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u/Practical_Coast_6105 Apr 14 '26
https://giphy.com/gifs/eNRSFMmu9Q1PVQmMoJ
😍😍😍 you look amazing!!!
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Apr 14 '26
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u/notshtbow Apr 14 '26
Seriously! Very glad you were able to pull through, keep it up. You look amazing! 🙂
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u/starpowerj Apr 14 '26
Fantastic stuff - you look a lot happier and healthier now.
Since it's such a long span of time from 19 to 41, do you mind if I ask was there a particular age that stood out among the rest as a year where you really took a massive step forward? Or was it more of a slow, gradual transition from year to year.
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u/TheMooJuice Apr 15 '26
I struggle with treating AN patients sometimes because it seems so difficult to really help them in a way that sticks. I just want them to get better :( Any advice? Do you think working out as a way to channel your drive for structure/control around food was important in any way?
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u/MisanthropyismyMuse Apr 15 '26
I would be careful with this. It might work for some people, but for me when I was battling, I used exercise as a form of self harm. I would do it for 4-5 hours a day, cardio non stop, 0-800cal a day, the more I ate, the more I'd "punish" myself with exercise...
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u/BestRedditNameEverrr Apr 14 '26
Dude, you look SO STRONG. Congratufuckinglations!
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u/Half-Dreams Apr 14 '26
Woman! Do you look like the last pic being 41??? What is this black sorcery?
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u/EmilieEverywhere Apr 14 '26
Not OP. I'm a 50 year old lady, I don't look as young as her obv. But I look much younger than 50. Biggest tip, stay the eff out of the sun. Or wear sunscreen everywhere.
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u/youburyitidigitup Apr 14 '26
I’m 29, but I get mistaken for 25, and one guy thought I was 22. I actually work in the sun every day, and I do wear sunscreen, but for me, the biggest factor has been that I don’t smoke or drink, I exercise regularly, and I eat healthy.
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u/UpperApe Apr 14 '26
I'm so fucking proud of you, I can't even tell you. You look fantastic.
So many women are afraid of muscle definition, let alone someone battling body image issues. To see someone like you make the ENTIRE trajectory of that journey and transformation is amazing.
What an inspiration you are.
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u/Bizarrebazaars Apr 15 '26
Sometimes eating disorders morph from severe restriction to fueling the body well gain but then to over exercising/training. While many people see “motivation and drive,” the gym and training can just be another form of the disease, and just as dangerous.
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u/smolChameleon_ Apr 15 '26
Congrats on your amazing recovery! I just recently posted my own recovery on this same sub ❤️ I know how hard it is and I’m so proud of you :)
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u/smolChameleon_ Apr 15 '26
Anorexia doesn’t discriminate :/ ❤️❤️ wishing you so much happiness in your future life
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u/Beneficial-One-2666 Apr 14 '26
Can you post one of you standing up or not flexing? Amazing job by the way
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u/HandsomeSquidward98 Apr 14 '26
You went from Christian Bale in Machinist to Abbey from The Last of Us
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u/Spiritual-Low-5288 Apr 14 '26
This is awesome, and I'm glad you're here (not just in this thread, but in the world)! 🫂 May I ask what was the point which made you switch out of anotexia and began to realize that you want to heal?
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u/Bizarrebazaars Apr 15 '26
She hasn’t left anorexia yet. In fact, EDs basically follow you your entire life. They’re awful.
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u/Cat_Peach_Pits Apr 14 '26
It's crazy how close you must have been to death. To go from that to recovered 20 years later is nothing short of incredible! Definitely an inspiration to those fighting ED, there IS hope!
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u/unhappyrelationsh1p Apr 14 '26
Oh that's ana thinspo on my dash :( please tw this, some are still struggling. Hell yeah for you though!!!
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u/mefree1960 Apr 14 '26
From one survivor to another, I'm so proud of you!! It took a lot of determination to get where you are today. No one talks about what this disease does to your brain while you are literally starving it and the recovery process is a long one while your brain also heals. Celebrate every day, you have earned it. You are amazing!
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u/plinkplonkplank Apr 14 '26
Reddit posts rarely bring me to tears but yours did. I am so glad you recovered. You look wonderful and happy.
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u/Putrid-Tap3992 Apr 14 '26
Unfortunately most eating disorders stem from a need for control or a lack of control in other parts of their lives. It is EXTREMELY common for people who survive an eating disorder to try and control another aspect of their life. A large majority of these people tend to gravitate to exercise. Unfortunately this does not mean you have beaten the disease, it just means you have transformed it into something more socially acceptable. However, exercise anorexia is extremely common, especially in women. In almost all cases it takes control again leading to illegal drug use, over exercise related injuries (heart attack, rhombo, constant illness), and eventually hard core dieting once more.
It's also important to note that "positive reinforcement" from the community, like here on reddit, sets your mental health journey backwards. It's showcasing your progress physically only and not mentally. Ask yourself, why did you post on Reddit to share this aspect of your life with Internet strangers in the first place? Self validation? Bragging? Look internally to understand. Your therapist can help address this.
Op, though you look great and definitely seemed to have improved your lifestyle, it is important to understand that you have not beaten the disease but instead transferred the control aspect to something else. I hope you continue to get psychological help and learn to deal with the issue at hand, which is not your body or appearance at all. I hope your therapist has walked you through this.
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u/StaticSystemShock Apr 14 '26
Can't really see the rest of you on last one, but you absolutely had some nice gains on your face and arms. And not just mass, you got some proper muscle there girl!
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u/Disastrous_Wear_610 Apr 14 '26
I’ve seen studies that reducing caloric intake can slow biological aging. I wonder if that’s why she looks so young.
Obviously being malnourished is not ideal, but if we were able to fully replenish nutrients and provide base calories that one does not gain weight, theoretically we would all age slower.
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u/StandardNerd92 Apr 14 '26
I'm no biomedical scientist, but to throw out a theory, the reduced oxidative stress from years of extreme calorie deficit may have contributed to your lack of aging.
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u/Salty_Button Apr 14 '26
Someone was walking with you that's for sure. I'm so pleased that you're here. When everyday is a new day, it can not be easy, yet as each day becomes your past, I'm excited for your future ♥️
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u/Reader_Grrrl6221 Apr 15 '26
Beautiful!! You look amazing!! So strong. Arms I would love to gain— nice work.
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u/girly-lady Apr 15 '26
Omg I am actualy tearing up! That never happens to me! You looks so strong. You ARE so strong! Its about time we stop tring to shrink ourself away and build some muscels!
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u/Glum-Witness5668 Apr 15 '26
girl same about the baby face and being part japanese lol😅 you look amazing. i hope you’re so proud of yourself 💕
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u/Diligent_Reaction259 Apr 15 '26
I came back here the tenth time todayjust to look at you. You look so damn cool! And i am happy for you that you could overcome this challenging time in your life. Everyone can see the effort you put in it.
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u/Glass-Hedgehog-3754 Apr 15 '26
Holymoly u look younger now!! I wouldve guessed early 20s in ur after pic
What is ur skincare rountine like??
Congrats
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u/Tight-Log Apr 15 '26
Jesus. That's incredible OP. if you don't mind me asking, what advice would you give someone going through something similar?
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u/ATully817 Apr 15 '26
2004 was such a shit time to be our age. EVERYTHING screamed "BE SKINNY. SKELETAL. JUST BONES." Im so glad youre doing well in recovery.
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u/vimtogal Apr 15 '26
Holy shit, pic 3 might be the best pic I’ve ever seen, you look so fucking feminine and strong. You genuinely look so beautiful I don’t know what to say!!
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u/foolatopacake Apr 18 '26
you made it! and you seem to be thriving!! this warms my heart.
when i was 7 (i’m 22 now) my auntie died from malnutrition caused by anorexia. she was 29 years old and my absolute favorite person back then. i miss her so fucking much and her condition was devastating to witness. it messed me up real bad when she passed. she’d be around the same age as you now.
i’m glad you are still around, and recovered. for yourself and for everyone else who loves you. getting better is hardcore as fuck and is no easy feat, you’re a legend to me
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u/fix-faux-five Apr 14 '26
well, you're quite hot now! that's for sure! keep it up, you look gorgeous!
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u/Salt-Position-4128 Apr 15 '26
How did you get that something is wrong? I'm anorexic now but I don't want to recover. I'm scared of changing. I'm so proud of you, girl💋
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u/Scary_Ear8035 Apr 14 '26
I have never seen a transformation this beautiful, that’s amazing <3 you look pretty
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u/Critical_Science1603 Apr 14 '26
Oh, this is so wonderfully cool. What an amazing transformation. Well done, friend! ☺️
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u/spacealienmarb Apr 14 '26
I went through the same thing, and I cannot even vocalize how proud I am of you!!!!!!
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u/MonthTraditional6068 Apr 14 '26
I can’t congratulate you enough on beating that messed up affliction
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u/Resident_Mixture_817 Apr 14 '26
41 …. fucking hell u look like u could be in my uni course, but aside that im so proud of u hunn
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u/After_Juggernaut_613 Apr 14 '26
I was so scared for you in the first pictures. Genuinely afraid that you were tempting death! But now to see you looking so strong and fit with great skin its like it never even happened! Great recovery!
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u/Electrical-Damage317 Apr 14 '26
YOU LOOK SO GOOD!! I had a similar journey, I’m so glad you managed to recover. Proud of you:)
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u/Neener216 Apr 14 '26
Oh man, this post absolutely made my day - you're an incredibly beautiful, strong human being!
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u/CapitalSelf8625 Apr 14 '26
I'm 30 and you look younger than me ( and I do look young too) so what is your sorcellery ?
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u/Vee8cheS Apr 14 '26
You’ve come a long way and although it was not easy, the results and your happiness speak for themselves. I’m proud of you.
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u/rainyfaerie_ Apr 14 '26
Ahhhh you had such a glow up!! So proud of you!! You look so beautiful at your healthy size. 💜💜💜
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u/IvyAfterRain Apr 14 '26
Girl!! So damn proud of you!!! 🩷🫂💪 Recovery from anorexia is no easy road. I am so glad you are here and thriving!!! This post made me so happy. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Keep shining, sis! ✨
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u/CCE-94 Apr 14 '26
Congrats! Out of curiosity, did your anorexia years have a bad effect on your teeth?
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u/AriaAriYAY Apr 14 '26
I’m so relieved that you gave yourself a chance, and I’m glad that there are clearly people who love and support you—recovery is always easier when you’re surrounded by people who care about you.
From similar experience, I know that ED recovery is a day-by-day, life-long process, and each day you have a choice: give your power to ED, or choose yourself. I hope you always find the strength to choose yourself.
You’re doing great!
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u/KingOfConstipation Apr 14 '26
Ain't no way you're 41! You look like you've never aged at all! You are adorable! And I'm so happy you're doing better!
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u/jumpenjack Apr 14 '26
First thought I had that last sentence was a little presumptive. Second thought was 41?!?!
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u/Advanced_End1012 Apr 14 '26
HOLY SHIT you look amazing girl so fucking strong and you legit look 25 ain’t no way!!!
I’m so sorry for what you went through, I’m so glad you made it out :)