Therapist?

[livvsmum 2,370]

Does anyone see a therapist regularly for their eating issues? I am considering contacting one in our area that specializes in eating disorders. I've done amazingly so far - I've lost 120+pounds in 8 months - but I feel the "honeymoon period" wearing off and I catch myself really feeling vulnerable and feeling like I could just as easily slip back into self-destructive eating patterns. In some ways I feel like it my be naive of me to think that I can do this without some support in coping with my life-long unhealthy eating. Surgery (as you all well know) does not "cure" food additions or unhealthy relationships with food.

So....what do you think? Is there anyone who does or has met with a therapist while losing weight, nearing goal, after being at goal? It is crazy, but the closer to goal I get (only 12 pounds away!!!) the more vulnerable I feel.....

[InfiniteButterfly 438]

I am continuing to work with my therapist post-surgery. We worked together pre-surgery, and I really credit her with how well I am doing post-surgery, because we discussed expectations and goals, moods, etc., and I haven't (yet) fallen into the depression trap that I see a lot of recent post-surgery people mention. Just because of this, I plan to continue seeing her until I've reached goal, because I think it really helps have someone impartial that's familiar with WLS and can help with the emotional rollercoaster post-surgery.

Granted, I'm only 7 days out, and not anywhere near goal, but I do think my continued work with her is going to be essential to my success.

[BeagleLover 1,020]

I think therapy can be very helpful. A book I have read that is helpful is "Emotional First Aid..." and books by Kay Sheppard. Good luck!

[DeniseNCC1701 306]

I've been seeing a psychotherapist since about 2 weeks post op. I really like her, and I know our weekly meetings have been invaluable. At this early stage in the game (or any stage for that matter), I believe it's important to build the strongest bariatric support team that you can. They will be your rock(s) when things get rough, and they will rally around you and build you up.

Be well…

[moonlitestarbrite 902]

a lot of people find a therapist very helpful after this surgery (and before too).

[squeaker31 65]

I have been seeing a counselor every couple of weeks for a while and now that I'm post op I think I will do weekly visits for a little while. It's definitely relearning a lot of things. Not just behaviors but attitudes.

[gomekast 559]

I do. I've had the same therapist for years now. She specializes in bariatric surgery and eating disorders.

That said..im 7.5 months post op and have hit exactly the same spot as you. Suddenly feel so lost. I saw my dietician this week and I was given specific instructions to stop counting numbers. .calories/carbs/fat/protein etc. And just trust when I feel hungry. Harder to do for me than it sounds. She also told me to start going to the clinic led support group, she said I was at the point where a lot of people feel lost.

This is why I think it would be great to have some sort of 6-12 month forum for us tweens as gamergirl put it on another thread. There seems to be a great deal of support for pre and fresh post op and the 1+year out vets but not us tweeners. I think thats where a lot of us fall off of here and begin to feel lost and alone.

[livvsmum 2,370]

I do. I've had the same therapist for years now. She specializes in bariatric surgery and eating disorders. <br><br> That said..im 7.5 months post op and have hit exactly the same spot as you. Suddenly feel so lost. I saw my dietician this week and I was given specific instructions to stop counting numbers. .calories/carbs/fat/protein etc. And just trust when I feel hungry. Harder to do for me than it sounds. She also told me to start going to the clinic led support group, she said I was at the point where a lot of people feel lost. <br><br> This is why I think it would be great to have some sort of 6-12 month forum for us tweens as gamergirl put it on another thread. There seems to be a great deal of support for pre and fresh post op and the 1+year out vets but not us tweeners. I think thats where a lot of us fall off of here and begin to feel lost and alone.

Good point! I guess it's good to know I'm not the only one feeling this way

[moveandgroove 67]

Totally agree gomkast!! I am 10 months - not at goal and starting to feel a little lost. I am seeing a therapist as well now - just started. For those of us that are close to being vets but not yet at goal weight or close - it would great for an inbetween group.

[Pugmadkate 61]

I've started working with a therapist pre-op and plan on continuing to see her for as long as I feel it nessicary. You deserve the support, go for it!