Fans did not see this coming. MTV alum Bam Margera just came clean about his previous battle with bulimia, which is defined as “compulsive overeating usually followed by self-induced vomiting or laxative or diuretic abuse, and is often accompanied by guilt and depression.” He and his parents, April and Phil Margera, reflected on this difficult time during an appearance on Viceland’s [Epicly Later’d](https://www.vice.com/enus/article/xwwbnz/watch-bam-margeras-episode-of-epicly-laterd)_.

“We would go out to dinner and he would immediately excuse himself and go to the bathroom. I’d say, ‘Are you throwing up?’ And he says, ‘Yeah, yeah. Sometimes I throw up and that way I’m not gonna get fat,'” April explained, also adding, “When you’re on camera a lot, people have a lot to say.”

The pro skateboarder would use alcohol to curb his appetite and eventually developed a drinking problem. HIM singer Ville Valo may be partially to blame, as Bam explained, “I remember when me and Ville Valo were out in London and he woke up at noon, opened up the mini bar and cracked open a beer. That was the first time I was introduced to day drinking. I didn’t start officially drinking until maybe 24 or 25. Then the rock star life and drinking spun out of control.”

The Viva La Bam alum has been open about his demons in the past, also documenting his struggles on VH1’s Family Therapy With Dr. Jenn. He entered rehab in December 2016, admitting at the time, “I went two and a half months without drinking then the Estonian darkness made me pick up the bottle again. I’m off to get treatment for two months. This should have happened a long time ago.”

Bam is now married to Nicole Boyd and they are expecting their first child together, a boy they will call Phoenix Wolf. “I was really nervous at the beginning, but now I’m getting used to it,” he told People. “I’ve had a lot of help from my mom and dad. My brother has five kids already.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please call 1-800-931-2237.