The Emily Program

Okay so I have finally admitted to myself that I need help with the mental aspect of this WLS journey.  I have called The Emily Program and scheduled an intake appointment, however it is not for 2 weeks but if I get my psych tests into them earlier they can bump it up to next week.  I was trying really hard to do this without having to go back into counseling, however after this weekend I have realized I still have a big issue with food.  I have decided that for right now I am not going to tell any of my family about this because I fear they will see it as a failure on my part to do what needed to be done to be successful with the WLS and none of them look too highly on therapy.  I am hoping that they will be able to provide some help on this journey so that I can kick this tool back in gear before it is too late.  I just wish I had not been so stubborn and gotten myself into therapy at the beginning of this journey, but perhpas I needed a year off from therapy to be able to see that it is what I need in my life.  If anyone has had any experiences with The Emily Program I would love to hear what you have to say either here or via PM.  Trust me this was not an easy thing to do, it has taken me gulping back my pride and accepting the help that God has for me here on earth.  Love & Hugs! Nicole

Nicole,

I'm not familiar with The Emily program...What is it?

Kelly

Kelly~The Emily Program is an Eating Disorders program here in the Twin Cities, as Kelly F. said in her response below they deal with all aspects of eating disorders from anorexia and bulimia to WLS and binge/over eating.  They offer a wide range of services from individual therapy, group therapy and dietician visits.  They seemed to know right where to put me when I told them I had, had WLS so that is good.  Their website is www.emilyprogram.com if you would like to know more. 

I went to the web site and see that there is lots of programs and therapists.  Thanks for the information and guide.

I just read your post and completely utterly undestand.  I had a revision of my stoma done three years ago for my original 1982 RNY.  I have regained about 20 from my goal of losing 100 pounds - I was at 150 a year and a half ago- 240 at my highest.  BUT, reading your note cuts the pride and I know I need to deal with food issues.  I stopped attending Reneal and changed jobs, no longer working with people who had also had the surgery.  I read this today, and think it pertinent.  This is not a lecture or poor me blog; just my truth.  I have tried to get into the "Back On Track Program" at PN, and no program will work unless I do!  I have not heard of the Emily Program.  Who know a good food issue therapist?  The one who evalutated me for my surgery at PN was just not my match.

EROSION OF THE USE OF PRINCIPLES:

Some patients who are compliant, who are not depressed and have intact pouches, will begin to gain weight. These patients are struggling with their weight, have usually stopped connecting with their support groups, and have begun living their “new” life surrounded by those who have not had bariatric surgery. Everything around them encourages them to live life “normal” like their new peers: they begin taking little sips with their meals, and eating quick and easy-to-eat foods. The patient will not usually call their physician’s office because they KNOW what they are doing is wrong and KNOW that they just need to get back on track. Even if you offer “refresher courses” for your patients on a yearly basis, they may not attend because they KNOW what the course is going to say, they know the rules and how they are breaking them. You need to identify these patients and somehow get them back into your office or back to interacting with their support group again. Once these patients return to their support group, and keep in contact with their WLS peers, it makes it much easier to return to the rules of the pouch and get their weight under control once again

Peace and hugs,
Cheryl - who is going to Renewal tonight!

Cheryl~I think the hardest thing for me is knowing I am only 8 months post-op and already struggeling with my eating and going back to bad habits that no matter how hard I try just don't seem to go away.  I still surround myself with WLS people and attend the PNC support groups twice a month.  I have realized that apparentely my eating disorder was seperate from some of the other mental health issues that I have dealt with so now I have decided that it is time to tackle this one too.  I hope you are able to find a good program.  I have heard about the Emily Program from other therapists in the past so know that they are a very reputable program and from glancing through their website seem to have a very diverse staff with a wide range of specialists to address different issues including WLS.  The website is www.emilyprogram.com

Nicole,

Shannin was attending the Emily program. She doesn't post much lately but maybe she is lurking. Or Barb at PN may be able to get ahold of her for you.

I wish you luck in this. I totally understand how much the "stuff" in our lives affects how well we do with eating after the surgery. A lobotomy might help me at this time.  Smile.

Karen

Thank you Karen, I will probably talk to Barb about this tomorrow at support group. 

Nicole,
Please forgive me if my earlier post sounded offensive.  That was not my intent.  I identified so strongly with you that I responded right then and there.

Cheryl

Cheryl~I am sorry if I came across sounding offended I wasn't I just thought perhaps I should clarify my cir****tances since the little blurb at the bottom of your post seemed to talk a lot about people further out.  I can see where you are coming from and if you would like any info I will share it with you after my intake.