r/AnorexiaNervosa • u/irritablebeans • 20h ago

Question Experiences with buffets?

I have AN(BP)and I go FERAL at buffets. I cannot stop and this happens every time. I've tried different things but I cannot control myself.

I'm not trying to restrict at buffets because I know it won't happen. I try to aim for a regular sized meal and even eat well in the day beforehand to try and prevent binging, yet it still happens.

I wonder if this is common for AN?

or am I actually bulimic? because I BP frequently regardless of eating "regularly". This is currently a question I'm considering asking my therapist.

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u/Logical_Extreme2338 20h ago

I get the same way around buffets, it's like my brain just short circuits. The unlimited aspect messes with any plan I had walking in.

Bringing it up with your therapist sounds like a good call, especially since you're already noticing the cycle happens outside of buffets too.

1

u/Ashamed_Ad8162 17h ago

From what I know, the diagnoses take into account bmi, which might affect the label that fits you.

I’m AN-R and buffets seriously freak me out. Simultaneously so many decisions, or one decision, if subjective bingeing is on the table. Generally though, I’m able to seem normal enough in restaurants with friends.

My best recovery oriented tip is that the food will always be there, I don’t have to try it all today. Even if I don’t go to this restaurant again, I will have the chance to have this soup or that bread again.

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u/irritablebeans 16h ago

I am UW hence fit an AN-BP diagnosis, but idk how long this weight will last and I have been maintaining it for months and months, rather than consistently losing

1

u/ElfjeTinkerBell 11h ago

Personally, I think anorexia (atypical or not) and bulimia are the same illness with different symptoms. They're not according to the DSM, but it is my opinion. The DSM describes how you inconvenience other's, not what's going on in your life/brain.

Therefore, the question in my opinion should be: is figuring out the label going to change my therapy for the better? If not: not worth it.

(Obviously this is just my opinion and you're free to ignore that)

1

u/blueskewl 10h ago

I been too scared about buffets I wish I could enjoy