Therapy And Counseling After Surgery?

[Butterflylegacy 64]

I have been thinking that having my VSG is just one step in my healing process. I still feel like there's another piece missing, that could be fulfilled with therapy. I've looked on my insurance website to see if I can locate a therapist who deals with food issues, or weight related issues, but they don't exactly adverstise that is part of their repetoire.

I've thought about making a handful of appointments with different therapists, and trying to flesh out one that I can connect to, and who can help me finally work through the issues that brought me to this weight in the first place, but that just seems so overwhelming and pointless. I don't have an unlimited amount of time off from work, and of course every appointment would require time off....

So, I'm just wondering if there's anyone who is currently going to therapy to work through their own food issues, and what method did you use to locate your therapist. I have looked for "keywords" when searching, and I think there's just a generic list of "issues" that the therapists in my insurance network treat. I would really like to go to someone who understands that the weight is just a manifestation of other issues, and will help me peel back the layers to deal with the emotions that I have been avoiding for x number of years.

Thanks for your help and insight!

[PEvette 297]

When I did my psy clearance I didnt have a clue where to start looking for a therapist, so I used the one my surgeon's office had ($175) I wished I'd called my insurance, I would've paid $35....from that appt the Dr. recommended that I see one (preferably her, but I wasn't paying $175 a pop!)

Well, I called my insurance company and they gave me a list of therapists, then I researched online on the ones who lived closer to me (preferred have a female therapist) and email them to ask them what were their specialities....then one said she also did bariatric clearances, I knew she was the one I needed to see. I made an appt and that was back in April....

I see her every 3 weeks and she is great...

[littlebits 154]

The head of the bariatric unit, where my nutrition classes were held, gave me the names of two psychologists for my psych clearance...

Little Bits

[Lissa 2,631]

I see a therapist, not just for food issues. I didn't look for someone who only dealt with bariatric issues specifically. I looked for a therapist with whom I was comfortable. I wanted someone who wouldn't let me BS her, because I'm pretty good at that, and someone who could handle ME. My gal is very quiet and laid back, but she doesn't let me get away with anything. That's good, because my aim is to overcome both the food issues and the underlying garbage that started the food issues.

IMO, it's more important to find a therapist that you're comfortable talking to than to find a therapist who deals with specific issues. They could be Freud himself, but if you're not comfortable, they will never do you any good.

[PEvette 297]

I believe the bottom line is find someone you are comfortable with....

Looking at a therapist's specialities is important, I would'nt want to see a therapist who isn't aware of my situtation....people don't gain weight by just thinking about food....whether we admit it or not, people become 300 pounds because of issues with emotions and food...

[Lissa 2,631]

PEvette, I totally agree with you. IMO none of us became obese without having some kind of major food issue. I used to eat my problems rather than deal with them. Instead of confronting someone about how their behavior made me feel, I'd eat something to feel better. food was my drug. A lot of folks aren't real happy with me IRL these days because I now stop those same people and call them on it when they attempt to treat me like they did before.

Some days it's really hard to change the habits of a lifetime, but it's definitely worth it.

[aleach0003 12]

I am seeing a therapist as well. She actually leads a support group sponsored by the bariatric program I'm working with (centennial). Even though I am seeing her for more than just weight loss related issues, I am very comfortable talking to her and hope my therapy will help my personal healing process.

I see her every three weeks and try to coordinate my visits when there is a support group going on as well.

[Lissa 2,631]

aleach, I'm glad you found a therapist that you like who is also a good bariatric support person! I don't like the one who leads our support group, but I can tolerate her for the length of the monthly meeting. I found someone else who is a better fit for me, which is what we all should do, IMO. Find the person who makes you comfortable.

[alliegb3 112]

Ask ur surgeon or pcp or nut. Find someone good!