BED....who to approach?

(I'm recommending the PCP because you might not be able to get into see the psychiatrist sooner and you shouldn't suffer longer than you already have.)

The best reason to consult with a surgeon is to get referrals, because everyone knows everyone in bariatrics.

I wish there were bariatric psychiatrists, or say an internist who did bariatrician stuff and psych stuff (can actually be done with more education as an APN but, tangent) however I don't see that happening, sadly.

I'm sure that, in an area like Chicago, that is true :) Sadly, my surgeon doesn't know any providers in my area (I've asked). So it's not necessarily a true statement for every area. I wi**** was!

Not always...it depends. Usually though they know a competent psychologist who can help get people into psych. Though, that doesn't help, either. The problem is that there are so few psychiatrists who do treat eating disorders. It's a good way to find 1) where they send people for help in general, even if they don't have a psychiatrist handy and 2) you get an idea of the surgeon's perspectives on obesity by asking. I chose not to utilize a bariatric program in the area based on their (frankly inappropriate) response to my questions about psychiatry and weight loss surgery).

Aaaand, then some of us have had to get creative. My psychiatrist who manages my Vyvanse is actually a child and adolescent psychiatrist, but he also will treat adults for BED and ADHD.

It's a ridiculous effort to find anyone, though, for sure.

My suggestion is to call the surgeon. You are early pre-op and could be doing some damage physically. That also might push you up the line to therapy.

A meal at a time now. That's all. One meal.

Rid your home of whatever you binge on.

Whenever you eat, eat protein. It will hurt like hell if carb binge on top of protein. 30 minutes after you eat..have a non caloric drink in your hand. Crunchy ice is nice.

Meds,therapy,support all can help. I think reducing shame and just looking at it one meal at a time help too.

Keep fighting.

More ideas: Also find an occupation activity for your hands, when you are sitting you should be reading, with ice water only /protein drink in reach.

Crafts such as plastic canvass work , crochet , knitting or sewing are all good things to keep the hands busy and offer different beginner and intermittent levels for complexity and to keep it interesting. Now is a good time to make christmas gifts...

Take a walk, start with a 5 minute walk ..instead of reaching for chips, or?__whatever, take a walk.. come bac**** water...re-direct yourself.

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Thank you for being brave and putting yourself out there. Sometimes it feels scary to talk about because so many people diminish BED as an eating disorder-it's not simply overeating. It is insulting to me to imply that I should have chosen a particular surgery because I "have a tendency to overeat". (you-OP-did not imply this, but I saw it in the thread, sorry for my digression)

IMO, dealing with BED starts in your head, then you can use several tools to deal with your behavior and therefore weight loss (WLS, exercise, medication, CBT, so on and so on).

I developed BED after PTSD and depression had already taken hold. Eating disorders, again IMO, are very complex and personal- therefore you should definitely start with a psychiatrist/therapist to unravel your own story.

I had VSG after being in therapy for two+ years. I was advised by many not to view WLS as a magic trick--and it wasn't. I'm sure you've heard that as well. But, I was already working on my thoughts and behaviors, then I used other tools to strengthen the process I was driving. VSG in combination with exercise, CBT, and a few other helpers have helped me heal. I have not used medication, but it is an option if I need it in the future.

Please don't be ashamed, you're already taking steps to succeed. My suggestion is to find a therapist/psychiatrist that is educated in eating disorders that can support you and help you find your best plan of action.