DRUG AND ALCOHOL TEST...and I may have said to much.....eeeeeeeeeeek

delete

Well, I have not heard of that requirement but I think I know where there are going with it. Where I think they are going is that they want to make sure that you do not have any destructive behaviors pre op that will interfer with you after surgery. Drug and alcohol use/abuse can lead to a cross addiction. You might replace the void of the food loss with another pattern of destructive behavior. Before you say that you would never do that - think long and hard about yourself as only you can and go from there.

I really could not tell you how long it would take you to treat your situation with a therapist because each person has a suitcase full of baggage and only a professional would be able to tell you. Sorry, I cannot give you a name but am thinking that maybe a local hospital could give you a name of a professional to see.

I'm going to ditto what Christine already mentioned.. Cross addiction is quite common.  We are food addicts.  Once we can't fuel our addiction with food, many turn to other things for comort.  Alcohol, drugs, shopping, sex, gambling just to mention a few.  It's very serious and should not be taken lightly.

Congrats on graudating soon.  None of what you mentioned above has anything to do with your age.  This is common practice and if they feel you need to see a therapist, it's for good reason.  You do have a lot on your plate and they are only looking out for you and helping you deal with the things going on in your life.  You need to be honest and I'm glad you could not shut up once you got going.  It's a healthy way of dealing with life on life terms.

Christina

Ok, so you had booze last month, that is out of the system.  The question is the other fun stuff you partook in, how long ago was it?  If it has been more than a month, then I think you will be ok for that pee test.  When I was pre-op, I had my PCM order one just to make sure that they did not come back and ask me for it later.

On the other hand, both you and I have some things in common and the therapy might be a blessing in disguise.  It is extremely stressful to be a military wife period! been there done that as hubby is retired Navy.  Deployment is not a cake walk as you have to pick up all the stuff you hubby does and then some. 

Congratulations on your graduation, this is also stressful I should know I am a triple major and I am set to graduate in 2010.  But, in 9 weeks, this stress will be gone unless you decide to pursue a graduate program.

Kids, well what can I say but they are stressful too and to have one that has special needs magnifies it. 

I think that having someone who is adult that you can talk to with all you are going through is a good thing.  Hang in there.

I think the drug and alcohol thing is probably their normal protocol. I didn't have to have that, but it seems harmless and you're probably okay. Hey, I had "fun" in my twenties, also.

As to the therapist, I have a fabulous one who has offices in downtown Chicago (Michigan Ave) and in Skokie on Golf Road. If that's doable for you, send me a PM, and I will send you her info. She's incredible and works with people who have all types of WLS and eating disorders. She is the genius who got to know me and suggested the DS surgery to me.I thank God for her and her wisdom every day!

Take care, you are going though lots of stress right now. Did your doc recommend any medicine for you, like an anti-depressant or anti-anxiety med? That might help take the edge off a bit.

Nicolle

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I too miscarried a few years ago and I still mourn a bit that child each year, around its due date.

Just think...this time next year, you will be in a completely different place, emotionaly and weight-wise. Hang in there!

Nicolle