SURVEY: PLEASE RESPOND ASAP

Hey Theresa,

Thanks! Please do think over things. Being so newly post-op is a MAJOR benefit! Why? Because you're fresh through the preo-op classes, surgeon consult, aftercare etc. If you would, provide your feedback on your experience with those things. Was Addiction Transfer mentioned? To what degree? Did you inquire about it? What answers did you get? Your "fresh perspective" is very much wanted and needed and anyone else's. Again, as Jill mentioned along with others this isn't just happening with WLS patients.

Hugs......

Transfer addiction is many forms and like you have already listed there serious and we ALL need to work together as a team and not against one another to see who does what first. When I came to the Obesity sight almost 3 years ago I thought it was to be a educational and safe place to come to for ALL who had the WLS but over a matter of time I found it not to be and I was always watching who I spoke to and what was said and what information to believe. I dont understand why it has to be this way and why WE cant ALL work together and be a huge family and keep one another educated about this surgery and the evil disease and addictions that come with it! It is NOT a easy road to go down, and we All need one another to see us through it. None of us are  Dr's or claim to be one let's do this TOGETHER as a team and STOP all this other he said she said stuff and STOP posting on one board how you love one bunch of group and then go elsewhere and stab us in the back its crazy and very imature. We all everyone who has had WLS has and addition and the others are added, drinking , prescriptions , shopping , sex, etc. So lets pull it together and make a plan as a team and present to the surgeons to help future WLS patients lets make that our goal.

At almost a year out (where has the time gone?) I am finding myself thinking of all sorts of things that surgeons and their counterparts should address, not only prior to surgery, but post surgery.  Your question regarding transfer addictions is one of the "biggies" in my mind.  That said, here are some things I think should be addressed by "those in the know:"

1.  I think that surgeons should insist on all patients going through a psychological evaluation.  I don't mean someone just doing a "quick look" at the patient, I mean getting into the meat of their personality, what were the causes of their weight gain (i.e., emotional eating vs. medical causes), and that mental health professional working closely with the surgeon to prepare the patient not only for the surgery and the work involved with it, but the possibility that a transfer addiction could arise.  The two professionals should decide -- with the involvement of the insurance companies, as well, I am sure -- how long post op any psychological follow-up should be done to assist the patient with any concerns that might arise.

2.  Education is key.  While we are responsible for doing our own research and gaining as much knowledge as possible, I also think that it is the responsibility of the surgeons to educate the patients not only about the pros of the surgery and the after effects (i.e., weight loss, improved health, increased sense of self confidence, self worth, etc.) but also of all of the not-so-pro things that can, and in many cases, do happen.  Those would include the emotional ups and downs we all go through with the hormones, the discomfort some feel with the changes taking place with their bodies while their heads don't quite catch up (I affectionately call this the fat head syndrome), the sudden increased attention from strangers and non-strangers alike, transfer addictions, the strains that can develop in some relationships, etc. 

3.  Support groups need to continually address the issue of transfer addiction to (a) hopefully help people avoid it, (b) help people recognize the symptoms if they are experiencing it or someone they know is, (c) to help people know where to go for assistance and (d) to let people know that they are not alone, and it is certainly not a shameful thing to go through. 

4.  More research needs to be done regarding the causes of transfer addiction, and why some people experience it, while others don't.  Again, knowledge is an amazing thing. 

I hope that this has made some sense, Kat.  I am shooting from the hip, here, but I wanted to get back to you.

I think what you are doing is wonderful, as I have said before, and I am so proud of you for stepping out there and giving so much of yourself.  You're amazing.

Kat I would love to help out with suggestions -  give me a couple of days to put my thoughts together...........

Great thread!

Jackie

You know that I'm game and I'll help in any way I can. I have ALOT of experience, strength, and hope!

LYLTNS,
A