I am also 5’9″ and went from 150 pounds (my highest) in January 2005 to as low as you in about a year. I even dipped a bit lower. It was gradual, as you said your’s was, but that didn’t change the fact that I weighed too little.

I never felt fat or disgusting. I never weighed myself, but I had a dr. appt. where I saw the 150 and realized I had gained about 10 pounds in only a few months – when I was last weighed for a surgery I had. I got a little bummed, but like I said, I never felt FAT and didn’t officially go on a “diet.”

I moved to a new city shortly after this “150-pound” dr. appt. and I think all the changes brought out the ugly part of my perfectionist side (like you!), and I tried to control my life through careful healthy eating and exercising.

I lost my periods and still have yet to have a “real” one. I saw a nutritionist, who assured me that I would need at least 2,800 calories a day to slowly gain while still exercising (something I can’t totally part with!)

I can’t say things are totally “perfect” now, but they are a lot better. I don’t “fear” food as much as I did, and have toned down the exercise a bit. I have gained about 10 pounds since I started, although is has stalled now for quite a few months. I’m hoping to jumpstart the gain again and resume my period.

That is my story – in short form – but I feel it was too similar to your story to not comment. Thank you again for sharing. You’re a beautiful and talented girl!

My grandmother was anorexic. She dieted until the day she died, proudly declaring to anyone exactly how much she weighed at that moment. Being Vegan and a devout yogini, I sometimes worry that I could easily slip into her mindset.

Doing yoga has made me realize how beautiful my body can be in any form. I’m finally appreciating what I have – but it’s been a long Looooooong process.

Reading your story gave me a lump in my throat. You are strong. You are beautiful. And thank you for sharing.

For some reason I’ve always thought you had overcome a battle like anorexia. Maybe it takes one to recognize one :)

Your post is very thoughtful and courageous and honest. I think a lot of women have weight problems… in fact everyone I know has had an issue – either too much dieting with compulsive exercising or overeating and risky yo-yo dieting.

I think your candid post is really helpful and encouraging to a lot of your readers.

I know I really appreciated your story.

You’re beautiful Zandria!

As you know I have my own weight issues, quite different from yours today .. but I did go through the same thing you’ve experienced in my adolescence. I too weighed 113 and was 5’8”. I kept on trying to lose and lose, but just couldn’t .. I was down to eating one bowl of cereal a day & exercising insanely .. yet no more weight would come off. My mom took me to the dr and it took him telling me I was actually underweight for me to realize that I really was.

I have to honest, looking at these pictures of you is hard. I am so glad you’ve recognized & are confronting this & should you need support .. know I’m here & ready to talk whenever. You gotta take care of you or we’ll all gang up on you ;) Cuz we are friends & that’s what friends are suppose to do .. Be honest & look out for each other whether the topic is pleasant or not. Hang in there. Love ya! Now, can I share some of my fat w/ ya?? hee hee .. I sure have quite a bit I’d love to surrender :)

I am 123 and 5 foot 6. That is 10 pounds more than I weighed before my pregnancies. Still, most people consider me slim. I have mostly accepted the fact that I am this weight now. But some days I look in the mirror and think I should lose a little weight. But then I get a grip and have a bagel and cream cheese. Life is too short to count calories. I am thankful for what I have.

love to you,
Maryam