I am interested in finding out what kind of psychological support is offered by the different Bariatric doctors.  Is there support and counseling after the surgery? I appreciate any feedback.  Thanks, Susan

My surgeon's office runs a support group that meets once a month.  I would think if you need actual psychological counseling it would be up to you to arrange for same. 

     My surgeon has an e-mail support group for his patients.

     He also runs at least one monthly support group. The next one is next Tuesday 7 PM. People contemplating surgery may also attend. It was  interesting to go there pre-op. Not all rosy issuesare discussed. You really get a balanced view of pos and cons. I made my apt. for a consult after I went to the 1st meeting. I skipped the June meeting in Edison (Hilton Garden Inn)  because I was 4 days post-op and the topic was plastic surgery & I did not want to ask anyone to drive me over there. I actually think he does one north meeting a month and one central jersey meeting a month. He feels follow up andsupport group meetings are essential to stayng on track, or regainings one's focus.

Do the support groups address the underlying reasons why we reach for food or is it a support  group to answer and address  issues pertaining to the surgery?  How does the email support group work??  Again I appreciate any feedback. Thanks, Susan

I am trying to rmmber fro the two times I went alreay what was dscsed.

Actally, I thought the first time I went it was going to be a seminar on the surgeries,  but it was a mismosh of different people relaying their expeiences since surgery. Since I am considered a "lightweight", I missed last months meeting because I doubt I would consider plastic sugery, so a surgeon speaking on the topic would not be worth my time. I do not remember this month's topic. I may be calling the office today or tomorrow. I will ask. b

     His office just called me  invte me to Tuesday's meeting. She said the topic is vitamins. This is not the exclusive topic, just one thing he will focus on. b

My Doctors office has a monthly support group meeting. The psychologist that works with the practice is always there and will always answer any and all questions that come up. He is also available for any follow up appointments that someone might feel they need.

Thanks for all the feedback. I am trying to figure out if these support groups and the follow-up after the sugery include any examination of why we used food. Is the psychological aspect addressed or are the groups run by the surgeon and the focus is on his speciality which is the surgery and issues concerning that.  Again thanks for any feedback. Susan

There is a support group that meets in the ACC (ambulatory care center) in Livingston every month. There are 3 groups, 1st year post op, over a year post-op and lap band. The summer has all three groups combined then in the fall they separate again. The next group meeting is August 15 from 6:00 - 7:30. You can call 973-322-7000 for more info.

Susan: I think i know what your getting at. Unfortunately most bariatric surgeons offices don't have on sight psychological support for those important questions. Everyone wants to know how we are able to find other outlets for our addiction. As a social worker and WLS patient my dream surgeon would have a social worker or psychologist who meets w/ a patient right before surgery, six weeks, and three months...more if needed. Those topics you mentioned would be discussed. That's sooo important. For now we will have to receive that support from our fellow WLS friends in support groups set up by your doctor each month.  Good luck to you, Robin A.