I’m still working the pre-op steps and am in therapy for emotional binge eating. I only know one other person who has had the gastric bypass and she can’t or is uncomfortable relating to my emotional talk. All of my family is obese or overweight so they don’t understand I’m looking for someone who’s in the same boat who can relate.

Hi SLT, how far along are you in the process. I will be having gastric bypass but am early in the process — I’ve started the 6-month supervised nutrition program and am beginning to get medical clearances. I don’t expect to have surgery until May or so.

I am also in therapy for depression and binge eating disorder. What I am finding helpful is a mindfulness-based approach to eating. The book “Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat for Binge Eating” by Michelle May has been very helpful, and there is a companion workbook for people who are planning to have or who have had bariatric surgery. I haven’t binged for a long while and have eaten when not physically hungry just twice in the last two months, which is really good progress for me. I’m using this time to really work on mindfulness and meditation and prepare for the surgery.

You may be looking for a veteran, but let me know if I can be helpful in any way. I know binge eating and overeating are difficult challenges, and the surgery and pre-op diets can be bingeing triggers.

Thanks for the reply Brightfaith
I have worked with a bariatric nutritionist for almost a year now. I have met my surgeon. I am currently in therapy for the binge eating and once they sign off then it will be up to the insurance. So far insurance has given me all the hoops I have to jump through before they’ll give me an answer.