*My* therapist bites...

After Tek's weekend thread, I promised myself that I would call my therapist (who 'supposedly' specializes in eating disorders) and make myself an appointment. I must have sound panicked/upset enough on the phone to get in today...either that, or after the session, I realized she just plain sux out loud , and has NO business. I left feeling more like a failure than when I arrived... She gave me a copy of The LEARN Program for Weight Control (which works in conjunction with appetite suppressants) and a prescription for Phentermine...don't worry, I didn't fill it and I won't be going back to see her. Even *I'm* smarter than that. How I can have my head screwed on tighter than a therapist, I have no clue... Anyway, it still got to me...so NOW, I'm scared to eat at all. I still faithfully log everything into www.fitday.com everyday, even what I plan to have the rest of the day. Keep in mind, this also includes ALL vitamins and supplemental calories/carbs as well. Totals for the day: Calories~~596 Fat~~23 Carbs (total)~~19 Protein~~80 So far today: Calories~~205 Fat~~5 Carbs (total)~~7 Protein~~32 So much for asking for help from a medical professional, huh? Just to mention...this is the only one that my insurance covers and finances do not allow self-pay at this point in time... ~~Sherry P.S. This is AFTER telling the therapist that I've lost six pounds over the last two weeks (3 1/2 this past week)...I weigh on Monday mornings now, vs. daily.

Question: after 2 1/2 years are you only eating 600 calories/day?? Somehow it doesn't seem enough. I'm 8 months, and eating 1000-1100 daily with 80-100 gms protein (114 today) and a full normal diet logging on fitday also. Not being critical, just seems low and difficult to follow. When you meet with the therapist, is your weight the primary subject.? Good luck

Hi Carol, I normally eat (on average) 1000 calories daily with a total of 20 carbs per day. I have insulin resistance; so, anything more than that, and I gain. If you read Tek's thread below, and my responses, you'll understand the reasoning of my visit to the therapist. It IS low and difficult to follow...I just happen to be one of the ones that came from the shallow end of the Gene Pool. Thank you for your concern, Hon...it truly is appreciated. ~~Sherry

Sorry the visit to the therapist didn't turn out to be helpful. Do you have other therapist on your list? Even if they don't specialize in food problems they may be able to help you find the right answer. I think about going sometimes but then remind myself that they aren't going to be able to change my desire to eat more or the wrong foods. If they make you feel bad you have the wrong one. A therapist is suppose to listen, support and open our minds to new possibilities. I can relate to the 1,000 calories a day because that's where I need to stay in order to maintain my weight at 188, 5'6". Nobody would look at me and think I'm starving myself but it sure feels like it some days. I too am insulin resistant so carbs are almost a thing of the past for me. I love carbs, but every time I venture out and have them I see the scale move upwards and the hunger level shoot up. I wish we had a better gene pool but at least we have our tool to help us. Best of luck for your continued success. We know what to do, so back to basics.

Sherry, contact your insurance comapnay and tell them of your experience. If that is the only therapist with an eating disorder specialty, they may let you see someone out of network and pay them in network rates. It's wortha a try. XOXOXO, Sharyn

OMG Sherry ... I have been seeing my therapist for almost a year and I SO OFTEN feel worse after I've seen him! In fact, after six years of not smoking, after leaving his office one day I went out and bought a pack (and haven't stopped) ... there are times I just go sit in my car after a session and cry ... not out of "relief", maybe its frustration, I don't know. Your fitday journal looks like mine (yes, I am afraid to eat too) ... my eating "issues" started a year ago ... and I am still restricting myself to about 500 calories/day. In a way I don't want to start with someone else, I just don't have the energy to go over all this all over again. I do think I may be in a danger zone, but I just can't get myself out of this (and you know I'm beating myself up even more because I "know better"). --Karyn

Sorry your therapist sucks! I hate it when insurance limits your choices. Maybe you could call the ins comp and ask about another one - like someone mentioned above? Hugs... good job on the 6#s!

Oh Sherry! I'm SO sorry!!!!!! I would definitely call the in.co. to tell them about your experience! If no one complains, than things will never change. Maybe if they get enough complaints they will add someone else to their list! And, thank goodness you're WAY smarter than her~what the hell was she thinking?!?!?!?!?! Well, congratulations on the 6 lbs~that's awesome! It sounds like you're doing a great job to me! Tracy B

I want to thank EVERYONE that replied to my post (both here and privately)...I haven't felt well the last few days and not up to replying to everyone individually; I sincerely apologize. Thank you for all of the support shown and the commiseration, too...though, I wish that I WAS the only one going through this. (((Hugs))) ~~Sherry