Question:
Shoudl I talk with someone as to why I eat like I do before surgery?

I have no idea why I eat like I do, I don't know what my 'issues' are with food. Do you guys think it would be beneficial to start going to a therapist now (preop) so maybe we can discover why I use food like I do? OR do you all think I will be okay just learning a different way to eat?    — blank first name B. (posted on April 24, 2001)

April 24, 2001
I hope you get some wise answers on your question as I was just wondering the same thing. After reading about the continuing battle with head hunger, I was thinking about seeing a therapist before my surgery date in June.
   — wilkywanch

April 24, 2001
Well, I'm going to give the advise from 2 failed surgeries.... Just do it. It's certainlly not going to hurt, that's for sure. currently I am planning a revision from 2 failed vbg's to a rny. I have been through a year of therapy and i feel ready to hit this head on. I still have problems, and i still eat emotionally sometimes, i plan to continue therapy, but with the actually realization of what i'm am doing, why i am doing it, it will be easier this i know. At this point in the game, I'm willing to do anything i can to make this tool work for me, and i think discovering the answers will help immensly for anyone. It's just not easy to do that, not an overnight kinda thing. best of luck.
   — Lisa B.

April 24, 2001
I went through a year of counseling for eating disorder before surgery and continue to go post op to discuss new issues. I think your chances of success are greater if you do go.
   — Lisa B.

April 25, 2001
I've been in lots of kinds of therapy for most of my life. I have no doubt that the major life change that comes with any surgery is worthy of good therapy. Having said that, many people assume that obese means eating disorder or emotional problems. This is not always the case. You can be obese and not have an eating disorder. I think therapy is a very good idea because it will help you get past all kinds of issues. I would encourage you to go into it with an open mind though. Don't assume you have an eating problem, but be willing to explore the possibility. I'm currently working on my bitterness from being treated like a lazy pig by society. That could keep me in therapy for years :) Oh, and find a good therapist that you think fits and really understands you. There are a lot of bad therapists out there. I prefer slightly overweight or obese therapists but that's just my personal bias, probably part of my bitterness, hmm, seeing a pattern here. Good luck.
   — kcanges