Welcome janesayz (love janes addiction BTW)
Tell your friends whatever makes you more comfortable outing yourself is not a requirement! You can say you are working on a new physical regimen. As far as the weight issue I hear you. Although I've never been bulimic I have always walked the line with controlled eating. I use to love the side effect of drinking and the lack of appetite. In the first month of sobriety I too was shocked about my sudden awakening of hunger. I think my body was like WTF.
Actually focusing on eating really well and keeping track of nutrients that are depleted from alcohol abuse kept me from gaining weight as well as loosing.
I do recommend something sweet and sinful during an alcohol craving though. A few scoops of ice cream or a piece of cake. that has far fewer calories then a bottle of wine
Be well