How many of you see a counselor?
Im 5 years post op (in November) and i still dont think ive gotten this whole weight loss surgery down to a science. I keep hearing about how many people still go to therapy or to talk to a counselor. I hear that really helps in finding out what triggers you to eat and how to cope with it. I am a very big emotional eater but i also just suck at willpower. I do good for a few weeks and then with one slip up im like "well ive slipped up i might as well keep on" so i continue to eat crap until the weight is right back on. Im considering finding someone to go see but i was wondering the pros and cons and if you guys did? I have alot of issues that ive never seeked help about. I wish i had of when my dad passed away a year ago but i never did bc i just didnt want to feel weak but im giving up now. Im weak and i need some help.
Thanks for your help
Thanks for your help
When I went thru my divorce in the mid 90's I went to therapy. I absolutely loved it--and yes, I'd do it again in a heartbeat if the need arises. I am proud of you for considering getting some help working thru the issues. That is not a sign of weakness! We go to the dentist to get our teeth cleaned, we go to the hairdresser for highlights/cuts and we shouldn't feel bad about going to a professional for help working thru issues. Don't be afraid to meet with a few different ones before you find the counselor that is a good fit for you.
Kim
Kim
Seeking help when you recognize it is needed is not a weakness, but a great strength. I have seen counselors in the past and know one that I could go to if I need or want to. It is sometimes nice to have someone that is not involved personally with you to talk to and to vent.
You are not weak. You are an amazing, strong woman that needs some assistance to make it through her journey of weight loss and life. Call and make that appointment today.
You are not weak. You are an amazing, strong woman that needs some assistance to make it through her journey of weight loss and life. Call and make that appointment today.
vickie
I say go.
You aren't the first person nor will you be the last person who needs a counselor...if you were, there would be no such positions.
I think therapy is very effective if you are honest with yourself, your counselor, and follow his/her recommendations.
Stay positive. You can do this.
Best of luck to you.
Leslie
You aren't the first person nor will you be the last person who needs a counselor...if you were, there would be no such positions.
I think therapy is very effective if you are honest with yourself, your counselor, and follow his/her recommendations.
Stay positive. You can do this.
Best of luck to you.
Leslie
It is a tool just like your weight loss surgery! You took that step to find a healthier you. Mental health is just as important as physical. No harm in trying it! I have my first session on the 21st to combat my depression and eating problems. Seeing a therapist doesn't make you weak, it shows how strong you are!!!! Trust me, I've had problems for about 6 years and now I am taking control of my life! And yes, it includes therapy for me! People can look at me like a nut
b/c I'm going to a shrink BUT I am only doing this to find true happiness within myself! I want to be HAPPY and that is a good enough reason for me! 
b/c I'm going to a shrink BUT I am only doing this to find true happiness within myself! I want to be HAPPY and that is a good enough reason for me! 
Hi Hilary,
I will be six years post op on Oct. 11th, exacty one month from today and I have been seeing a counselor for about a year now. It has helped me in so many ways. I went after I had a regain.
I personally think 99% of people who suffer with the disease of morbidly obesity do so because of issues other than just loving food. I think food is just the tool they use to try to deal with the issue or issues because they don't recognize the problem or they don't know how to deal in a healthy way.
I tried to approach this with my surgeon on my last visit with him and was very disappointed in his "view." He said that most people's problems go away when they lose the weight. Of course he also tells his patients that they will lose the weight but then have a regain and their weight will end up settling at about 75% of the weight they needed to lose. In other words you will still be carrying 25% more weight than you should. So if I should weigh 150 I will end up weighing about 187.5 lbs and I should be happy with that.
Okay...I started out at 309 and lost down to 150, my goal. I then gained back up 218, started counseling and got back down to 175. I do still fluctuate within 10lbs usually. It's ironic that I am now at about 187. I've been reverting back bad habits...I'm dealing or not dealing with issues right now and I've got to deal in the healthy ways instead of stuffing my feelings with food. It is a long and hard process but it is so nice to have sokeone to help you sort things out.
I regress...my point is this: I think everyone who has WLS should be encouraged VERY STRONGLY to start counseling immediately after surgery to help you deal with head issues while you are in the honeymoon period. When you get to where we are now and you an eat almost anything you wants and larger amounts, you would be more prepared to handle life without using food as a crutch.
If you have BC/BS insurance there may be a perk for you that won't cost you for counseling. PM me is you do and I will tell you about it.
Good luck. You can do it...we ALL can and will with help!!
I will be six years post op on Oct. 11th, exacty one month from today and I have been seeing a counselor for about a year now. It has helped me in so many ways. I went after I had a regain.
I personally think 99% of people who suffer with the disease of morbidly obesity do so because of issues other than just loving food. I think food is just the tool they use to try to deal with the issue or issues because they don't recognize the problem or they don't know how to deal in a healthy way.
I tried to approach this with my surgeon on my last visit with him and was very disappointed in his "view." He said that most people's problems go away when they lose the weight. Of course he also tells his patients that they will lose the weight but then have a regain and their weight will end up settling at about 75% of the weight they needed to lose. In other words you will still be carrying 25% more weight than you should. So if I should weigh 150 I will end up weighing about 187.5 lbs and I should be happy with that.
Okay...I started out at 309 and lost down to 150, my goal. I then gained back up 218, started counseling and got back down to 175. I do still fluctuate within 10lbs usually. It's ironic that I am now at about 187. I've been reverting back bad habits...I'm dealing or not dealing with issues right now and I've got to deal in the healthy ways instead of stuffing my feelings with food. It is a long and hard process but it is so nice to have sokeone to help you sort things out.
I regress...my point is this: I think everyone who has WLS should be encouraged VERY STRONGLY to start counseling immediately after surgery to help you deal with head issues while you are in the honeymoon period. When you get to where we are now and you an eat almost anything you wants and larger amounts, you would be more prepared to handle life without using food as a crutch.
If you have BC/BS insurance there may be a perk for you that won't cost you for counseling. PM me is you do and I will tell you about it.
Good luck. You can do it...we ALL can and will with help!!
Christ's peace,
Connie aka Teal Rose
Hilary, I don't know you or your story, but I can totally sympathize with you. I recently had my 4 year surgiversary and find myself with alot of weight gain. I started surgery at 376. I lost 184 lbs and now I have gained 100 lbs back in almost 1.5 years. I'm back to being completely miserable with the extra weight. Clothes are getting too small again, so I'm having to resort to buying bigger clothes. I am extremely upset at myself! I never thought in a million years that this would happen. I thought it would stay off etc. But, now I know, it won't. I'm totally disappointed in myself because I have done this to myself.
I, too, am an emotional and stress eater. In the past two years, I have had another child, gone through a divorce, and having almost continous court battles with my ex-husband who hasn't seen their children in almost 2 years and wants nothing to do with them. Tons of stress on my end trying to make it in this world being a single mother to 2 children and trying to survive on one income. Am I stressed? You better believe it. Do I need help? Absolutely! I have GOT to find better ways to deal with my emotions and my stress.
Kudos to you for stepping out and realizing something needs to be done. I know something has to be done on my end too, but lack of resources and money, keeps me at bay and trying my best to deal with everything on my own. (Hence: the weight gain). Thank you for posting this and opening my eyes alittle more.
Karine
I, too, am an emotional and stress eater. In the past two years, I have had another child, gone through a divorce, and having almost continous court battles with my ex-husband who hasn't seen their children in almost 2 years and wants nothing to do with them. Tons of stress on my end trying to make it in this world being a single mother to 2 children and trying to survive on one income. Am I stressed? You better believe it. Do I need help? Absolutely! I have GOT to find better ways to deal with my emotions and my stress.
Kudos to you for stepping out and realizing something needs to be done. I know something has to be done on my end too, but lack of resources and money, keeps me at bay and trying my best to deal with everything on my own. (Hence: the weight gain). Thank you for posting this and opening my eyes alittle more.
Karine
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