[embarassed]

I was just wondering how long it takes for the symptoms/evidence of bulimia to show up? How long before you start to see electrolyre imbalances, lacerations in the esophagus, puffy cheeks, etc. Does it take months, years, or week?

[Perna]

Different symptoms would happen at different times; for instance, dehydration and blood test problems as well as intestinal ones could happen pretty much right away. It would depend too on type of bulimia and how serious it is, what is/is not being eaten, age and physical condition the person is in, etc.

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/buli..._treatment.htm

[wanttoheal]

Also, any episode can tear or rupture the esophagus, which can have a fatal outcome. Depending on your body and hydration, the electrolyte imbalance can occur pretty quickly and cause a heart attack or stroke. It doesn't take long. Good luck with your recovery.

[JenKat]

It can vary so much depending on the person. One person can purge and start seeing symptoms very, very soon; while for others it takes a bit longer. All bodies react differently, but no matter what, symptoms tend to creep up on you faster than you would think. Stay safe and be sure to take care of yourself! Good luck!

I'd go see a nurse and tell them you have an ED. At my school (college) they have special nurses who do eating disorder check ups every 6 months. They know what to look for to keep you from getting too far gone.

[embarassed]

Thanks for the replies. I've been throwing up for less than a month. I should probably tell someone now before I am "too far gone" but I'm worried that people will just laugh and say that I don't really have a problem. I still look normal. I keep promising myself that I won't do it again but that's what I said after the first time I threw up.

[BalishBun]

you might still look normal on the outside but youll never know what the inside looks like.