mental health?

Hello all. I've lost 80 lbs as of today, im going to the gym as much as i can but, i feel like i should be "exercising my mind" as in counseling to deal with the mental issues. This was VERY hard for me to type. PLEASE, let me know if you feel the same way and has anyone gone to a counselor that deals with weight/eating disorders? I guess by biggest fear is that if i ignore the mental side of this that ill be in trouble down the road. michelle

OH HOW FUNNY IS IT THAT YOU WOULD MENTION THIS MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE. MY MOTHER AND ME WERE TALKING TODAY ABOUT OUR OWN MENTAL HEALTHS AND WHAT WOULD WE DO IF WE FOR ONE INSTANT BEGAN TO PUT WEIGHT BACK ON I DON'T KNOW IF I COULD DEAL WITH IT I THINK SEEKING HELP MIGHT BENEFIT ALL OF US.

I would have to agree. I have aleady started seeing a pshy. This is toooo much chage tooo fast. Your not alone with those feelings. My husband refers to me as "super *****". Keep smiling, i have been told it does get better. I was balemic(i am spelling this wrong), now i feel lost without food. Christina

Michelle, You hit the nail right on the head with that one little lady!!! Congrats on the weight loss - but even bigger SUPER KUDOS for recognizing that change takes more than surgery - and permanent change means change in the way you think and behave. To do that alone and without professional help - you have to be one super hero! While I do not have ANY statistics or data to back this up other than my talking with other post-ops who have been in varying levels of successfulness (if that is a word...), the best way to combat permanent, life-long obesity issues is to help you figure out why you got there in the first place. Many of us had mitigating cir****tances (children, injury, medical issues, etc.) but we all took it one or twelve steps farther by turning it into a disease itself. Like any other behavior associated outcome (bulimia for instance), one needs to redevelop behavior patterns in place of food or eating. I have sought counseling, but was seeing one for bipolar and severe depression before considering surgery anyway. However, we have discussed my food issues at length, and the self-esteem issues that have surrounded my food issues, etc. I could go on forever and forever about the benefits of counseling - but I'll spare you. Counseling is not admitting that you are weak, but acknowledging that you want to change your life for the better. Pick up the phone today & call a counselor! You might have to try one or two before you find one that you are comfortable with. Your local support group might be able to offer good references. Good luck & keep us posted! Barbie 281/210/150ish

Barbie, You are so right on about the counselling. Overeating is so wrapped up in emotional issues. During the 5 months since I have had surgery there have been situations and issues that have come up and I no longer have my constant companion of food to ease me through them. In the past I never wanted to confront issues/ people so I just sat down and stuffed my face until the anger or pain went away only to be confronted with disgust when I looked in the mirror. Now it's so different I actually have to get angry or deal with my pain and frustations head on. Boy that has been tough, super ***** is a polite term for the way I react from time to time. Starting counselling to help me learn constructive methods and strategies to deal with problems as they arise,