really NEED SOME HELP please!

I have been going to several seminars on WLS....and still not feeling totally comfortable with it and my best friend has had Gastric and finally confessed that she wishes she really hadn't gone through with it. I know everyone is different and we all have to make our choices but my gut (no pun intended) is really telling me that gastric may not be for me, and after a very disturbing feeling I had after a Lapband seminar and something a Lap patient said to me, really made me feel that I need to rethink things and approach my obesity in a different manner.  What I would like to find is a really good therapist that specializes in obesity/weight loss and see if insurance will cover that....even if it wont, I 'd like to explore that option with the weight loss program I am already on.  If ANYone has any thoughts, or suggestions I'd gladly welcome them...thank you so very much! Chloe in Rockville

What about the vertical sleeve gastrectomy? Most weight loss surgeons can direct you to a good therapist or like my doctor has one on staff.....

If you click on "Forums" on the top of the page; scroll down to "non-surgical weight loss". Those folks should be able to give you lots of places to look for what you need. If surgery doesn't feel right to you, that's okay. Always make a decision that you can live with. Good luck! Penny

Definatly make a decision that is right for you. I do wonder how far out is your friend?  most people 2nd guess at some point it seems. I did early on when I was recovering and a couple other times. I am 2 yrs out and thrlled I had it now.Also, how seriously did she take the surgery?Did she do everything she was suposed to eating right, exercising and I think counselors are very important .I still go.I wouldn't have gotten here with a problem and I went a long time before surgery. I think  your idea for a counselor is great you can always get the surgery alater if you want but it is much harder  to change after you do it. Take your time and be sure. I am not suggesting you do it just something to think about see I did a stapleing in 1982 with no success and  the surgery was rough but to be honest I wasn't ready and didn't do what I needd to. Now when I had the RNY I took it seriously and do what I need to and know it is a lifetime change but I also know it saved my life and gave me a beautiful life beyond my wildest dreams.It gave me my independence back. There are lots of options and different things work for different people but you have to e comfortable with it because it is just a tool as all ways and you have to do the work and for me when I wasn't ready I didn't do everything I needed too and then , well it tends not to get the best results. Good luck and I am here as are so many if you have questions, want to talk or anything. Don't do it unless you are comfortable with it. Good luck, keep us posted.
Laurie