Question:
The one thing that is holding me back from getting my surgery is
trying to find a therapist, or other professionals that deal with post-op issues. I went through the pre-op physical and everything is a go, but I can not find a psychiatrist who deals with post-op issues because it is a life changing surgery. I live in Florida. I am hoping that some of you kind people can help me out. My health is getting worse, and this searching is not helping the matter. Thank you very much and I hope to hear from someone soon. — narf852 (posted on December 4, 2007)
December 4, 2007
Your pre op psychiatrist won't do your post op?
— babytamtam
December 4, 2007
I am having surgery on THursday (I'm very anxious right now!) Anyway, I too
realized that the one component that would either make or break my success
on this journey is getting therapy in dealing with food addiction. I hate
that word...but after a closer look, I have it. So, I would look into
finding a professional that specializes in addictions (drug, alcohol or
sexual...) There is a good book I am also reading called "The Beck
Diet Solution". It uses a congnative therapy approach to over eating
/ replacement eating. While we are learning how to eat, it will help with
why we eat. Best wishes! God bless, Lisa
— Lisa S.
December 4, 2007
Do you have to have a therapist? I had my surgery 4 years ago in CA and
didn't have to have one before or after. You will do great! You won't
even be hungry after your surgery. I don't even miss the bowls of ice
cream I used to be able to eat. Best wishes!
— Carlyn M.
December 4, 2007
My surgeon's office has a psychiatrist on staff. She is available to
anyone that needs her assistance. Also, they have pre and post-op seminars
that cover many subjects related to WLS. I have joined a local support
group and that has helped me. Best of luck in your journey.
— dthomp
December 4, 2007
I agree with Lisa, check into some one who deals with addictions, also usr
this site to find support groups or does you clinic offer this? You are
right, It is very important to deal with these issues as to way
"we" (not everyone) use food the way we do in life. I use it to
celebrate EVERYTHING in my life, NOT just sadness and depression issues.
Some of the "mental health" clinics can also make suggestions on
who might be good. And of course if some one is "not" wworking
for you (not conecting) it is you RIGHT to change..... Best of Luck to You
and I understand you completely!!!! Also remember "WE" are here 4
YOU! (Yes, everyone!)
— Toni Todd
December 4, 2007
Dr. Brown in Jacksonville on Atlantic Avenue...
— tracynscott
December 5, 2007
I to had to have therapy before and need some now. I go to my support group
meetings and just love them. There is so much that other people who have
been there can teach all of us "newbies." See if your dr has a
support group there and if there isn't one try to look on here for a group
near you. They really do help, being in a room full of people who know
exactly how you feel is very refreshing. And they may have some sugestions
to a therapist that has helped them. :)
Good luck and
God bless you.
Paula
— japaad
December 5, 2007
I applaud your recognition of the usefulness of getting help with your HEAD
as well as your STOMACH. I think that many of the people who do not
ultimately succeed with weight loss after bariatric surgery fail because of
lack of proper pre-op psychological evaluation and post-op psychological
care. I personally to not like the group setting and am better able to
"open up" during one-on-one sessions with a therapist that I
trust. So keep looking, Francine, for a bariactric
psychologist/psychiatrist/therapist you can bond with. You may regret it
after surgery if you don't.
— [Deactivated Member]
December 6, 2007
My recommendation, particularly if your health is getting worse, is to go
ahead and have the surgery. Find a surgeon or group in your area that has
support groups for post-ops and make sure you go. Any therapist/counselor
can provide you with support and while they may not know everything, you
can probably get the rest from the support group. The suggestion to seek
out a therapist who deals with addictions or overeating is a great idea,
however, any reputable therapist is capable of giving you support on your
post-op journey.
Hope this is helpful.
— mrsidknee
December 6, 2007
I wish I had one ready post op. I cant say if it was chemical imbalance of
significant wieghtloss or what but I went through a serious depression that
culminated with my trying to take my own life this past September. Who
would have thought that after losing 200lbs(and happy about the weightloss
of course) that I would have more self esteem issues now then when I was
379lbs? I am in therapy now and on anti meds but it is really in your best
interest to have one just in case.
— davesband1
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