Would anyone be able to help me?

Hi. This is very hard to talk about. I have been quiet for quite a while working through all my feelings, looking to see if anyone else has posted about this. First off, they put me on a six month diet and exercise regimen. But Barb helped me get a good perspective on it and I'm doing ok. But then the bariatric counselor called and told me that the psych recommended that I have further counseling before surgery. sigh. I did ok on the test part, but the doc is just not comfortable. What does this mean? I feel .............. I can't find the right words.... plus the doc never reported to me. Told the counselor at the surgical center, she was really shocked when she called to talk over his recommendations that I had no idea. He stated when I left, that ' good luck, I am sure you will do well.' Please, has anyone else had this? I am sure I am fine. I feel blindsided. Stunned. I just could really, really use some positive input.... help, Barbara

Barbara, I started counseling after the psych test to work on some unresolved concerns from my childhood. It was the best thing I ever did for myself. Do it for you. Start counseling soon. I went for 8 weeks prior to surgery and I continue today to help with my changing body and my childhood issues. I'm seven months out and finally love me. Luann

Your counselor may have noticed something that might sabotage your efforts. It's best to get these resolved before your surgery, so you'll be best prepared for success. Don't sweat it, you can do it while you're doing your 6 month diet thing. Oh, by the way, keep all your scheduled weigh-in dates. I've heard of people missing their date by a week and having to start all over again.

Barbara, I think sometimes they want to make sure that we arent thinking that losing weight will solve all of our problems in life. And that we are prepared to deal with all of those feelings and thoughts, and the new ones that come with the new body size. I would follow up and get a copy of the psych evaluation and find out what they think you need to work on. And then work on those key areas. This might be a good time to start a journal and put those thoughts down on paper as well. I am sorry that you are having to go through this delay. But there is some reason that God has put a roadbump in the way. So use it to your advantage and use this time to prepare yourself for this wonderful journey you are getting ready to go on.. Its been the very best year of my life. But not perfect and losing weight didnt solve all my problems unfortunetly. LOL Take care of yourself Barb and stick with us here.. We will help you through this all. Hugs Laura

Thanks dear ladies for answering my post. {{{{hugs}}}} I went to see a therapist that is closer to where I live. We had an hour session and she was great. She hasn't gotten the report from my initial therapist, but at the conclusion of the session she shared with me that she could find nothing to warrant continuing therapy and that she wants me to take the test again. Fortunately my employer pays all my insurance co-pays and deductables so the cost isn't an issue. She also had an issue with the fact that the initial Dr. never called me or scheduled for me to see him and go over his findings and impressions. BOY, did that EVER make me feel better. I feel much more comfortable with this lady. The scariest thing is when you feel alone.... The best thing to me about obestity help is that (so far) anytime I have shared, someone has come along to help me feel Not Alone. Thanks bunches, hugs, Barbara

Hi Barb, The same thing happened to me, the psych doctor recommended me additional sessions, I went to a doctor that speciallized in eating disorders. I felt the same way you did, but all I had to do was go a few times and she sent in a paper saying I went, I did however continue to go to her until I moved....it really helped me talking to someone, I guess the doc that did the original psych test thought I wasn't prepared or something for the surgery. But yes you only have to go a few times then the doc will release you, they are pretty cool about it, luckly you can go 1-2 times a week to get it over fast, then have them fax it to your surgeons office. Hang in there though, it will happen, i thought I'd never get my approval, now I"m almost 9 months out and boy has the time flew by, so keep your head up!!! Good luck Luv, Tabitha

Thanks, Tabitha, Her name is Alice and I really like her. I take the test on Monday and then I go back the 24th to get the results. One thing she mentioned was, that on the initial test- I had just completed my sleep apnea test the morning prior and so all those questions about sleeping... I didn't do well. I never dreamed I had sleep apnea.... I was soooo tired I couldn't drag myself to do anything after 6pm and I was sleeping (well, actually Not Sleeping ) for 9-12 hours a day... taking sleeping pills because I had insomnia... and the first Dr. attributed these to depression. Since I have been on my CPap machine all of these are considerably less, almost non-existant. She feels that will make a huge change in the test results. The biggest thing that bothered me was after reading all this time on OH, I had never come across anyone who shared about therapy, so I assumed I was the only one... or that no-one wanted to talk about it. I am just so relieved. hugs back, Barbara

Miss Tabitha.. We need an updated picture of you on your profile. I am sure you are one teeny weenie chickie by now. I am so proud of you !!!!!! I got told today by a co worker that I had lost enough and it was time to quit. LOL.. I still think I have about 40 to lose. I would just love to walk into my one year check up and be 120 pounds and shock Dr Mikami.. His goal for me was 180, and I am at 152 right now starting out at 310 last May. Like you said, the time has really flown by. I am so happy to see you check in here from time to time. I miss ya. Love ya Laura

Laura! You look great! I didn't even recognize you! I went back to peek at your profile (which I had read several months ago) and that is when I realized it was you! Great Job!! I can't wait to see you at 125. What an inspiration you are. hugs, Barbara

Barbara, Thank you for the compliments, it is so nice to hear those things. But the best things about the surgery are the things I dont hear.. I dont hear my knees and joints popping and cracking everytime I would get up, I dont hear myself breathing heavy walking to the bathroom anymore. I dont hear people making comments like " You have such a pretty face, its a shame you are so heavy" and I dont have to hear my heart beating at night and wonder if I would even make it through the night. I love the compliments ( I am human) but I really and truly did this for my health first and foremost, and to be able to ride roller coasters. You have a great night Miss Barbara. Hugs from Windy Ohio Laura