Question:
Has anyone gone post-op to a therapist who specializes in eating disorders?

I'm pretty much happy where I am weight-wise, could stand to lose another 10 pounds or so. HOwever, I am constantly thinking about eating, and am getting off track more often. I have to get ahold of this before I gain weight back again. Has anyone gone to see a therapist for eating issues post-op, and if so, what did you get out of it? What did you find helpful about it?    — raye (posted on January 21, 2004)

January 21, 2004
I am actually seeing someone right now for the same thing you are describing. I have only gone twice but will continue on until I get this under control. I am just like you- I find that I am eating when I should not be, thinking about food all the time- obsessing over it.I just hate it and feel like I have lost total control. I am just disgusted in myself with this. I want to really find a balance. I would like to talk to someone with the same thing going on that I am dealing with. Please feel free to email me . Good Luck Jan
   — Jan S.

January 21, 2004
hi my name is laurie i have an eating disorder i see someone 2x monthly 4 if avaiable . i think complusive eating is something to be watched carefully surgery and all i still feel the need i just try to do anything but eat,if you hear a anything better let me know i am extra curious
   — lauriegrizzard

January 22, 2004
I have been seeing a therapist who specializes in eating disorders for the past 4 1/2 months. I am 7 months post op, lap rny and down 100 pounds. <br> He has helped me tremendously. He helps me explore alternate ways to deal with stress and with my feelings. He has helped me learn to like myself and give myself permission to be human and take care of me! <br> He says that he doesn't think I actually have a text book eating disorder. Rather, I learned very young to "stuff down" my feelings, and finally made it a literal action...stuffing emotions and hurts "down" with food. I am 55 years old, so I have had lots of years to practice this behavior. He is helping me to learn more effective and healthier ways to cope. <br> I think, next to my surgery, this is the best decision I ever made for myself. I would think about food so much, I would actually feel sick to my stomach from the THOUGHTS. I would want to eat, but could not. I found myself getting angry at my husband for eating. Not that I wanted his food, I was actually just frustrated, and took it out on him. <br> He has helped me realize that, while I am very tolerant and accepting of others, I have never extended this courtesy to myself. He begins each session by asking me what I have done for myself since our last session. At first, that was such a tough question! I did very little for me. Now, I find that I seek ways to be good to myself.<br> The therapy isn't magic, any more than WLS. Both require a lot of work. You must be willing to work at it when you go in--the doctor can't give you the willingness, only the tools. <br> He also helps me put things into perspective. I have gone in to see him, all in a titter because I have overeaten or made terrible choices. He helps me realize that the world will not end because of this, my weight loss won't stop because of this, and "normal" people make poor choices on a daily basis. I did not have my surgery to be perfect..that's gonna take a hell of a lot more than surgery! I had it to live a "normal" life. I have had to accept that "normal" does NOT equal "perfect". I don't beat myself up any more when I exhibit less than perfect behaviors....I'm just a perfectly normal human being *S*. <br> I do hope that you will seek someone with whom you are completely comfortable. I can not "spill it all" to just any one, but I have found this guy so easy to talk to. If he wasn't my doc, I'd love to have him for my best friend! I can tell him just anything. I saw a therapist years ago, and I did not feel this freedom with her. I held back a lot and only spoke in generalities. Everyone should be as fortunate as I have been in finding the perfect therapist for themselves! <br> Good luck to you, I'm keeping you in my prayers. Linda
   — Linda S.

January 22, 2004
I have considered doing this, but right now simply can't afford to. I'm wondering if maybe those of you that have or currently are seeing someone could ask if there is a book that your therapist might recommend on the subject. Something to start with, anyway. Could you let us know?
   — KelBurt