DEAR ABBY: I live on soft drinks. I don't eat real food. I can't remember the last time I ate a hot meal, much less vegetables. I exist solely on massive amounts of soda -- two two-liter bottles a day. If I put food in my stomach, it's usually bread or candy.
I don't binge and purge. Because I'm never hungry, I don't look at it as starving myself. The last time I tried to get off the soda I got sick to my stomach, light-headed and felt out of sorts. I don't know if I'm addicted to the caffeine, the sugar or both. I want to be able to go to a restaurant on a date and eat like a normal person.
I don't know what to do or how to do it. This liquid diet is slowly killing me and I need help. I have expressed my concerns to my doctors and even my therapist. I don't think they believe me or understand the extent of my problem. What would you suggest? -- STUCK IN SOUTH CAROLINA
DEAR STUCK: It appears you have an eating disorder. Because your doctor and your therapist both seem unable to understand that and help you, consider replacing them. You should also consult a licensed nutritionist who is a registered dietitian (R.D.).
Caffeine and sugar withdrawal can both cause the symptoms you describe. Neither withdrawal is "fun," and both can cause headaches and more. You may have to wean yourself rather than quit cold turkey, and a nutritionist can help you to create a personalized eating program that's right for you.