Re: To Olivia, some comments on your fast

Hi,

I am new here but I am not new to eating disorders, or fasting. I have had an eating disorder for 17 years. I am concerned about your wife, and I am not sure she making a sound decision. I am not a doctor but I would like to say a few things.

1. When you fast for a long time (I did so unhealthy to unhealthy weights) that when you start re feeding there is a possibility of Refeeding Syndrome. You can read more information here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refeeding_syndrome


So she will probably want to seek medical supervision when she is coming off the fast.

2. I think she should at least for the peace of mind for your family go to a doctor and request a metabolic panel. This a blood test that will let her know where she is with everything. Things may be dangerously low with out her knowing such as electrolytes, etc.

3. Starving for a pro-long period of time not only can cause kidney, liver, and heart damage. It can also cause osteoporosis, along with many other things.

4. What may have started out as a spiritual connection maybe mis-interrupted for an eating disorder. There is a book called Life with out ED. I would recommend reading that and other literature. As Olivia stated in some of her early videos when she started the fast, that she would have dreams convicting her of not eating, she interrupted that as God convictions. I have to say it sounds like guilt. I felt the same way when I was severely anorexic and I would dream and punish myself.


I believe your wife has an eating disorder. I do not believe she started with one. I can understand the spiritual reasons to fast, my father is a Pastor. However, I think she has gone beyond what is healthy. However, I am not a Medical Doctor. This is only my opinion. Like I mentioned earlier if she truly wants to continue this go to a doctor first and get the clearance. That way you guys are doing this with sound judgement and medical backing. I believe she should also be monitored by a health care professional during this. Also, one last point I would recommend possibly contacting an Eating Disorder Center near your home and having someone talking with so that they can accurately judge her thought patterns and where she is coming from.

This is coming from 17 years of experience, and I am a Therapist for the State of California. I hope you and your wife do what is best not only for her but her children. There is so much as stake. Even if it was just her and no child that is a big risk.

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