I've lost 140lbs!

Before:After:

My ticker wont update... LOL

Now, I have a question for you all!  I'm doing some research on mental health and weight loss.  If you could give any advice to someone who is preparing for weight loss surgery, what would you suggest they do MENTALLY to make sure they are successful?

Lauren - wow!   You have done an amazing job.  Beautiful :-)

To answer your question:  people need to get into therapy, identify triggers and work on developing other coping skills BEFORE surgery.  

You are beautiful!  Great job.

I really feel that surgeons should require evaluation and if necessary treatment for eating issues before surgery.  They wouldn't give an alcoholic a new liver without addressing their drinking problem.  I think some may feel that WLS will cure their eating issues.  I know I thought that before my first WLS.  What I learned is that it helps me not to practice those destructive patterns but only if I acknowledge them and put effort into not eating the way I did before I had surgery.

You look amazing. I also agree with the first two posters. They did surgery on our bodies not our minds. So the same eating issues were there after surgery as before. I know for me it will be a life long battle but having some coping skills is helping

I am almost 10 years out.  My best advice would be to start therapy right out of the gate from having surgery.  Surgery is on the stomach not the brain, and my weight issues definitely were psychological as far as food goes.  I realized the emotional side of things a few months out and got myself a good therapist and made sure I went to support group every month.  So far, so good.