Issues beyond the fat

I have come to realize that there were a few key emotional 'issues' hiding behind my fattness. It kind of blindsided me to be honest. I always saw myself as a very happy and emotionally stable and healthy person. Well, WRONG.

I have finally pushed past my stubborness and want to look for a psychologist that can help me deal with self-image, self-worth, etc., after WLS.

Any ideas of where to find a good one? I can always go to PNC too I suppose... I would think they would have one.

Thanks for any tips! I am absolutely ready to take my issues head on and have been for the past 2 months, but I think a little professional help could speed up that process!

I saw Leah at The Emily Program after surgery.  They have a fantastic program.  Best wishes - counseling has been well worth the time & energy for me!

Elena,

The one I see is in Buffalo, which is too far for you to drive I'm sure.....

Just know I'm here if you want to bounce anything off on me.......

Seeing my counselor and taking meds have really helped me. The self image thing for me will take awhile, I still see the fat person.....

Love, Kel

Instead of going to PNC I found finding an independent counselor (if your insurance lets you) is the way to go.  My personal experience with counseling at large clinics is that you loose that personalization; I was just a chart # not a person.   I would spend most of my hour retelling my story so my counselor would remember me and where we had left off.  It would be hard to get appointments and to see the counselor more than 1x a month.  I tried several at PNC and ran across the same problems so I went online and found someone that has her own practice and really have formed a good relationship with this person. 

This is a good site to start your search to find what your looking for:
http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_search.php

I see a great psychologist in Shorview (right off 694 at Lexington). She works with a lot of WLS patients and she's been very helpful for me. If this isn't too far for you, PM me and I'll give you her name and number.

Anna

I find this subject troubling at times as well and I am constantly reminded of it. But then I remind that I really don't need to impress anyone. Recently my Dad was going on about how I needed to watch what I eat. Sure Dad I said why do you say that do i look like I gained weight back? Then he said that I was looking a little fat around the waist. The one spot where my excess skin won't go away unless I have it permanently removed. I checked the scale haven't gained a pound it must have been the angle I was sitting at. Away why he just be happy I lost 130 lbs. and leave it at that. I think he still thinks I Will fail and gain weight back. Ughhhh All this makes it hard for me to believe I am normal looking. Huh, F#$% it! 

I have been seeing a psychologist in Shoreview once a month since before surgery.  She has been very helpfu with the issues beyond the fat.  PM me if you want her contact information.

RP