Anyone tried counseling? How did it go?

Lately, I have been really struggling with making the right choices.  I'm beginning to think that I am subconciously sabatoging myself.  I found out that through my work EAP, I can get six free counseling sessions.  Have any of you on here tried counseling after the band?  I don't know what to do at this point to get myself on the track I should be on.  Getting my lap-band was too good of an oppurtunity  for me to continue to waste the way I have been.   

I've had counseling both before and after my band surgery, with a wonderful therapist who's experienced with WLS and eating disorder patients. I found it extremely helpful. If I were you, I'd definitely use those 6 free counseling sessions...if I was able to chose my own counselor. If the EAP program says that you have to use Joe Blow, PhD, and Dr. Blow has no experience with WLS or eating disorder patients, you could probably get something out of the counseling sessions, but maybe not quite what you're looking for now in terms of eating issues and self-sabotage through poor food choices.

I say go for it!

Jean

Thanks, Jean.  We are definetely limited to the therapists that accept Magellen, but hopefully, I can find someone in my area that has some experience.  Actually, it just occured to me to call my surgeon and see if he knows of counselor's that specialize in these issues.

Calling your surgeon to ask for suggestions is a great idea. I'd get a list of participating providers from your EAP department, then ask your surgeon if any of them would be appropriate for you. It might also be a good idea to sign a waiver allowing your surgeon and the therapist to share information about you.

At the very least, you want a counselor who's experienced with female patients in your age group and who isn't anti-WLS. It might be interesting, but not a good use of your free sessions, to meet with a counselor who specializes in (say) anger management in adult males, or one who specializes in children and adolescents.

Good luck!

Jean

 Yes, I needed a psych consult to be approved for surgery and clicked with the therapist who I saw.  I met with her just about weekly on the weeks leading up to and then for the first few months after surgery.  My therapist specialized in eating disorders and bariatrics, which was extremely helpful  I would encourage you to go for counseling and work with someone who has bariatric or eating disorder experience.  

ETA- Or what jean said...lol

I work as an addictions counselor and see a lot of similarities between food and drugs. You should be able to call Magellan for recommendations as well. Some counselors offer sliding scale which may help too. The biggest part of counseling is the relationship between counselor and client, if you don't click, keep looking. I saw a counselor last year who after I told her I was an atheist she recommended all these religious and spiritual books, like, hello, were you listening.
 
Just know this: the average number of sessions that a client attends outpatient treatment is 1. That rapport will either be right there for you or it won't. Totally listen to your first gut reaction on this one.

Thanks, guys.  I looked up the local providers and found several that specialize or have experience with eating disorders.  None had bariatrics listed, but I am going to call tomorrow to see if they've dealt with overeating and not just anorexia/bulimia.  I appreciate all of your input.

Also found out that Magellan with do six sessions for free, but after that, I can continue with my co-pay. 

I would say as long as they have food addiction background to go with them. Our food addictions are the same whether we have had surgery or not. I have seen a therapist both before and after surgery and we have a food addiction counselor that runs our support group meetings thru my surgical center.

A good book my therapist recently recommended is The end of overeating by David Kessler MD. So far I've found it to be spot on!

Congratulations to you for saying you need help. It is a big step in the right direction for sure! I hope you find someone you are comfortable with and that can help you.

Pam