Question:
Therapists??
Hello!!! I had a quick question hopefully someone can tell me. My doctor (not the surgeon) but my actual doctor told me I will have to go to a psychologist and watch multiple video's concerning the lap band procedure. Can someone tell me kinda fill me in on that?? Did ya'll have to do that? I'm confused, any advice would be great. I like to know what to expect! :) — Jessica Mayes (posted on May 8, 2008)
May 8, 2008
Lap band surgery is not 100 percent effective. There are side effects and
you need to know them. Many people get into lap band surgery thinking it's
the "ANSWER" or the "Magic Bullet". for many, it can be
a great thing. For those that find it hard to follow their doctors
protocols for after surgery eating it can be a nightmare. If your doctor is
ethical he will tell you that a lap band procedure is kind of a last resort
procedure. My doctor recommends a behavior modification program that
allowed me to shed 75 lbs in 18 weeks, and keep it off. Contact me if you
are interested in knowing more about this.
BTW, My wife lost 120 lbs in 9 months on the same program.
— AcadianaLifeChange
May 8, 2008
Jessica, the reason for the psychiatric exam is to see if you have any real
eating disorders and to be sure you will be able to follow the program as
the doctor dictates. Also, they try to establish whether or not you have
support at home and help you learn how to deal with sabotage if you don't.
The doctor will also explain how the changes in your body might affect you
and how to deal with the changes. I wish you the best, Blessings....
P.S. The program that the other member was speaking of is Medifast, which
may work well for some but not others. It is like the gastric band - not a
magic bullet. Every program must be followed faithfully. Again, God's
blessings....
— Kathy T.
May 8, 2008
Hi Jessica. Many of us who are enrolled in a group surgical practice are
evaluated by a psychologist. Besides reasons Kathy stated you'll be
evaluated for your prior weight loss history, what sabotaged that, your
family history, why you're pursuing WLS, etc. It's truly nothing to freak
out about (although I admit I was really scared going in!) - there are
MULTIPLE questions you'll be asked but remember it's all in your best
interest. The worst that will happen is that the psychologist will not
immediately clear you - that happened to a couple of people I know, but
both said they were able to discuss things they had never brought up to
family members and they went into surgery feeling more confident about
themselves. Remember, WLS is only a tool, and after surgery we need to
still follow dietary restrictions and practices just like any other diet -
every post-op I know says it's hard. The surgical practice just wants to
make sure you're prepared mentally, emotionally, and physically. As far as
the videos, my advice would be to wait and see how your surgeon prepares
you for surgery. Mine requires that I attend at least 3 support group
meetings. I've found them very helpful, supportive, and educational - to
the point that I just attended my 34th one last night! If you have any
questions or concerns feel free to e-mail me at [email protected]. Good
luck!
— obeseforever
May 8, 2008
I was going through Stanford Bariatric Clinic, and they are extremely hyper
about those people who have mental illnesses. I'm Bi-Polar with it under
control for the past 10 years and I was "highly recommended NOT to get
any procedure done" The Psychologist felt that I was fine, but the
Dr's are the ones who don't want the liabilities. I'm going through right
now and trying to get a second opinion at another facility to get it done.
Liz
— tetralizard
May 9, 2008
I had my lap band done in Tijuana, Mexico as my insurance wouldn't cover
it. The cost was 1/2 has much. They depend on your intellegence to know
whether or not the surgery is for you. If your going to this means to have
it done more than likely your at that point. My problem was keeping the
weight off. The Dr. Verboonen with Obesity Goodbye has more experience
than any of the American Doctors.
— lanaph
May 9, 2008
The psyche eval is a good thing, it makes you think about maybe some issues
you have buried. The goal is to make sure you completely understand what
you are about to do and that you understand the risks and benefits
associated with it.
As far as the education end of it, READ, READ, READ. You can never have
too much information. I actually learned more online regarding my
procedure and it's outcomes than at the doctor's office due to time
restrictions.
The absolute best forum site I have found that breaks questions down into
specific question groups is at http://www.beforeandafterhelp.com/
This one is great also, but the other format was easier for me.
Those that have gone before me have answered every single question I have
had and the search key was like google to me. I have not had a question
yet that could not be answered on there and quickly.
Also, at my final pre op visit just weeks ago, my doctors office gave me a
"test" to complete while I waited to be called. It had about 20
questions on it that I had to answer completely and also the first question
was for me to draw a diagram of what I understood my procedure to be. I
was shocked at first, but then as I went through it I found I knew, I mean
I really knew the answers. ALL of them. It gave such a boost to my self
confidence because I was proud that I had done all I could to really know
what and how my life would change for the better and what my risks were for
not following doctor's orders. Good luck and never give up learning more.
— texast
May 10, 2008
My doctor suggested that the suicide rate is very high for folks having
weight reduction surgery. He said "you can bet that there are many
reasons why people overeat". I agreed with him and I am considering
going to a therapist to try and work on some of those issues before the
surgery. I can lose the weight, I just have a difficult time maintaining
the loss. ~m
— michele_b
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