Overwhelmed

 Lately I have been considering going to counseling but I am not sure if I have to look for a person who specializes in WLS or eating disorders or just a regular counselor or what??? I have some serious body issues... I don't like to be touched, the attention that I am getting from people scares the **** out of me, and I dont see any weight change when I look in the mirror - I only see it when i do the pics i do.  Plus I am so stressed with school and work and trying to stay on top of my vitamins, h2o, and protein.  My hair is falling out due to the stress and the surgery.  Plus I am depressed and I have been using the attention I have been getting from men to try and make me feel better about myself and it worked for like a month but now that doesnt even cut it and I find myself missing food.  I miss being able to binge eat when I am depressed.  I didn't realize that I did that til i couldnt do it anymore.  IDK if you have any of these issues or if you have sought counseling post WLS but if you know anything about counseling and what type of counselor I need the info would be greatly appreciated.  Oh and if you don't want to post on the board just send me a message.  Thanks =)

Amber~  I have sought counseling for my body image issues, I won't lie for a moment.  I've blogged extensively on them in the past, and even some in the present.  They've gotten a lot better as time has gone on, but I still have my days.  Counseling helped me a LOT and maybe it would help you too.  I do have an eating disorder, also.  If you ever want to talk, you can PM me or message me on my Myspace and I'll be glad to fill you in further.  *hugs*

~ Renae

My heart goes out to you girl. I went to counseling before the surgery and after. I don't see my therapist much now because she's that awesome and has given me some great advice. If its available to you I would definitely look into getting a therapist who specializes in eating disorders or even one who's just comfortable and okay with WLS. My therapist didnt specialize in eating disorders but she's a phenomenal therapist!

 I agree with all the previous posts, you should try to find someone to talk to about this.  You don't have to feel this way and a counselor will help you deal with some of these stresses.  

I understand completely how you feel.  It's not easy sometimes being forced to actually deal with problems head on instead of numbing it with food.  I use to do it all the time and I have actually cried since surgery because I couldn't eat when i was feeling low.  

WLS is so much more than just a physical change...it's an everything change.  It sounds like you have a pretty busy schedule already but I hope you do take some time to just sit down with a counselor to talk...it will help so much.  

My psychologist doesn't specialize in WLS but he has had other WLS patients. He was a great listener and he was able to help me deal with so many issues I had pre-surgery without me feeling weird about opening up to a stranger. My suggestion is try out a few and go with who ever you feel the most comfortable with.   They are professionals so if you don't want to continue seeing someone, they won't take offense.  Go with who you think will help you get the most out of your sessions.  

~Emily~

hey girl
when you have surgery, its like you are losing your best friend: food. and so now when you usually turn to food for comfort and love, its gone. i would try asking your surgeon if they know of specialists for WLS patients. good luck and I hope everything gets better!!

I think you know what you have to do, so I think you should def get the help that you need and want.

keep up the good work though and chin up!