Emotional issues

Hello, everyone! I am having my surgery April 18th. I am going through lots of different emotions: I am excited, but pessimistic. I have a hard time believing that this will work. I have been heavy all my life, and really gained weight in college, early years of marriage, and law school. I went on Atkins in 2001 and lost over 100 lbs., but since 2002 have been slowly gaining it back (60 lbs.). I am worried that this is my last chance and, just like all my other attempts, will fail at this one, too. I am an emotional eater and considering seeing a therapist to deal with any issues that I have that are causing my emotional connection to food. Does anyone know of any psychologists/psychiatrists who specialize in weight loss issues, and specifically bariatric surgery? Thanks!

Boy does this post sound way too familiar. I like you have been big all my life. I like you also felt like the surgery was a waste of time b/c of all the previous failed attempts. I like you felt like there was really nothing that would ever work. But guess what....WE WERE WRONG! I have lost 51lbs and it has been less than 3 months since surgery. I would like to lose about 100 more (I want to be about 130 at 5'6"). I cannot tell you how important therapy would be on this journey. I go to a therapist in Moncks Corner at Oasis Counseling. She does not specialize in weight loss issues, but she was recommended by the Weight Loss Management Center at MUSC. Her name is Samantha and Oasis's phone number is 899-4949. I would urge you to make an appointment and start seeing her before the surgery. The therapy will help you deal with whatever it is that is causing you to overeat now and will help you deal with the sadness and depression after surgery if you miss food as much as I do. Also, I would be glad to talk anytime you need to about other things you may experience with surgery. I work night shift, so I am asleep during the day, but feel free to call me anytime between 4:00pm and 8:00pm. My mobile number is 843-568-8357. My name is Iris. Again, good luck with the surgery, and please do not hesitate to give me a ring.

Thanks, Iris, for the great information and encouragement...and congratulations on your weight loss! I work in Moncks Corner (live in Goose Creek) so Oasis may be just perfect. Does your insurance cover your therapy? I'll have to find out what my requirements are...I may need for MUSC to give me a referral (I have my pre-op appointment on Monday, so hopefully I'll be able to get one then). Talk to you soon, Nicole

Hi Nicole Boy does this sound familiar. I was an emotional wreck before my surgery. One minutes I would be crying the next dancing around wondering what cute clothes I can wear . I am an emotional eater as well, but I will tell you my experience since surgery. I am still an emotional eater but I know that I can not do it. But there are times that I do eat emotionally I just do not eat as much as before. I did have lots of therapy when I found out I was a compulsive eater and got some great coping tools. I saw your other post about a gym in the Goose Creek/Summerville area so I am guessing that you are having your surgery at MUSC. Talk to them and see who they recommend. MUSC has the Weight Management Center with therapist who know about this. Talk to the MUSC team. Remember they do surgery on your stomach not your head. You are heading in the right direction by knowing this about yourself and looking for help. That is the first step toward using this tool to be a success. I wish you luck on this journey, it has been amazing for me. You will soon be a loser and we are saving you a seat on the bench. I hope this helps. Julie

Thanks, Julie. I definitely think my head needs more work than my body. I am determined to make this "last chance" work, and know I need all the help I can get!

Hi Nicole ... Welcome to the boards.. and Congrats on your upcoming surgery! Your life is about to change for the better in a few weeks... This isn't the easy way out.. this is a last resort as far as I'm concerned... You're not alone with the failed diets and food issues. This board is a great place to come, learn, vent, laugh, cry and let loose! Everyone has the same thoughts you are having... Will this work.. Am I doing the right thing..What if I'm the only patient this Dr has that doesn't lose weight.. Trust me... you'll do just fine... We're all here if you need to talk.. and there is no question that is off limits on this site.. we talk about everything from sex to poop color!!! Stephanie

i think we all go through that. i don't know of a therapist your way but i highly recommend seeing one. the surgery DOES work but it doesn't take away the emotional side of things. if you don't address them you will find other outlets equally as distructive.

Sweetie, everything you are feeling, is right on target. We have all been through those same thoughts. Actually, most of us have tried and failed about every diet there is out there. This surgery is not a diet. It is a change, a way of life. That is the mistake I think we make by diets, it is only a temp thing. Most of us felt as if this was our last chance at life. We are dying a painful death in the unhealthy situation we are in. With this surgery, we have the best shot at a healthy, normal life. As we have all been told, this surgery is only a tool. It is your responsibility to do your part. The problems we have that have led us to be in the situation we are in, will still be there after surgery. I still battle my same ghosts everyday. I still ask myself was this the best thing for me to do, but I know in my heart it was. I am so glad that I did it. If you need to go see a dr, don't be scared, do this for yourself. Please get involved with a support group. I started 3 months before my surgery, and all I know is because of the group members. There is no question that you can ask, that someone else hasn't been through. It is funny how we tend to put ourselves last in the pecking order of life. When you have this surgery, you will want to do the right thing with your eating, you will want to prove to everyone that said you shouldn't have the surgery, that it was the right thing for you to do. Pray, be positive, be educated, and be a part of a support group. You'll do just fine. Deb