Hi Flier: I'm not sure exactly what to say, because I know there is a whole world about which I know little re: eating disorders.

I have weight issues/compulsive overeating, etc., but it's not the same (I don't think - I don't really know).

I guess I thought that once one had an eating disorder, they always had the propensity toward relapse, and were considered 'in recovery' if they manage to beat the severe manifestations of the disorder. Is that sort of correct?

If it is, then I'm not sure how the actual numbers on the scale are really relevant to whether you have the disorder or not, do you know what I mean; I guess I'm trying to say that I'm not sure that I see how you've even 'lied' to your friends...Isn't it more the constant focus on the calories, weight, etc., to the point of compulsion that is the issue, and not what the scale says?

If I started purging on a regular basis, to the point that I felt compelled to do so, would it make me 'less' bulemic because I am still heavy...

If the thing is that you've discussed the exact amount that you weigh with your friends, and fudged a bit, (no pun intended), I mean, haven't we all? I sure as heck don't say how much I actually weigh, not even on my driver's license.

I just hope that this situation doesn't make you want to do yourself harm like you said = you're friends wouldn't have you available to them at all then, right? Is the 'number' really so important = you guys are bound by the underlying issues causing the disorder, right, not by how many pounds someone weighs = or is that part of the disorder?

See, I just don't know, so I don't want to say... I guess I really just want to encourage you to go a bit easy on yourself, and to take good care of your emotional health, and don't let this thing beat you up... Take care, and I'll check back with you, OK?

Your friend, Peanut

<font color=blue>HI FROM PEANUT </font color=blue>