The surgery fixes the BODY but, not the MIND

[10stackzz 184]

Should WLS patient check in continuously with a therapist, psychologist, or life coach post op?

*****I think initially we dive right into this surgery and hope for the best. We follow the doctor's order and lose the weight. However, the very reason we are at this point is because our mindful eating habits have been controlling us. The surgery will fix the outside appearance but, what about the inside?*****

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[4MRB4PHOTO 3,899]

If needed, it can be beneficial to discuss what is eating at us, so we can control what we are eating.

You are right, WLS is only a tool. We need to be in the right state of mind to use it to its fullest potential.

[Dairymary 533]

I lost 160 pounds, am 6 years postop and am maintaining at a couple pounds within my lowest weight. I guarantee I would not be this successful without the mental health support I received. I attended WLS support groups for more than 5 years before turning to this online support forum. I also saw a therapist regularly for about 2 1/2 years and then intermittently for another year. She's actually still "on call" for the rare occasion I need a boost.

Surgery helped me lose the weight, but what I learned about myself in therapy and developing new coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and emotions is the reason I keep it off. Therapy has helped with all aspects of my life, not just the weight/food-related parts. I highly recommend some sort of professional mental health support to help ensure long term success.

Edited January 1, 2017 by Dairymary

[highfunctioningfatman 2,675]

You can neuter a dog that doesn't stop them from wanting to hump your leg.

[barbbbsss 36]

Excellent advice! Ty

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[barbbbsss 36]

Dairy Mary are you still glad you did the surgery? You are far enough away from surgery so I imagine things have normalized as long as you are vigilant. Ty

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[ladyslim2015 74]

This is totally true. I don't know what is mentally bothering me now that I'm eating everything up . All the big stuff I thought I've dealt with.

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[Dairymary 533]

Dairy Mary are you still glad you did the surgery? You are far enough away from surgery so I imagine things have normalized as long as you are vigilant. Ty

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OMG I wouldn't trade it for anything. Everything is easier now that I'm not lugging the weight of a whole other person around everyday. I cavort with my grandkids, I work on our farm, I can walk around for hours on tours with my girlfriends without pain or fatigue, I have become my husband's trophy wife, I can shop in regular stores and look fabulous in whatever I put on, I am off all of my previous medications and now only pop Vitamins.

Sure, I have loose skin and saggy boobs, I can't get my money's worth at all you can eat buffets, and I do have to be mindful of what I eat and drink, but it's all worth it to feel this great. I'd say things "normalized" around 2-3 years out. This is when I had reached goal and learned what it took to maintain. The last 3 years have just been spent living my new normal.

[Montana Gal 448]

@@Dairymary, you are amazing....an inspiration!

[barbbbsss 36]

Thanks so much! Sounds great. Enjoy the grandkids! Congrats on your success!

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[newimage2017 7]

I lost 160 pounds, am 6 years postop and am maintaining at a couple pounds within my lowest weight. I guarantee I would not be this successful without the mental health support I received. I attended WLS support groups for more than 5 years before turning to this online support forum. I also saw a therapist regularly for about 2 1/2 years and then intermittently for another year. She's actually still "on call" for the rare occasion I need a boost.

Surgery helped me lose the weight, but what I learned about myself in therapy and developing new coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and emotions is the reason I keep it off. Therapy has helped with all aspects of my life, not just the weight/food-related parts. I highly recommend some sort of professional mental health support to help ensure long term success.

Great advice. I totally agree, I still see a clinician as I use food to cope with stress. This ongoing support has really help me recognize when I'm emotionally eating. I truly see counseling as a vital part of my journey and success to weight loss.

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[newbeing 19]

Hello everyone! I am 10 days post op and I can tell you that my therapist and support group have been an integral part of recovery thus far. I used to say, "I will be ok as I don't think I have much of a food addiction " ... I was so wrong.

The first few days have been so rough bc all I am left is with...myself! As my therapist put it and it's a tough place to be at. Not being able to go to food, alcohol, or shopping has been something that has made me look into myself and listen to myself.

I have a long road ahead but I am so grateful to have a network of support and feel I am not alone. I don't know how people do this without support of a professional or some type of group.

Good luck all!

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Edited January 1, 2017 by newbeing