Question:
I am wanting to hear from folks who have used counseling/therapy along with WLS

I have been in therapy/counseling at least 4 times for issues of obesity/overeating and have never really connected well with the practitioner (be it psychologist or spiritual counselor or alternative therapist) I know that I have issues with FOOD, hiding behind my weight, using food for a friend, all those things that we all know about. I know that the surgery will not 'cure' these things and am wondering if others have found that the support groups are enough or have you found helpful therapists (and how do you find the right one?) or what type of support that you have to keep the FOOD issues from holding you back from yourself. I would love to hear from some of the long term folks, Victoria, Michelle, Barb to name a few. I don't see that this subject has come up over the last 6 months that I have been reading the Q/A and message board and I think it is important to go at this thing holistically body, mind, spirit. Thanks in advance for all the responses.    — potterylady (posted on May 1, 2001)

May 1, 2001
Ok, I'm a pre-op so obviously can't tell you about post op things. However, I have been to lots of therapists over the years and most of them were useless. I'm now working with a gestalt therapist who uses rapid eye movement techniques. The REM has been one of the few really heplful things for me when I'm in a really bad place. Also, it may be obvious but, you need someone who will listen to you and doesn't just assume that you are a pig and have no self control. You need to get in touch with your actual feelings and motivations and not be pigeonholed. So many people think I'm "obsessed" with food that they miss the fact that I'm obsesses with not being hungry. I think these are different issues. I've had more success with people who are overweight or obese because they understand more. However, they are just as subject to biases and assumptions so it's no garauntee. Finding a good therapist is a real challenge and the best way is to work with as many as you can till you find someone that really fits for you. Good Luck!
   — kcanges

May 1, 2001
I'm only 5 days post-op but I have worked with my psychologist for 5+ years on various issues, many of which related to my weight. (Previously I have had way too many counselors whom I could not relate to so finding a good one is paramount!) I talked to him in depth about this surgery and he studied about it with me. After he was comfortable he even wrote a wonderful letter to my insurance company on how my weight negatively impacted my life. He has indicated I would still need to continue to work through some of my food issues (hiding behind it due to rape, using it for comfort, impulsive/compulsive eating, etc. etc.). He has put together a plan (he called it a relapse prevention plan) for me because he is concerned I'll find another substitute for food. So once I can drive, I'll be meeting with him weekly for several weeks to work thru this. I highly recommend getting involved with a psychologist if you can find a good one that you can "click" with to help you through the journey...just from my own experience. I'm looking forward to putting all this behind me. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!! I WISH YOU THE BEST!!!
   — Anika R.

May 2, 2001
I sought counseling a year and a half prior to surgery to deal with my eating issues. The only thing that helped me was being put on Paxil to control carb cravings and help with depression. I continue to go to counseling and continue drug therapy as this combination is working for me.
   — Lisa B.

May 2, 2001
I started therapy about six weeks before surgery and continue to go. I am really glad that I started seeing someone before the surgery because I was afraid of what may surface after the surgery. Also, I was afraid of those old tapes I have in my head, and how they could effect my weight loss. I started out talking about the surgery, blah blah blah. Then, though, as the weight started coming off, all of this "stuff" starting coming out(if you read my profile I do talk a little about this),things I was not aware of like vulnerability, neediness, intensity in my relations with others, etc..Also, I discovered that all of these years I have hidden from my feelings through eating. Then after the surgery I did not have food anymore, it was really scary!!! I am thankful that I have someone to talk to about these feelings because frankly, I was not aware of these things. Personally, I am thankful I started therapy. It has been the best thing I could have done, and I do continue to have issues...as they don't just go away when the weight is gone(but new issues arise). In finding a therapist you can relate with, you may want to find one who deals with eating disorders, weight issues. You may want to consider seeing someone of the same sex. You just really have to try out a few before you find one who suits you. I was lucky to have found someone who I can really connect with.
   — twenc

September 27, 2001
Hi! My name is Patti. I had the surgery 4 years ago. I know that my addiction was food before the surgery. I think therapy is very important for those of us having this surgery. I think what happens if we don't have therapy is we end up changing addictions. I watchec a movie of a women who had this surgery called "Christie's Story" by the Discovery Channel. She lost hundreds of pounds to then become a full on alcoholic. I feel our obesity is just a symptom that it is vital to go to the core of why we overeat. I am in grad school right now researching this very topic and would love to hear from others! Thank you, Patti
   — Patti G.

May 18, 2004
My surgical group has a whole team of professionals who assist you both pre-op and post-op. One is a social worker who works with pre-ops and post-ops in dealing with the emotional issues. The social worker runs post-op group therapy programs by using the Debra Mitchell method. Go to flexweightloss.com and it will explain it all. It is a 12 week post-op group therapy program and next to the surgery, it was the best thing I have ever done. The doc can give you the tool to lose the weight, but only you can build your future with the tools he gives you.
   — justis24