I was wondering if anybody out there had done any counseling with a therapist while going through the lap band process. I'm not afraid of the surgery and I'm not afraid of not being able to have some of my "binge foods" anymore, but one of the things I feel I need to work at is how to have that mentality of being a thinner person and not seeing myself as a former fat girl. I thought about trying to find a counselor to start working through these issues BEFORE I have my surgery and then continuing during the weight loss process. I didn't know if there are counselors out there who deal specifically with or specialize in people who have weight issues. Anybody have any suggestions?

Yes, I am in therapy and I think it's going to be absolutely invaluable in helping me through this process. I just had surgery last month and I've already noticed a tendency to sabotage myself.

One morning when I weighed myself I had lost a pound and a half since the day before. That made 15 pounds total and it kind of freaked me out. And later that day, I had a strong craving for a fast food binge.

Change can be scary and stressful, even such a positive change. Without help, I think it would be a whole lot harder. I attend support groups (through my surgeon's office), journal about my feelings, participate in this forum, and see a professional therapist.

Good luck to you!

I started seeing a therapist 8 months before my surgery and continue to see her to this day. I started seeing her when I decided I wanted to get the surgery. I wanted to understand better the reasons for my eating and how weight loss surgery could change my body, but I would have to change my mind. I found an obesity specialist through my insurance. I love going to therapy. It has helped me so much. My life is changing with the weight loss and sometimes I get a little anxious and want to eat over it. Going to therapy and using the tools I have learned there help me to change my behaviors.

Therapy has been invaluable to me!

All the best to you on your journey.

~F

KarmaandKismet;

You are very wise to consider this.

Personally, I feel that counseling and ongoing therapy should be a REQUIREMENT for anyone who undergoes Weight Loss Surgery of any kind, and I am kind of surprised that insurance companies do not make this a KEY part of the process, other than the initial Psych consultation. I believe that it is a KEY component of success in this area.

SO MUCH of the obesity enigma is that it is a “mind game”. The Lap Band and the other forms of WLS can very effectively deal with the Physical component of Obesity, BUT unless the “mind’ component is dealt with, a very large percentage of WLS patients will not be as successful as they would like to be.

It is known that a certain percentage of Gastric Bypass patients will put the weight back on within a few years of losing it. This is not a result of any deficiency in the surgical mechanism, but it is a direct result of the “mind component” of weight loss not being addressed properly, or even addressed at ALL in so many cases. It is also known that in the case of the Lap Band, a large percentage of Patients never reach their intended goal, and, again, it is because (in many cases) the psychological and emotional issues that brought the patient to the point of needing surgery have never been addressed. So, yes…you ABSOLUTELY need to make Psychotherapy an integral part of your Weight Loss Surgery experience.

In answer to your question about Therapists who specialize in Weight Issues, yes, there ARE those who maintain a Specialty Practice in that field. You need to hunt for them a bit, and I should warn you that MOST Psychotherapists will say that they deal with weight issues, but the fact is that most of them do not deal with it as a SPECIALTY. And, you really do want someone who is a specialist in this, someone who has been doing it for a number of years as a primary practice.

Sometimes you will see them in the yellow pages, but as is most often the case, the BEST practitioners do NOT have to advertise. It is very possible that you can get a referral from your Surgeon’s office; they very often have good links to Professionals in this field. Also, if you contact your local chapter of Overeaters Anonymous, they often can refer you to Professionals as well. Again, I have to emphasize the importance of finding someone who is very well experienced and trained in Bariatric Psychology as a SPECIALTY, and not merely an incidental part of their practice. I think if you ask most Psychotherapists if they treat people with Obesity issues, they will all say yes. But, the vast majority of them will only have a couple of patients for whom it is a defining issue, and their experience in treating this problem is not very deep. So, take the time to find someone who really IS an expert in this….you will be well-served by having this kind of professional on your Team.

Good Luck with your Surgery, and please keep everyone posted on how you are progressing!

S.

I have been in therapy for a couple of years now, for a different issue, with a psychiatrist. I have found it is very helpful for me now dealing with weight loss and surgery. Since she knows me very well, she knows the ways I can sabotage myself (as I've done many times before surgery) and she really helps me be realistic in what I'm doing.

When I get frustrated because I don't feel like I'm doing this right, or discouraged because I feel like I'm failing at this, she has been wonderful.

I agree with Spartan though, if you don't already have a relationship with a counselor, I think it is a really good idea to get a specialist.

Mary

I too wanted to resolve the issues that made me eat.

I started a month ago & I feel better talking with a Therapist. It's not what you're eating, I'ts what's eating you? I also am afraid of failing. It's a great move:thumbup:.

Carol D'

I agree, I would encourage anyone to do therapy. While I have been in therapy for awhile now, my surgery is certainly something that has been discussed at length.

Sydney