Question:
Has anyone went to a phychologist post op?

Has anyone went for counseling post op to help them deal with the weight loss? I feel like I need to see someone to help me deal with the changes in my life. I feel as if I have some hidden agenda or something that kept me fat for so many years. I had a great childhood, however, I was in a mentally abusing relationship for a few years that was cnetered around my weight. Now, I feel as if I have some hang up with being thin and find myself slipping a bit on the eating regimen and not knowing why. Anyone need help, professionally to be successful with the whole WLS proccess?    — Jan S. (posted on September 7, 2003)

September 7, 2003
Yes, I have. My surgeon has in his office on staff psychologist who only deal with gastric bypass patients. They know that the many changes that take place during and after weight loss can be fearful and uncertain. I also go to a psychaitrist because I have clinical depression...always have had it. I think post op counseling is very important and is just another tool to help us along. Feel free to email me anytime for more info. You take care and get the help you need. Remember they operated on your stomach not your head....!
   — Karen Renee

September 7, 2003

   — sissie S.

September 7, 2003
Absolutely! I'm one of those people that thinks counseling before and for at least 6-12 months after surgery should be mandatory. I speak from 8-1/2 years of being in counseling and know how much it can help, but more important I speak from the heart of someone who lost 200 lbs on their own back in 94/95 only to find out there was a huge underlying depression I had no idea existed. The weight loss just brought all kinds of things to the surface that I had no idea were there or such a big deal. I would not wish a 200 lb regain on my worst enemy so I tend to suggest counseling to almost everyone. I figure it can't hurt anyone and in 99.9% of people it will help them in some way shape or form. I felt so much safer going into surgery knowing that my depression was under wonderful control for about 3 years and that I had my counselor and psychiatrist as a support system should anything arise. I would be able to get things settled down before they took over my life again, and it has helped. As well controlled as my depression is I have had a few days where for absolutely no reason I had very down days, but fortunatley they were only a day or so long. At about 5-6 months PO my mind started playing games with me. I think it has a lot to do with the closer I get to the weight I hit back in 95 (240 lbs) the more I start to wonder if this is for real this time. I know it can be and I know I am not in the same place this time but it is still scary. I am entering new territory as I have never weighed less than 240 as an adult and I hope to get to around 200 lbs. So while all of this is wonderful your mind can be a sadistic thing at times and find all kinds of ways to sabotage you. <p>The fact that you feel like you could benefit from counseling is wonderful and your body/mind is telling you "I need a little extra support through this journey". This is not a failure or a weakness, this is a smart person realizing it is a sometimes difficult and many faceted process and to succeed we need to work through the issues that brought us to WLS in the first place. Please make that call! I'm not sure if psychologist's do counseling or not but look in your insurance book and find out who is covered and make that call today! You might also ask your PCP or GYN if they know of some counselors that might be a good match for you. Personality match is important, so if after a few visits you are not feeling more comfortable do not be afraid to change as it is important to have a good working relationship for long-term success. You have to develop a solid trust to really make long term progress. I have been blessed with 3 wonderful counselors in the 8 years. The first one was male and he moved out of state to be near elderly parents. We worked together for about 3 years. He helped me to choose the next person who was a woman he knew and we worked great together too. We worked together for about 2-1/2 years. She left clinical practice to do in-home practice, for immobile people, and be more available to her recently widowed mother. She fixed me up with my current counselor who is also a woman and we work very well together. She is married to a psychiatrist, but never pushes or even suggests that I should change psychiatrist's to her husband. It is very traumatic to have to change counselors but with the help of my various counselors the changes were as easy as it possibly could be. <p>Sorry I went on so long, but I just want you to know this will be a wonderful decision in your life and you will learn so much about yourself and be so better prepared to deal with what life throws at you and not always revert to food to deal with everything. Take Care and make that call today! Blessings, Chris D.
   — zoedogcbr

September 8, 2003
I think that it is a great idea. I have had counseling post op and continue to see a great nutritionist weekly. The studies show that people who take advantage of professional help post op have greater and more sustained success than those who don't. I know that I really would be floundering without my nutritionist. You are very smart to deal with these issues now and not when you have already gained some weight back and are wondering, "Why do I do this to myself?". I think we all need to examine the reasons we got MO in the first place. If we do not address these issues how can we avoid them in the future? Good luck and good for you!
   — Carol S.

September 8, 2003
Uh huh. I go a minimum of once a month. Always a good idea to have an unbiased opinion on your sanity...ha ha. I'm 27 months post op and maintaining goal. Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.

September 8, 2003
Yep and you go through so many physical and emotional changes after surgery that I think everyone should go.
   — jennifer A.