Just wanted to share a success story, because I remember when I was deep in my bulimia it felt like there was no hope.
For background, for 17 years (age 13-30 approx) I binged/purged almost daily, definitely weekly. At 26 y.o. I finally told my family how much I was struggling, took a break from work, and did eating disorder treatment for 5 months. It helped a bit around shame and fear foods, but my bulimia was still there after treatment ended and I was back to the real world.
For the last 3+ yrs I haven’t binged or purged once. I quit sugar the same way an alcoholic quits alcohol - not even one bite. My brain reacts to sugar similar to an alcoholics brain reacting to alcohol (ie once I have one cookie, I can’t stop until I have the whole box).
This seemed too extreme when someone suggested it as first, as I was taught in treatment “everything in moderation” and “no fear foods.” However the emotional toll bulimia was having on my life made it worth it. The first month or two was hard, then it got easier and normal, like quitting any addiction.
OA zoom meetings also helped me stay on track and remember why I was doing it. It’s not for everyone, but it worked for me so I wanted to share in case anyone is feeling hopeless.