So I've been reading a lot of posts and many people mentioned how helpful it has been to have a therapist to help them with the mental and emotional part of this journey. Ive had two rough years with the band and even though I have not given up and am still losing weight I think taking this next step and talking with someone about the other issues both food related and non food related I will be better prepared for success. My problem is that I do not know where to start. I want someone who deals w wls patients or food related issues or addictions. How did folks find a therapist? Am I being too picky about this? I did not like the person my original surgeon recommended for pre surgery evaluation. I have no idea to start so I have been putting it off for a while.

Does your insurance cover mental health? If so, you could start by looking at who is covered on your plan. That's what I did. Then I googled them to see if they had a website and read up on them to see what kinds of things they specialized in. The one I picked didn't necessarily deal with food issues, but she's so good that she's zoned in on what is causing my food issues...depression, loneliness, etc...and we're focusing on that.

She said people use all kinds of things to deal with their "issues", we use something to dull the pain...alcohol, drugs, excessive exercising...mine is binge eating.

All that to say...even if someone doesn't "specialize" in eating disorders, it doesn't mean they can't help you with it.

Another thing you could do...if you feel comfortable...is tell your surgeon that you didn't really click with the therapist he used for your pre-surgery consult. Ask if he could recommend someone else. Or ask someone else in the office (nutritionist, nurse, etc) who they would recommend besides the original therapist.

Last option is word of mouth. Ask around. Ask those close to you if they know of someone, you would be surprised to know how many people around you have seen a therapist/shrink.

Good luck! You're making the right step...

This question and initial response was very helpful to me because I too feel the need for counseling. Focusing on losing the weight is one thing, how you feel about yourself and the excess weight is quite another. Sometimes it's much bigger than how we approach food and staying on a healthy eating plan. Sometimes we also need a healthy mind plan.

Getting to the root of our "addiction" would be a well-rounded plan.

I thought that I needed to find someone versed in WLS patients, but you are right, they don't have to specialize in that - they may only need to hone in on what's "eating" you. I will start my search there!! Thanks to the both of you!!

I Googled psychiatrist with my city and state~ in the results it I found that a lot of doctors had there specialties listed. Also you can go through your insurance companies website, mine lets me search by specialty.

I'm a psychologist in Utah (and also a bandster), and I would say you probably want a psychologist rather than a psychiatrist just because psychiatrist now days generally specialize more in prescribing medication and less in doing therapy. When you find a psychologist you want to try, make sure they are licensed by your state (there are a lot of quacks out there) and that they have experience in eating disorders/issues. A good place to start is the psychology today website. The most important thing about finding a good therapist is that you feel comfortable and safe with them. Good luck!