Question:
If you are a binge eater will the surgery be unsuccessful?

I had my psych evaluation today and she told me that people who are successful with this surgery at least have their binge eating under control at the time of surgery. She said binge eaters can become bulimics. I think she is going to give me a bad evaluation because she said it sounded like I didn't have my binge eating under control. I realize that eating compulsively after surgery is a big problem and I am willing to continue with counseling after the surgery to help me work through the issues that may be causing me to overeat. Are there any successful post ops that didn't have their binge eating under control at the time of surgery?    — Diane O. (posted on October 6, 2000)

October 6, 2000
First off, let me say that I'm Canadian and, through the wonders of universal health care, not subjected to the hoops you guys in the States go through for insurance approval. HOWEVER ... I've been a binge eater my whole life. Happy? Eat an entire chocolate cake. Sad/mad/ depressed? Clean out the fridge, six cupboards, and the snack aisle at the supermarket. By its very nature, binge eating is uncontrolled eating. AND YOU CAN'T DO IT AFTER SURGERY! Your pouch simply won't allow you to do that, unless you have an extremely high tolerance for pain. Basically, one or two bites too many and you're very sorry you even thought about it. As for "binge eaters becoming bulimics", is the psychologist referring to binge eaters who don't have the surgery, or binge eaters that do? Binge eating is one of the things WLS takes care of, because it makes it physically impossible to do it. My experience post-op is that food has ceased to be the primary focus of my life, and so much of my life has improved (more energy, less fatigue, increased physical stamina and abilities, smaller clothes, etc., etc., etc.) that binge eating -- or any other kind of eating, really -- isn't my "weapon of choice" against emotional upheaval anymore. My impression is that this person didn't really understand the physiology of WLS, and, if you "flunk", I'd take it up with your surgeon and/or insurance company. Good luck!
   — Cheryl Denomy

October 6, 2000
I think the psychologist is referring to binge eaters who have the surgery will become bulimic - i.e. eat until they can't hold anymore and then vomit. I think this is more true with VBGers than with RNYers due to the nature of the anatomy of the surgery.<br><br>For me, personally, I was a binge eater and would eat all the time - for depression, stress, celebration, as well as three meals a day. I was totally food-centered and now see food as mere sustenance.<br><br>I am a revised VBG to RNY. The VBG did nothing to change my attitude toward food and I did sometimes eat too much until I would make myself sick because I couldn't determine when I was full and could also eat ANYTHING with no problem. With the RNY, vomiting is so difficult, that you train yourself to know when to stop. It just isn't worth it! Post-op counseling is a great idea. Best wishes with the approval!
   — [Deactivated Member]