I'm newly in counseling with a psychologist who works with WLS patients, as well as other people. I've had only four sessions thus far, but at this point it promises to be staggeringly effective.

For those of you who are now in or have sought counseling from a psychologist or psychiatrist to improve your chances for WLS success, do you have any observations about your counseling experiences or any lessons learned there that you would like to share?

Edited July 30, 201411 yr by VSGAnn2014

I don't but am glad it's been productive. I've been thinking of seeing a psychologist

I see someone every two weeks and it's been the best decision I ever made. My insurance only required a psych evaluation but I knew if I'm to be successful that I need to deal with what is going on in my head because it's not my stomach that caused the weight gain. I've been seeing the most awesome therapist for the last 6 months. Through therapy I have learned that I to establish boundaries with toxic family relationships; I've learned how to communicate my needs better with my family; I've learned how to deal with my emotions instead of eating over everything that happens; I've learned how to be proud of myself and my accomplishments instead of treating them like they don't matter and I don't matter; and, I'm learning how to let go of a lot of the negative behaviors around food. I will continue with this therapist after surgery as she has helped me so much in our time together.

I see someone every two weeks and it's been the best decision I ever made. My insurance only required a psych evaluation but I knew if I'm to be successful that I need to deal with what is going on in my head because it's not my stomach that caused the weight gain. I've been seeing the most awesome therapist for the last 6 months. Through therapy I have learned that I to establish boundaries with toxic family relationships; I've learned how to communicate my needs better with my family; I've learned how to deal with my emotions instead of eating over everything that happens; I've learned how to be proud of myself and my accomplishments instead of treating them like they don't matter and I don't matter; and, I'm learning how to let go of a lot of the negative behaviors around food. I will continue with this therapist after surgery as she has helped me so much in our time together.

Awesome! Thank you bpbqueen. Those are the topics I am just starting to address.

Newbie here! First appointment to get the ball rolling is Tuesday. At the info seminar I attended they said we would need a psych appointment, and for some reason this make me the most nervous out of all the tests I know I will need to have done pre-op!

Depending on your insurance, this could be as simple as sitting down and having a one of one with a therapist where they ask you some questions on what you've done or are doing to prepare for the changes that are coming up or it could be as involved as a series of questionnaires that you have to answer and be evaluated on. Do let it intimidate you. Just go into it and answer the questions honestly and be willing to work on areas that may need to be worked on.