therapy

Just wondering if anyone here needed more "therapy" than the support meetings...

I am 13 weeks out from surgery I have lost 60 lbs since...(130 lbs total). I feel great physically but go through some depression episodes...I still want to eat this things that I used to and am having a hard time breaking some of my old behaviors and way of thinking...The group meetings while informative do not help me figure out how I think and how to break the cycle of habits I have formed over 37 years....

Does it come in time?? Do I really need therapy?? If I don't get therapy will I be looking at a harder struggle 5 years from now??

I recognize the problems as I have for many years but I couldn't get past them without surgery and now I am afraid I am going to not get past them with surgery...

HHeeeeLLLPPP!!!!

I think it's pretty common to need some extra help dealing not only with changing behaviors, but also dealing with the emotions that may drive our old behavior patterns. I also understand that it's also fairly common to go through a period of depression, which to many folks seems not to make sense. After all, you are able to move better, are probably in less pain and look more normal (whatever "normal" is). You are probably mourning the change in your relationship with food.

I already see a therapist on a regular basis for depression and SAD, but I'm thinking of adding in a component that specifically addresses food issues. At one time in my long and varied history, I saw a counselor who specialized in eating disorders. I no longer live in that location, but am toying with the idea of finding something comparable where I live now. Another option that some folks have tried is Overeaters Anonymous, which I hear is getting more WLS-friendly.  Some of the most practical therapy I ever had was from a counselor who didn't just talk about stuff, but gave me actual "assignments."

I also find a lot of support right here on OA.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do. At the very least, talk to your PCP about the depression issue - you may need some meds to help you out, especially as winter is coming on.

I can only speak from my own experience. I went to counseling for 9 months, starting last year, till about March of this year.
I would recommend it for ANYONE.  I learned so much about myself.  And I think all addictions, including food are a result of some kind of emotional imbalance somewhere down the road.
I thought I was going to help my marriage, but found out  I needed it more than I had originally thought.
Getting a lot of that "stuff" worked out has helped me tremendously on my weight loss journey.
Anyway...I said all that to say this...I think it is beneficial at any time...and if you think you might need it you probably do.
And it never hurts to try.....go to one session...if you don't think its for you, then you have just lost an hour and a co-pay.
Good Luck!

thanks, I am having difficulty in picking a therapist. They all seem to vary in expertise. I was hoping to find one that specialized in weight loss or obesity or eating disorders, but none in my area do. Are all therapists fine when it comes to matters of the head???

I am having trouble with this too.  I know I am grieving the change of my relationship with food, the loss of my ability to eat whatever I want.  I sometimes try to fool my stomach but it always reminds me that it's in control now.  So I'm trying to reflect on myself alot lately, something I'm not used to doing, I think about why I did this or that.  wanted to eat this or that.  It's helping.  I also got a couple of books I read about on OH that will help me in my relationship with food.  I live in a rural part of Montana so I do not have readily accessible therapy.  I am trying this first and then if I still feel I need help I will seek one out.  I went to a therapist after my husband left me in 2003 and she helped me tremendously. 
Although I doubt I will be able to find one in MT that specializes in weight problems, I should think that you would be able to find one there in MA. Maybe on the MA state board or if there is a therapy message board(?). 

I find posting and knowing that I'm not alone in these issues helps alot and the fact that others are willing to help by sharing how they got through some tough times helps alot too.

Diane

One counselor who helped me immensely specialized in addictions. I've read a lot on these boards about how many folks who are successful with WLS end up with another replacement addiction, such a shopping, drinking, gambling, sex, etc. If you don't have anyone who specializes in food issues nearby, try looking for an addictions person.

Yeah this scares the crap out of me too. I have always gone to parties and drank a few drinks and never developed a problem...I am too soon to have any drinks, but I have thought about it at a social event simply because I don't know what to do with myself, I feel weird not eating and feel myself gravitating toward having a drink, for now I have just been having water with a splash of cranberry and lime...just for the feel of belonging...I never ever had these thoughts before and I am very very scared if I do try a drink I will get hooked especially feeling like I have lately...

I have alcohol and drug addiction all over my family and it has always been a concern for me since I was a teen, i have always prided myself on making through my 20's and 30's without having issues, little did I realize that food was my drug of choice...

 Congrats on the weight loss. Continue with the supports You will be the one that will keep the weight off because of the therapy in the long haul . and that is what this is about .  The weight and the food are just symptoms of whats going on under neith . It may take a while to sort through them Iamstill working on mine and will probale do so for a while .  And it wont be easy bring up the stuff from the past . here is a book that works for me i,t a start. MIND Over Mood  by greenburger u can buy it or get it from the library .  there isnt one answer sometimes we need supports from different things . Take care
kitty64

When I decided to undertake this journey - I sought out a therapist that specialized in eating disorders and a big bonus was she had this surgery as well.  She has struggled with her own food addictions and "rebelious eating" patterns.  I have been in therapy with her for 9 months and I can say I was really prepared for my surgery last week than I think I would of been if I had not sought her services.

Good luck and if you want to talk about it pm me!!