I sought out a counselor about a month before being banded in Mexico. I established rapport with her before surgery, which helped A LOT! I continue to see her. It was one of the smartest things I've done in my life ever!
I've gone through counseling before for my eating/emotional issues and always made some progress, but returned back to my old habits of relying on food. This time is different. This time I am not able to turn to food when I am sad, so the band is forcing me to work through my issues.
I am now almost 4 weeks post op. I continue to see a therapist to work on my "issues" and plan to do so until they are no longer an issue, simply memories.