Question:
Has anyone post-op have to go to a counciler?
I am 6 mths Post op. I have been real stressed to get the weight off. I have lost 130 lbs , some would say that is very good. Not to me. I have slipped into a depression slowly but surley due to not thinking i have lost enouph weight. I care way to much about what other people think about me. I have alot of people that look up to me because they are in the process of trying to get WLS, and dont want to let them down. Is this normal am i the only one out there that feels bad like this? — Amanda G. (posted on October 8, 2002)
October 8, 2002
I am not sure about the councelor thing, but I wanted to say that 130 lbs
is REALLY REALLY REALLY GOOD!! 130 lb in 6 months??? You've lost a WHOLE
PERSON off your body...that is really good. I can understand if that is
hard to see, but WOW....wow...
— thekatinthehat
October 8, 2002
Dear Amanda, I understand how you feel. Of course, that means I probably
can't help you. But, I wanted you to know that I too have thought about
starting to see a therapist to deal with the reasons why I still get
depressed, why I return to the same vices, and why even though I feel
great, great, great at times...I also feel like I don't want to get out of
bed others. I guess none of these have to do with having been heavy, just
as they don't have anything to do with not being that heavy anymore.
Bottom line is that if there is something about you, that you can't help
yourself with then maybe seeing an objective person such as a counselor may
be exactly what you need. Best wishes.
— PaulaM
October 8, 2002
If you can afford counseling, go for it. Counseling can be very helpful
even if you're NOT depressed. I'd be in counseling like a shot if I could
afford it (or had health insurance). Change of any kind is hard for most
people to deal with, and we on this board are dealing with the most
fundamental kind of change, the drastic change of not only our bodies, but
our entire concept of ourselves. I say, find somebody knowledgeable to
talk to. And by the way, I'm nine months post-op, and I've
"only" lost 120 lbs. You're doing fabulous.
— Roxanne M.
October 9, 2002
hiya amanda...first off, congrats on your "loss"!! that is
amazing!
i am a huge advocate of counseling...been going for years and will continue
to go - it is so wonderful to have an objective person to bounce my
thoughts off of. i would certainly try to find one who has some kind of wls
experience because i think we go through unique issues - losing such a
substantial amount of weight can mess with your head! it has with mine...i
mean, i'm soooo happy to be where i'm at but i still have body image issues
and our body chemistry and hormones get all wacky post op (i personally
don't think the docs know ALL of the after effects of this surgery)
also if you don't belong to one, i highly recommend joining a wls support
group. studies have shown that wls patients need a minimum of 3 years post
op support. if there isn't one locally you can find plenty online.
feel free to email me anytime! [email protected]
{{hugs}}
kate
open rny 6-14-01
pre op: 268lbs
goal: 135lbs
current: 126lbs
— jkb
October 9, 2002
When I was 2-3 weeks post-op, I went through a big bout with depression. I
never dod go to a counselor, but should have. This surgery does a number on
your whole body and takes a toll on your emotions. It is jut really hard to
juggle everything involved with your new lifestyle. I would suggest going a
talking to someone. It always helps. Make sure and get someone who is
covered by your insurance, if applicable, because it is more than likely
available to be covered. Hope this helps!
— sammygirlwpc
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