Question:
Has anyone went to a phychologist post op?
Has anyone went for counseling post op to help them deal with the weight loss? I feel like I need to see someone to help me deal with the changes in my life. I feel as if I have some hidden agenda or something that kept me fat for so many years. I had a great childhood, however, I was in a mentally abusing relationship for a few years that was cnetered around my weight. Now, I feel as if I have some hang up with being thin and find myself slipping a bit on the eating regimen and not knowing why. Anyone need help, professionally to be successful with the whole WLS proccess? — Jan S. (posted on September 7, 2003)
September 7, 2003
Yes, I have. My surgeon has in his office on staff psychologist who only
deal with gastric bypass patients. They know that the many changes that
take place during and after weight loss can be fearful and uncertain. I
also go to a psychaitrist because I have clinical depression...always have
had it. I think post op counseling is very important and is just another
tool to help us along. Feel free to email me anytime for more info. You
take care and get the help you need. Remember they operated on your
stomach not your head....!
— Karen Renee
September 7, 2003
— sissie S.
September 7, 2003
Absolutely! I'm one of those people that thinks counseling before and for
at least 6-12 months after surgery should be mandatory. I speak from 8-1/2
years of being in counseling and know how much it can help, but more
important I speak from the heart of someone who lost 200 lbs on their own
back in 94/95 only to find out there was a huge underlying depression I had
no idea existed. The weight loss just brought all kinds of things to the
surface that I had no idea were there or such a big deal. I would not wish
a 200 lb regain on my worst enemy so I tend to suggest counseling to almost
everyone. I figure it can't hurt anyone and in 99.9% of people it will
help them in some way shape or form. I felt so much safer going into
surgery knowing that my depression was under wonderful control for about 3
years and that I had my counselor and psychiatrist as a support system
should anything arise. I would be able to get things settled down before
they took over my life again, and it has helped. As well controlled as my
depression is I have had a few days where for absolutely no reason I had
very down days, but fortunatley they were only a day or so long. At about
5-6 months PO my mind started playing games with me. I think it has a lot
to do with the closer I get to the weight I hit back in 95 (240 lbs) the
more I start to wonder if this is for real this time. I know it can be and
I know I am not in the same place this time but it is still scary. I am
entering new territory as I have never weighed less than 240 as an adult
and I hope to get to around 200 lbs. So while all of this is wonderful
your mind can be a sadistic thing at times and find all kinds of ways to
sabotage you.
<p>The fact that you feel like you could benefit from counseling is
wonderful and your body/mind is telling you "I need a little extra
support through this journey". This is not a failure or a weakness,
this is a smart person realizing it is a sometimes difficult and many
faceted process and to succeed we need to work through the issues that
brought us to WLS in the first place. Please make that call! I'm not sure
if psychologist's do counseling or not but look in your insurance book and
find out who is covered and make that call today! You might also ask your
PCP or GYN if they know of some counselors that might be a good match for
you. Personality match is important, so if after a few visits you are not
feeling more comfortable do not be afraid to change as it is important to
have a good working relationship for long-term success. You have to
develop a solid trust to really make long term progress. I have been
blessed with 3 wonderful counselors in the 8 years. The first one was male
and he moved out of state to be near elderly parents. We worked together
for about 3 years. He helped me to choose the next person who was a woman
he knew and we worked great together too. We worked together for about
2-1/2 years. She left clinical practice to do in-home practice, for
immobile people, and be more available to her recently widowed mother. She
fixed me up with my current counselor who is also a woman and we work very
well together. She is married to a psychiatrist, but never pushes or even
suggests that I should change psychiatrist's to her husband. It is very
traumatic to have to change counselors but with the help of my various
counselors the changes were as easy as it possibly could be.
<p>Sorry I went on so long, but I just want you to know this will be
a wonderful decision in your life and you will learn so much about yourself
and be so better prepared to deal with what life throws at you and not
always revert to food to deal with everything. Take Care and make that
call today! Blessings, Chris D.
— zoedogcbr
September 8, 2003
I think that it is a great idea. I have had counseling post op and continue
to see a great nutritionist weekly. The studies show that people who take
advantage of professional help post op have greater and more sustained
success than those who don't. I know that I really would be floundering
without my nutritionist. You are very smart to deal with these issues now
and not when you have already gained some weight back and are wondering,
"Why do I do this to myself?". I think we all need to examine the
reasons we got MO in the first place. If we do not address these issues how
can we avoid them in the future? Good luck and good for you!
— Carol S.
September 8, 2003
Uh huh. I go a minimum of once a month. Always a good idea to have an
unbiased opinion on your sanity...ha ha. I'm 27 months post op and
maintaining goal. Good luck and God Bless!
— Kimberly L.
September 8, 2003
Yep and you go through so many physical and emotional changes after surgery
that I think everyone should go.
— jennifer A.
Click Here to Return