Received a letter from Ohio State University Bariatrics program yesterday stating they are referring me to behaviorial modification classes (12 wks) before they will consider my application again. Anyone out there ever experienced this. If so, I'd like to hear from you and about your outcomes. While I believe it will be helpful I'm concerned that they want to "re-evaluate" my case after the 12-weeks. Then what? I've battled my weight all of my life and have 3 comorbidities so I'm not sure what this is all about. (maybe something was triggered in a freakin online psych eval) :thumbdown::bored::mad2::mad2:

I personally think it would be wonderful if we all had behavior modification classes. The band still needs a lot of changes in behavior and attitudes and the classes would sure make those changes easier. I think they just want to be sure you will be sucessful.

Wish I'd had 'behavior modification' classes instead of the nutritionist for the six months prior to surgery!

She didn't help at all, knew nothing about the Band or supplements, and let's face it: what good could she do in a 15-minute visit each month (which took me 50 minutes to get to and then 50 minutes back!) Ya do what ya gots to do ta make the insurance companies happy!!

I still face my own battles every day, replete with head hunger and many many triggers--so welcome your behavior modification classes with open arms (can we all join you :confused2: ) !!

It does sound like a good idea for before or after the band!

My pschologist has me seeing a person in his office for behavior modification, however, I've only been seeing her the last couple of weeks and my surgery is scheduled for March 21. She told me they like to do this over a longer period of time sometimes 6 to 8 weeks before surgery, but my date was just set recently and I hadn't gotten into see her earlier. So far she's been a BIG help and I'd recommend it to you and anyone else that could see someone for help on this issue. She told me it is to get you used to your new eating behaviors so you don't go into it cold turkey and that what they are seeing in there office 2 year post op patients that did NOT have this therapy are regaining some of their weight and old eating habits, thus, the reasoning behind it. Go for it and reap the rewards it should bring later!!

The bariatric center I am going to required that you attend 3 support group meetings through their office and during those the Dietitian just gave in depth explanations of what to eat post op and explained the life changes, food changes, and the emotional detachments you have to make from food.

They lasted 3 weeks. I think its similar to the classes you mentioned. I wouldn't want to do them for 12 weeks though... But also my mother is a dietitian so I have heard it my whole life so even 3 weeks about did me in.

My weight loss program in Central Massachusetts requires everyone to complete a 6 week behavioral medicine class and a 1 month follow up after the class as one of the steps for qualifying for surgery. They really emphasize the comprehensive approach to weight loss so they want to make sure they get that piece in to help with the mental part of the surgery.

I know we all like our instant gratification, but I'm really impressed that your program includes the possibility for behavioral mod classes. That's so impressive! Our behaviors are the single largest key to success with our bands, and too many programs disregard them.

Be patient, and don't worry about re-evaluation. I know it's a speedbump you'd probably rather not have to slow down for, but long term I think you will be thrilled it happened, and will probably have better results for taking it in stride and learning from it.

All good advice on the above posts. I have yet to have a band date. I am on the six month medically supervised diet. (I would say it is just a self-supervised diet). The only requirement was to see the nutritionist once for 15 minutes. Was handled a 2 page copy (vague) of what foods to eat during liquid and mushy stages and what not to eat when I finally get to solids. I can tell you that 3 months ago I was scared. Then I came upon this forum. Just read everything I could and that's what has really helped me adjust to what I am in for. This forum plus sticking to a diet that is similar to how I will be eating when I am on solids after banded. I do wish I would have had a behavior mod classes to support me through this process. Just that extra help would have at least make me feel that what I am doing counts. I have felt that I have been just hanging in limbo with not a lot of support other than from LBT. Good luck and hope your required courses are a help for you.

Hi, I agree with all above post. I'd like to tell you what has happened to me so far. I have been to behavioral therapy for about 2 years. Thought I could do it on my own (lose weight) with talk behavioral therapy. A big " Did not work for me". So for the last 3 years, I have meditated on Gastric by pass. I just couldn't go that route. It was way to drastic for me. then I heard about the Lap Band. So I started thinking about that. And after 6 months, I made up my mind--go for it!! I told my pp and she talked to me about it and was very supportive (I have just about every morbidity you can think of). I am 61 yrs. old and want to live and to be here for my grandchildren.

The best thing that happened for me was going on the net and finding this web site. I am still learning what site to write on.Now for more rambling, when I get excited, I start to plan (I have been disappointed before when I jump right in) anyhoo, I found this site and then I when to the site for the hospital that does this surgery in my area. Well, there are pages and pages of what to expect, what to do while waiting for your appt., everything is outlined for you.I was surprised and elated so I printed it and made a note book and started working with it. I have already called to verify what medicare and medicaid will pay and what I have to do to hurry along the process. I went back in to see my pp and ask her to help me with the schedule of things to do. and she has started that

Sorry rambling back to the topic. While watching a talk show (don't remember the one) they talked about a book about eating while others sleep. It's title is "Overcoming Night Eating". I don't know if any of you girls do that but I do and also grazing. Between the therapy, book, THIS SITE and friends and family(just my oldest son and his wife and my sister", I am on the road to trying to be prepared for the psych. eval. AND don't worry!! they(doc.) just want to make sure that you are up to dealing and MOST of all that you get the result that you are wishing and a praying for. also that you will be happy. Good luck!!! HOPE this hasn't sounded "know it all" 'cause I don't. Just wanted to share. wishes and prayers are coming your way Sallie:smile: