I am almost ready to have the lap band. I am approved for surgery through my insurance company, I am now waiting on surgical clearance from my Dr. I will be setting a date for early January 2009. My question is, do you find that post operative visits with a physchologist are helpful, or do you prefer the support groups sponsored by your doctor?

Thanks for the input.

Julie

Julie-

I did the obligatory pre-op psych consult but in my heart I knew I had work to do. I love my support group but I don't think I could have shared with them pre-op the way I do now. I recommend this book: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Emotional-First-Aid-Kit-Practical/dp/0976852616/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227322042&sr=8-1]Amazon.com: The Emotional First Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery: Alexander Cynthia L.: Books[/ame]

Definitely the first 6 months after banding would have been helpful to have a counselor because as I released weight that I had tried to get off for years, a lot of emotion came with it. It would have helped a lot, but I didn't have the money to do so. I've never been to a support group, so honestly can't compare. But I think it has a lot to do with your personality. I tend to blend in a group and everyone else does more talking than me, so I can't say I would have gotten much help for needing to vent.

Thanks for the responses. I have great insurance with 26 visits to the physocologist per year. I just think that while I release the protective barrier (fat), that I need to develop the skills to deal with situations that are likely to develop. I have been invisible since childhood and will have to deal with not just being visible, but being the focus of attention (good & bad) for the first time in my life.

Julie

It's a serious emotional roller coaster. It really all depends on the type of person you are. I hate talking to phsycs so No it wouldn't of helped me. We all deal with it in different ways. If you feel comfortable with it I would make a couple appts and see how it goes. For me it was more venting online with Forums and blogs etc. I feel 100X's better now that I did about 4 months ago... about myself and about my life and even my weight.