launched a competition to find images of "Real Life" Beauty that challenges the size-zero culture and the narrow view of beauty that is portrayed in the media. "The Welsh public, especially young people, are being urged to take pictures of people who represent their own image of beauty and the ideal body shape."

It is estimated that at least 10,000 people in Wales have serious eating disorders.

The top 40 photographs chosen will be displayed during Eating Disorders Awareness Week, February 23-27, in the Senedd building, in Cardiff Bay.


The following rules apply:
The True Beauty Wales competition closes on February 16 and the best 40 photographs will be displayed in the Senedd from 10.30am on February 25.

The winner will be announced on February 25 at 5pm.

Entrants can post an A3-size photo depicting their idea of true beauty to Bethan Jenkins AM, National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff, CF99 1NA.

They can also be e-mailed to truebeauty09@gmail.com or gwirharddwch09@gmail.com.

Alternatively images can be uploaded to www.flickr.com/groups/truebeauty_gwirharddwch.

Each photo should include a person and the rights to use 40 exhibited photos in publicity.

No responsibility is accepted for damage or loss and only one submission can be made per person.

The photograph must have been taken in the last 12 months and the person photographed must be over 16.

You can read more about The True Beauty Wales competition here.


sources:http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/01/12/competition-challenges-stereotyped-images-of-beauty-91466-22669571/
picture: flickr.com

Recovery Quote Of The Week: Jan 6, 2009



"We are betrayed by what is false within." George Meredith

Please see sidebar for links to more Recovery Quotes of The Week and Inspirational Recovery Quotes.

picture source: screamer; publicdomainpictures.net
eye; publicdomainphotos.com

The Worst Diet Promotions Of 2008



The Slim Chance Awards have been announced, awarding the worst diet promotions of 2008. The Slim Chance Awards are a part of the upcoming Healthy Weight Week which encourages people to live actively, eat nutritionally and normally, and to respect and feel good about themselves and others. "It’s a time to celebrate the diversity of real women, as well as men, and to help them shift focus from failed and risky weight loss efforts to being healthy at their natural sizes. Healthy Weight Week is a time for people to move ahead with a new approach and build confident, diet-free lives for themselves and those they love.
"The 20th Annual Slim Chance Awards are announced at year's end as a lead up to Rid the World of Fad Diets & Gimmicks Day, Jan 20, 2009, Tuesday of Healthy Weight Week (the third full week in January). They expose the widespread fraud and quackery in the weight loss field, and are aimed at helping consumers move on from chronic dieting to improving their lives in more positive and lasting ways.

They are truly the “worst” of the worst of the many weight-loss products and programs that flood the internet, the airwaves, and the pages of print materials in seemingly increasing numbers. Diet quackery defrauds, disables and kills."


And Here They Are:

MOST OUTRAGEOUS CLAIM: Kevin Trudeau infomercials.
It’s rare that regulatory agencies look at books, given our free speech laws, but the infomercials for Kevin Trudeau’s weight loss book and his repeated violations were just too much for the Federal Trade Commission, and this past August he was fined over $5 million and banned from infomercials for three years. In “willful efforts” to deceive, Trudeau told listeners they could easily follow the diet protocol at home, even though his book calls for human growth hormone injections and colonics that must be done by a licensed practitioner. The tortured case began in 1998 when FTC charged Trudeau with false and misleading diet infomercials. In 2003 he was charged with false claims; in 2004 he was fined $2 million and banned from infomercials. Again in 2007 a contempt action said he misled thousands with false claims for his weight loss book “in flagrant violation” of court orders.

WORST GIMMICK: Skineez jeans ($139). A new item in the fight against cellulite, Skineez jeans are impregnated with a so-called “medication” of retinol and chitosan, a shellfish product once claimed to cut fat absorption in the stomach (see 1999 Slim Chance Awards). Friction between the jeans and skin supposedly triggers release of the substance, which goes to work on fat when absorbed through the skin. Reportedly a big hit in Europe, the “smart fabric” is also used in lingerie. Ironically, the creators of Skineez, Clothes for a Cause, profess to raise funds for breast cancer and “a wide range of other socially conscious charities.” So while the company hoodwinks women into buying an expensive pair of jeans, it promises they can “do good with every purchase … As our sales grow, so will our ability to help others.” FTC, however, is clear about such gimmicks, emphasizing that products worn or rubbed on the skin do not cause weight loss or fat loss.

WORST CLAIM: AbGONE. Throughout 2008 full page ads assaulted the eye in daily newspapers across the country touting AbGONE as “proven to promote pot belly loss.” Claims are that AbGONE increases “fat metabolism” and calorie burn, promotes appetite suppression and inhibits future abdominal fat deposits. These are drug claims that, if true, would alter the body’s regulation, but unlike drugs, the pills are sold as food supplements not requiring FDA approval. The bold ads feature the obligatory before and after shots of models, cut-away sketches of the abdomen with and without belly fat, and a white-coated researcher with chart purportedly confirming success of 5 times reduction in fat mass, 4 times lower BMI, 4 times greater weight loss than placebo. No added diet and exercise needed – well, except, you may want to heed the fine print disclaimer at the bottom that reminds us “diet and exercise are essential.”

WORST PRODUCT: Kimkins diet. It must have seemed an easy way to get rich quick. Founder Heidi “Kimmer” Diaz set up a website and charged members a fee to access the Kimkins diet, boasting they could lose up to 5 percent of their body weight in 10 days. “Better than gastric bypass,” there was “no faster diet,” and in fact she herself had lost 198# in 11 months. Stunning “after” photos were displayed. In June 2007 Women's World ran it as a cover story, and that month alone PayPal records show the Kimkins site took in over $1.2 million. Then users began complaining of chest pains, hair loss, heart palpitations, irritability and menstrual irregularities. This was not surprising since Kimkins is essentially a starvation diet, down to 500 calories per day and deficient in many nutrients (appallingly, laxatives are advised to replace missing fiber). In a lawsuit, 11 former members are uncovering a vast record of Diez’s alleged fraud. They found that the stunning “after” photos, including one of Kimmer herself, had been lifted from a Russian mail order bride site. According to a deposition reported by Los Angeles TV station KTLA, Diaz admitted using fake pictures, fake stories and fake IDs, and a judge has allowed the litigants to freeze some of her assets.

Want to see past awards? 20 years worth of Slim Chance Awards

Related posts:

Falling For A Diet Scam

Kimkins: An Internet Diet Scam

Kimkins: San Diego Victims Sought

sources:http://www.healthyweight.net/fraud.htm#hww

When You Don't Know If You Want Recovery From Your Eating Disorder



Video by Holdingon.

Holdingon says:
"Usually when a person has a disease, they want to get better.
When you have Anorexia, you may be unsure if you want recovery. As with any addiction, you may be able to see many reasons to recover. But you still never feel like you 100% want recovery.
The challenge is to try recovery anyway -- if you're waiting around to feel 100% motivated, you could be waiting around until you die. Literally. Make a list of reasons to recover. Keep adding to this list whenever you can."


If you haven't had the opportunity to see the wonderful ED Recovery videos of Holdingon on youtube, please check them out.


Happy New Year!



"We will open the book. The pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called opportunity and it's first chapter is New Year's Day." Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Please see sidebar for links to more Recovery Quotes of The Week and Inspirational Recovery Quotes.


picture source: Publicdomainpictures.net