Seeing a psychologist

[kdelrosso 124]

This may be a little personal for some to answer so I COMPLETELY understand if you do not want to answer.. But I'm curious about seeing a therapist/psychologist before and after the surgery. I don't mean for the clearance I've already done that. What I mean is , is I have read so many articles about seeking help due to eating habits. For instance I stress eat and obviously I won't be able to do that after the surgery. They suggest seeing someone to learn to cope with issues in other ways then eating. Has anyone done this? If so has it helped in your journey?

Like I said it's a little personal so I understand if you don't want to answer. Thanks ☺️

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Totally did this!

I knew that if WLS didn't work for me that nothing would. So I started seeing a psychologist pre-op, because I was ready to throw as many resources as I could muster toward this final opportunity I had to finally lose ALL my excess weight and maintain my weight loss FOREVER!

He has been a great help. Early on, I saw him weekly. But within 6-8 weeks that changed to monthly visits. I plan to see him for three years -- (1) the year of losing weight, (2) the year of maintaining weight, and (3) the year of boring real life.

I don't have a binging issue, although I think we all (at least, I do) have occasional comfort-food eating issues. And in my case, I just had some bad habits I needed to change.

What my challenges boil down for me are all about "good self care." I have been great about putting others' needs and demands ahead of my own -- clients', family's, the pets', occasionally even strangers' needs.

For instance, I'd NEVER not feed or Water our pets or take them to the vet. But prior to WLS I didn't brush my teeth every night. I didn't get dressed every day. I didn't get nearly enough sleep and rest. I certainly didn't exercise. I didn't even take my reflux Rx regularly. Looking back, I seemed to have little respect or regard or even affection for my well being.

That had to change if I was going to be successful long-term.

And it really has changed. There aren't any hidden childhood traumas I've uncovered. But the focus we have put on remaining aware of my own needs and consistently executing on new habits that fill those needs has made all the difference in the world.

Obviously, losing weight has given me a lot of "gasoline" to address and correct my past poor behaviors. But I think I wouldn't be as mindful or focused or consistent about all this if I didn't have the psychologist to help me hold my feet to the fire re my commitments to care for myself well.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I didn't. Currently I rely on my Bariatrc program support group. However I think it's smart to use one if you feel you need it.

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

@@kdelrosso -- Having a plan to overcome counterproductive behavior is imperative. You're smart to be thinking ahead. I've been in therapy a few different times in life, but not specifically for food issues. If you're concerned primarily with the behavioral issue, you may want to look into cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Another option is to look at some of the books and online materials and see if they suit you.

A few possibilities to explore:

"The Beck Diet Solution," Judith S. Beck, Ph.D. The book is best used by starting at page 1 rather than hopping around. Do the exercises as you go along. Not to be confused with her later book with a similar title and which includes a diet plan not suited to WLS. Beck is a CBT'er and, as the daughter of Dr. Aaron Beck (considered "father" of CBT), is very much http://www.beckinstitute.org/

The Institute provides training to therapists and/or psychologists and provides treatment (located in Bala Cynwyd). The website also has an option for seeking therapists in other areas (under "contact us").

shrinkyourself.com/public/welcome

Website of psychologist Roger Gould deals with emotional eating and related matters. Sign up for the free, emailed newsletters which many people find serves their purpose. There is a pay version and, of course, Dr. Gould's book for those who choose.

"The Weight Loss Surgery Coping Companion: A Practical Guide for Coping with Post-Surgery Emotions," Tanie Miller Kabala, Ph.D. Approx 66 pages, a guided workbook with a chapter on emotional eating. The other chapters deal with other aspects of surgery that most people seem to encounter. If you opt for this one, use a separate notebook for the exercises -- You'll very likely want to repeat the exercises as you go along and experience changes. The notebook will also serve as a journal of your "journey." Dr. Kabala (located in West Chester) works with WLS people and, the last I knew, does pre-surgery psych evals for people not in treatment with her.

Nb: These are only suggestions for exploring. I've been in treatment with none of the people named nor others who've trained with them, so am unable to recommend or vouch. Disclaimer: I requested a review copy from Dr. Kabala so that people attending the clothing exchange I organize could check it a few years ago. I have no financial interest in the book.

Best wishes.

[Daisee68 2,493]

Absolutely! For 4 months before surgery and still seeing her at almost 6 months post-op. I will see her for 2 years post-op (though eventually only once per month. Right now it's every other week). This is a HUGE deal and I commend you for considering it. If you can find someone that deals especially with bariatric patients and/or food addiction issues then all the better. My therapist has been the biggest part of my journey and I could not have gotten this far without her and don't expect that I will be able to maintain without continuing to see her.

[livvsmum 2,369]

Yes!!! I've struggled with disordered eating (from restricting to binging and back again) all of my teen adult life. For me to think that a surgery that literally "only" limits the amount of food that can be held in my stomach would "cure" or fix my disordered eating would be ridiculous. I have been seeing a therapist that specializes in eating disorders for almost 2 years now every single week. I was a rock star the first several months. The rapid weight loss was exciting and I had no problem sticking to the plan. However, somewhere around 9 months post op or so I noticed that my old obsessive thoughts about food were returning. It scared the crap out of me and it was at that point that I sought out therapy. I know that going back to how I was was not an option for me and so I knew that I had to deal with what lies beneath the eating habits if I wanted this to be a life-long change. I know for a fact I would not have been this successful long term without the help of my therapist. I also read Geneen Roth's "When Food is Love" and "Women, Food, and God" which were literally life-changing for me. I go back and re-read them with journal in hand every now and then because there is just so much good stuff in there to digest. So....yes, I have gone to a therapist for my eating issues and yes, I have found it invaluable in my journey!

[animallover1247 249]

i think it's an excellent idea. You may get rid of some of your problems with WLS but you can gain a new set of problems. My PCP told me the other day she recommends I stay in therapy post surgery (I've been in therapy for over a year). I chuckled and said " I would NEVER consider having this surgery and not being able to attend therapy sessions."

Edited November 24, 2015 by animallover1247

[AvaFern 3,516]

I did not do this, although for some I see the value. I have seen a therapist in the past for other concerns and I have found that talking about things does nothing for fixing them. There is value in therapy, but in the end it still comes down to you. If you stress eat, you need to make a conscious effort not to and you therapist can give you tools to use to make this easier, but in the end it's between you and your fridge/pantry.

[CowgirlJane 14,259]

I have mixed feelings about talk therapy. Sometimes it just seems like a waste of time and money. I did start seeing someone after I got to goal and we never talk about food/disordered eating because through some miracle I am maintaining my weight loss even for a few years now.

My reason for going was because I want to live my life to the fullest and I think there are some things that I want to improve on my inner life.

I still go on and off, but occasionally I get an insight that is very valuable. Specifically having to do with some thought and behavior patterns and what is actually underneath them. I am an introspective person so that one hint/feedback has been on my mind for the last couple of months. I occasionally journal and the context is feeling real feelings instead of burying or rationalizing them away. It has given me a perspective I don't think I would have reached on my own.

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

@@kdelrosso --

I just remembered another tool that should help you stay accountable to yourself: A food diary. There are many free options available online. My Fitness Pal is, I'm told, easy to use. I've used the food tracker at sparkpeople.com since I registered there at the time of my surgery. I can't say how cumbersome it may be, as it's the only one I know firsthand.

Tracking everything you put in your mouth once you're on full solids (or sooner, if you prefer) lets you know when and where you may be derailing your weight loss, if in fact it comes to that.

[kdelrosso 124]

Thank you so much for all of your input !! It is greatly appreciated and has made me feel better about deciding to see someone about my eating habits