Anonymous asked: can you be put into in patient without being underweight? I'm not dying right now, not at all. my weight and organs are all perfect but I would rather got to IP treatment for my eating disorder then OP or IOP. is that possible?

Hey anon,

First off, I just want to say that I think it is really awesome that you are seriously thinking about going into inpatient. That is a really big step, and it is really brave. 

I’m no expert, but from what I’ve seen, inpatient facilities do not accept or reject you based on weight criteria. Eating disorders are about so much more than weight, and the people working in those facilities know that. They know that someone’s weight doesn’t determine how serious an eating disorder is and they evaluate you based on a long list of things, not just your weight. Weight is only a diagnostic criteria for anorexia, and anorexia is not the only eating disorder that exists. All eating disorders are serious and can be deadly if not treated, and they are all psychologically draining. So no, not being underweight won’t make it impossible to go into inpatient. They take into consideration things like your behaviors and their frequency, your thoughts, your self esteem, your history with drug use, and many other things, as well. Also, be prepared to have to go get blood tests and you may be asked to get an EKG done, as well. I would suggest you call the facility or facilities you are interested in and talk to them. They will most likely schedule a phone interview with you and through that figure out if their services are right for you, and if they aren’t, refer you to a place that can better help you. I know it’s scary and that it’s a big step, but it will be worth it. 

Honestly, I don’t think the biggest problem will be with the inpatient facilities, but with insurance. While those who treat eating disorders understand that weight is only the tip of the iceberg, and not always an accurate indicator of the severity of an eating disorder, insurance companies are all about that weight criteria and have denied people or ceased covering an inpatient stay once a patient reaches a certain weight, even if there was still much work left to be done. The inpatient facilities are often insurance gurus though, and will help you as much as possible with that. They will find as many loopholes as they can to get you as much money from insurance for as long as possible. Also, check out this website for some tips on how to get around those insurance roadblocks. This website may also help you out. 

Getting in to inpatient may be quite a stressful experience and finding the money for it may be difficult. It hasn’t ever been an easy process for anyone I know, but it has been worth it for all of them, and so I hope it is worth it for you, as well. Good luck and through all the frustration that may accompany this, hold on to the reason that has made you seek out this option and keep on jumping through those hoops that will undoubtedly be thrown at you. Stay strong and keep going.