Advise Needed: Compusive Binge Eating Disorder

I have not read all the comments, so forgive me if I misspeak.

I recently found a therapist for a totally different reason (grief) but she actually specializes in eating disorders, (how serendipitous is that?  I think you should try again. My therapist is supportive, kind and HELPFUL. You can find one similar. :D

Best of LUCK!

Thanks for the replies. Bette B, yes I was also questioning if everyone has the eating disorder. Her explanation was that some people have genetics working against them and thus they'd need this surgery, while others do not have this uncontrollable/unstoppable urge to eat.  I am not sure how genetics would be fixed by having this surgery? But anyway I am not trying to nit pick at anyone's situation, but rather trying to sort things out with mine.

During that first meeting when I was "diagnosed" with eating disorder, I KNEW what she was talking about. All the examples she provided sounded just like me. Also reading up on compulsive binge eating, I totally fit the profile. Ironically at the OA meeting they say that admitting that you have an issue/dependency is the biggest step. I have to say I knew for a long time that I have a problem. Jokingly (at first) I was telling people that it is an addiction, some do drugs, drink, do whatever else... while I eat. Well this is no longer a joke. I do feel like a junkie just with food. And now they openly talk about food addiction.

I will try to look for another therapist and see if it will be a better fit. As for wellbutrin, I am sure it works for some. My mom is an internal medicine doctor and she said that all her patients who she prescribed wellbutrin did not display a significant weight loss. She also said that she saw a very strong trend where women taking this medication become more aggressive. I surely do not need that.  I am taking mild anti-depressant for a few months now at the lowest dose possible. Nobody had to diagnose me with it, I just knew I needed help and went to see my PCP. I had a baby a little over a year ago, went back to work rather quickly and ended up with crazy projects at work where one of the executives told me he expected me to "perform miracles". After I started taking the smallest dose there is I felt much better. It works, so I'll stay on it, but not willing to switch to wellbutrin.

My mom also mentioned that out of all the patients who had bariatric surgery only 2 have managed to keep off the weight. Ironically when I asked the program lead at the hospital what was there rate of success, he said 100%. Knowing what my mom shared with me, I asked how long was the program around? Turns out 2 years, so yes with such a short track record, it is not surprise they are reporting at 100%. You need to look for a longer term to really know the success rate.  So I really do want the surgery but also understand that if I do not change my "lifestyle" (eeeh the dreaded lifestyle talk) I will likely end up as a negative statistic :-/ So yes I am upset I hit this bump with during the psychology screening, but at the same time i GET IT.    Just somehow need to figure out a way of dealing with it...

Thanks all !

I don't have much that's constructive to add, other than to say that I might be on the same spectrum of disordered behaviors—only I'm becoming cognizant of this AFTER surgery. (I didn't lie or otherwise try to manipulate the results of my psych screening. I think I was just deep enough in denial about how often and how severely my compulsive-eating episodes were that I slipped under the radar. Plus I have a history of seeking and receiving treatment for anxiety and depression, which were both pretty well under control at the time of the screening. So I think I came across as pretty with-it, all things considered. But anyway.)

I'd take the opportunity to get referred to someone else. Doesn't sound like you have a rapport with the current psychologist. I wish I could offer some sage advice besides be glad you're getting to start dealing with this now. 

Definitely seek out another mental health professional.  I can tell you, from being in the field, that the woman you spoke to clearly does NOT specialize in eating disorders, and that you will likely obtain more help from a Professional Counselor than a Psychologist.  There are some Psychologists who make great counselors, but there are a lot who do not (who prefer psychological testing/assessment).

It is NOT true that everyone who is obese has an eating disorder of ANY kind, let alone all obese people having issues with binge eating.  I am sure you can see from your own behavior and urges that what you have endured is quite different than someone who sits down to eat and eats too much just because it tastes good even though they are"full", someone who seeks solace from grief or loneliness in food, or someone who just has given up on trying to find the willpower to have an afternoon candy bar. You have described the lack of control and sense of urgency that accompanies an eating disorder.

There IS help available for your disorder that will be FAR more useful than someone just telling you to clean out your kitchen and "just do it"(!), so don't give up just because the first person you went to did not have the expertise she advertised.

Lora

All information posted above is helpful.  I found myself in your situation pre-op.  I knew I had an eating disorder, and had previously sought help from someone who "specialized" in it.  No good.  I also was required to have additional counseling pre-op for clearance.  This time I found someone with whom I clicked.  It has made all the difference in the world.  I was going on a weekly basis for 3 mos pre-op, and will continue to go post op.  I think the comment you made about food addiction is relevant - whoever you choose should have some background in addiction therapy.  Do not be put off by the fact that the therapist you see will report to your surgeon and/or psychologist that works with the practice.  As far as the success rate - do your homework.  Find the practice with the best reputation, and do not be shy about asking about their outcomes.  Also, ask whether their success rates are broken down by the type of surgery performed, or if they are lumping them all together (band success rates are terrible...)  I wish you the best of luck.  I did this surgery not only for my health, but to change my relationship with food - and I cannot tell you how happy I am to have made this decision.

Hi there:

I am a compulsive/ binge eater myself.  Here is what I know. 

Your dr is right to some degree: But still, I would suggest you get a different doctor. 

First, you do have to make some decisions inside yourself.  The surgery will not work or fix anything if we don't make a conscious decision to make huge changes in our lives. I hired the following people:

A shrink (a good one);  A fitness coach (pre and post op);  A Life Coach who specializes in Bariatric surgery as well as nutrition and fitness ( this was so successful that I became on myself ).  Then I did the following:

My Life coach came in my house and we went through every single food item. It took hours.  We read every single lable and talked about each on.  We looked them up on the internet right then and there and we talked about the nurtitional benifit or none benefits.  We cleaned out my house.  She helped me make lists of foods to buy...she helped "me" make food menu's and this was months and months before my actual surgery. She helped me make an xcel sheet to help me when I get out of surgery to keep tract ( and oh god you will need to keep track) of when to take a vitamin, drink water, eat, take a another pill, walk..and so on): every minute of your day for a long while should be regimented and on track.  I became educated.  She went shopping with me.  She went to the gym with me.  She suggested books I read and then we talked about them (I think to make sure I actually read them). She phoned me daily...and I could phone her...and she emailed me once a day as well without fail). 

I journaled.  I got on an online support group such as this one here.  Then I started writing down positive affirmation quotes and posting them all over my bathroom mirror.  Every morning I would see them and say them. I would change them every month.  The one I liked best was.  "I am an Athlete.  I think as an Athlete, I eat as an Athlete, I drink as an Athlete, I work out as an Athlete...I am an Athlete, and my life sytle will show it in every way possible." 

Then I hired a fitness coach pre and post op.  I had to give up cable tv to afford that one..but it was well worth it.  Then I joined every free club I could.  Biking club, walking club, jogging club, swimming club, I ran races and most of the time came in dead last but I didn't[ care...I still race to this day and still usually come in last and I have a blast.  I bought a "good" bike for a real biking nut and all the gear that goes with it a peice at a time because it took a while with the cost of it all...   I dress like and Athlete.  lol  oh yeah!   I don't go to any buffet restraraunts anymore.  I rarely eat out anymore. 

I read the Bible and find spiritual support.  I sought counseling within the spiritual community and that helped more often than the shrink I saw.  I had to (NOW THIS IS A HUGE POINT) I had to RETRAIN my thinking processes.  That just take dedication and heaps of practice.  I actually used to schedule time in my schedule to do this.  But it WORKS. 

I found these are what can bring success.  I sure hope this helps you my friend.  I said a prayer for you as well. 

Aagii .