Behavior Modification????

Hi all.... Two days ago I went for my psych consult which resulted in me being referred for short term behavior modification therapy for binge eating. This has to happen BEFORE Dr. Fang's office will submit for insurance approval. Sigh. Has anyone else had to do something like this? How long of a delay will this pose for my hopeful approval? Also, where in Tucson can I go to get this "modification therapy?" Thanks guys.... I feel slightly frusterated about yet another stumbling block so any help you guys have would be very helpful. Hugs, K

going to behavior modification happens a lot to pre op people. I had to go through it for the same reason. The problem I had though, i looked up a therapist on my own and it turned out awful. I ended up calling the doctor that told me to go to behavior modification and asked for references. All of the doctors were not covered by my insurance so I went to a recomended social worker who charges less. It was really smart to go to someone refferred because the non-referred doctor said behavior mod would take a year before she would write a letter.. and the social worker I went to had a plan and understood and it took 3 weeks, 3 appointments once a week... So yeah, call the person who told you to go to behavior mod for references... I can give you my social workers number too in case you are interested in that. Her name is Elizabeth Murphy and she is based in Scottsdale. Her number is 480 390 7707. -Jess

Krista, I too had to go for behavioral mod due to binge eating! I too was bummed and even a little ticked off that everyone else got to sail right into surgery. I had to go for at least six sessions and prove that I had improved/changed before they would consider me again. It cost me an additonal $600.00 out of pocket (I went to a Phoenix doc) and the sad part is that instead of learning anything...I just basically played the game and lied my way through it! ... In fact, when it was time for my hubby's big long psych test....I told him to just play the game and give the answers they would want to hear!!!! Big Mistake! As a 3 1/2 year post-op grad....I STILL have binge eating issues and I still need to have behavioral modificaiton! This time "I" am initiating it! It's such a pity that I was so desperate for the surgery that I didn't listen to the experts and prepare myself mentally! They don't do brain surgery and you'll have the same food issues after WLS that you do before. Believe me...as some claim "Pounds lost forever" in their signature lines......they can be found again very easily with eating disorders. Tiny pouches don't cure anything.....We cn eat an entire elephant one bite at a time so the HEAD is the place that needs the Bypass! Give yourself this gift to your future and really get some good tools to use for the time when the honeymoon is over with the WLS and the brain has to kick into gear again! It's just a short term set-back for a lifetime of success! TAke it as a chance to arm yourself for battle! You CAN do it! Huggggz, Joyce

*** Hijack **** Hey Joyce, Any news on John? I can't access Yahoo from work to see if anyone updated, and Ive been thinking about him all day. Have you talked to Diana? is he going back into surgery? Darlene

Sorry Darlene..... I'm not on top of this one but I saw your post on the Chandler site about John! .....Thanks for catching up with them. I certainly hope that all is well. Will be praying for both John and Diana! Huggggz, Joyce

hi krista, i too was recommended to go to behavior modification. and to tell you the truth i really got a lot out of going. i went to a therapist here in glendale and i really liked her. she helped me get to the root of why i was a binge eater and an overeater in the first place. it depends on the therapist as far as how many sessions and how long (weeks) you will need to attend. i visited with her 4 times and it took about 3 weeks extra for the sessions but in retrospect i am glad that i did them. did you go to dr. maxwell for you evaluation? you could get a referral from her as to who to go to for behav. mod. in tuscon. good luck to you. brandy

I've been working with Dr. Sean Flynn in Tucson. I'm not sure if he does behavior modification, but I know he is an eating disorder specialist and an addictions specialist, so chances are he does. I would just call his office and ask. The number is (520) 733-2524. Jen

Hi Krista, Because I had an incorrect diagnosis on my medical record as being bi-polar from the past, my surgeon required me to go through 6 months of therapy. My therapist worked with me A LOT on eating issues. I REALLY resented it at first, but in the end, it was really beneficial. I am so much more ready now for the surgery (scheduled June 8th) emotionally and have a better understanding why I ate the things I did and how to control my emotional eating now. Looking back as I head into my final weeks before surgery, I am glad I had the therapy. I understand how frustrating it can be. When I was told that I would have to have 6 months of therapy, I was ready to call it quits. I'm sorry that I can't give you any info about the insurance since I am self-pay or where you can go in Tucson. The psychologist you saw can probably give you some names. I just wanted to let you know that you aren't alone in haveing to go through therapy and that it can indeed be helpful, even though it may appear only to be another delay at this point.

Krista I'm there right now I went to my phyc eval and the same thing happen to me I'm seeing a Therapist right now, and yes I thought of it as another bump in the road but you know what, it seems to be helping me understand a few things about why I eat that way sometimes and what triggered it. I've gone to 3 sessions so far and I'm hoping there will be a couple more after this Hang in there!! Amanda