Hello, and question

Hi everyone. I'm Jenn, and I'm almost pre-op, but I have a concern and am wondering if any of you have experienced this. I had my psych eval, did well enough on the MMPI-2. However, my psychologist is concerned about some sexual abuse that occured during my childhood. I freely admit that the abuse occured, and there was a time when I was constantly depressed and upset about it, but I feel like I've moved past that. My psychologist says that she's concerned because she doesn't feel like I've addressed the issue in therapy enough (with another therapist, psychologist only does evals), and that sometimes, after wls, because it's such a major surgery and invasion of your personal body space, people who were previously fine have major flashbacks. Has anyone else been told this? I've tried to follow her recommendation and have gone to therapy a couple of times, but I honestly feel like focusing on my abuse issues at this time is doing me more harm than good. I'd rather focus on the positive aspects of life. I feel like I'm being punished for being abused, which wasn't my fault. Shouldn't passing the MMPI-2 be enough? Any comments would be helpful. Thank you.

Jenn, I'm really sorry that you were abused in your childhood. I was too, and my therapist who did my evaluation did say that there may be other issues (like feeling safe, feeling uncomfortable with attention from men, etc.) that might pop up with weight loss. He and I agreed that I would come in if I felt like I needed help, so that I wouldn't sabotage my WLS. I agree that maybe this isn't the best time to focus on the negative... and as a Christian let me just say that I believe that God is in charge of our healing from abuse, and we ought to deal with it in His timing... and not until! When God does the work He also heals! So, in the end, did you pass your psych eval? I would get a second opinion, if necessary. There are others who will see things differently, so you don't have to be stuck with his/her opinion if it doesn't help you meet your goals. Email me if you need any help... Lyn O.

Jenn, Did your psychologist say she was concerned as in, won't write you a letter of clearance, or concerned just in general? If it's the former, absolutely get a second opinion, because it's utterly absurd to deny someone surgery based on the person having an abuse history. If it's the latter, say thank you, get the letter, and move on. If I were in your position, I can't see where forcing stuff regarding the abuse is going to be helpful. It may come up after the surgery; it may not. If it does, you now know a bit more about where things might be coming from, and can know to seek psych help then, as you see fit. If it doesn't, great! Random advice from someone with a similar background, --Tiggy

The psych that I saw preop also discussed my abuse history with me. He did tell me that sometimes postop old feelings will resurface, etc etc etc. We discussed the possibililty and came to an agreement that I would seek therapy if that were to happen. Were you denied a letter of approval to go forward with your surgery? Have you discussed how you feel that at this time the therapy sessions are more harmful than helpful with your current therapist?? Sorry for all the questions, and sorry that you are having to deal with these issues when it is not something you want to be doing at this time. Melissa

Before I say please hear me out. Psychologists are good, HOWEVER sometimes I think they try to hold people back. Sometimes you just need someone to talk to and they try and drudge up something that's not there or they pound it to the ground. In my opinion they can't handle hearing "I'm really okay and I've dealt with this" Let's move on. Get a second opinon. *smiles* Good Luck