During my pre-op journey, I started going to a therapist to figure out why I have allowed myself to get into this situation. ( over 100 lbs over weight with many medical conditions) I have been diagnosed with both PTSD and Compulsive eating disorder. Wondering if there are many peeps out there like me? I believe the surgery will not work for me without therapy. I have been going weekly for 5 months. The connection between the " why" is important to me. Anyone in the same boat? I would love to hear from you.

this surgery will not work without therapy or psychological help, you have to get your head in the right place before you get your body in the right place.

Yep, in the same situation as you with regard to the PTSD. I knew I had suffered from PTSD in the past 25 years but after starting therapy 18 months ago I realized I was still suffering from it, just to a lesser degree than in the past. I know I cannot get through this without staying in therapy. I have made significant changes already with significant health benefits. My therapist said she wish all of her clients worked half as hard as me so I guess I am doing something right.

I'm pretty sure I'll never live PTSD free though.

PM if you want to talk.

@@Marie2016, same story here. Therapy for my BED saved me and made it possible for me to have a successful wls experience. PM me as well if u need to talk.

Yes... Same boat. I started therapy a few weeks before my WLS and it has really helped. I see her once a week.

If you need to talk message me as well.

@@Marie2016 - same with me.... I have been seeing a therapist to figure out what are my triggers for eating compulsively. I think anyone who has this surgery can benefit from looking at how to got this way before surgery.

I also started to participate in a compulsive eating support group. This has helped me a lot. Its similiar to 12 steps and I find a good connection here.

Has the support group helped with triggers etc? Is it online or group setting? Thanks for any information.

Has the support group helped with triggers etc? Is it online or group setting? Thanks for any information.

Yes this has helped.... The support group is my local OA Meeting. I live in California - I go to a meeting based in San Mateo. I appreciate that we all have different stories but the feelings and emotions around food are the same. If you want to ever talk it out - let me know. I have a phone network that helps too!!!

I looked into some online resources and I was not finding a good connection there. Although - Nik from Bariatric Foodie has been great too. She has a call that I really connect with.

If you need more infor or just someone to talk, let me know. Just message me.

I had an interest in Bariatric surgery last year in May but there were so many personal issues besides being unhappy with my weight that I had to deal with so I decided to see a therapist and psychiatrist instead .....well after 6 months of therapy and Lexapro

I finally had a clear head to focus on me and I finally made an appointment at the Bariatric center I started loosing weight in the pre-op stages waiting on surgery date and am continuing therapy because it really held to talk to someone who has no interest in judging you but only to listen to everything you want to tell them that's on your mind.

How did y'all go about finding a good therapist? I would ask my surgeon's office, but they are out of town and I need to be in-town/in-network. I've googled my area, but there are so many I don't know where to start.

I found my therapist through my insurance company's network. They list specialties for the therapists in the network. I am blessed to find someone that is female and deals with both PTSD and Compulsive Easting disorders. I am pre- surgery ( still waiting) but this work has been extremely beneficial. I hope you are able to find what you need. The Head stuff- definately goes with the body stuff in my case.

Thank you--that's a great place to start.

I was recently diagnosed with BED binge eating disorder and requested to be put on Vyvanse

@@Mega_100 - during the prework for surgery, we had to meet with a therapist. From this list I found my therapist. I really feel you need someone who is aware of the surgery and its outcomes.

Mega 100, If you have insurance, you want to stay in network. When there is not a financial issue, it will be much easier to go as long as you need. I made inquires to a few different therapist. Don't settle for one that you are not comfortable with. I have talked to therapist in the past that made me feel worse about myself. That is not what anyone needs. I opted for a therapist that specialized in eating disorder and trauma. I also wanted a female as many of my issues are difficult to talk about in the first place. Good Luck

@@Mega_100 - during the prework for surgery, we had to meet with a therapist. From this list I found my therapist. I really feel you need someone who is aware of the surgery and its outcomes.

I agree, having someone familiar with eating issues and bariatric surgery would be ideal. I really liked the doc I went to pre-op for the psych eval, but she isn't in-network unfortunately and finances are definitely a factor.