The purpose of this study was to explore the subjective accounts of weight-recovered female patients, who met DSM-IV criteria for anorexia nervosa, regarding their views of their illness following weight restoration (BMI ≥ 19) in a structured inpatient program. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were administered to 15 participants (7 weight-recovered; 8 weight relapsed) to ascertain their perspective of the factors that either contributed to their maintaining a healthy weight, or the factors involved in their having lost weight and relapsing over the follow-up period. Qualitative analyses revealed 6 core categories: a wish to change and the willingness to let go; motivation and dedication; value of the treatment experience; reaching out, developing trust, and supportive relationships; awareness and tolerance of emotion; and self-acceptance/self-worth. This study provides valuable information about the way in which patients experience their illness. These findings can help clinicians develop a more comprehensive understanding of relapse and recovery in anorexia nervosa and help direct more tailored treatment.