Question:
Before I had surgery,I was an emotional eater.
I didnt realize how much of anemotional eater I was until recently. Whenever I get stressed or upset I tend to want to eat. In fact the other day I pigged out a little and I'm so afraid of gaining back my weight. It's only been 4 months since my surgery and I have lost 55 pounds. I know I cant do that anymore I know I have to deal with my problems head on. My question is I was thinking about going to see a therapist. However I'm not sure what to say when i call for an appointment. This may sound like a silly question, but I never saw a therapist before except when I had to get my evaluation done, but that was different. If any one has any advice it would be greatly appreciated. Or if anyone is going through the same thing, it will help to know I'm not the only one going through this.. thanks — Shannon S. (posted on January 20, 2003)
January 20, 2003
Hi Shannon,
wow you sounds JUST LIKE ME. When I went for my psyche evaluation before
surgery, the Dr. asked me if I was an emotional eatter, I insisted I was
not. I truly believed I ate because I just liked food...period..Well I'm 2
months post op. Yesterday I had an EXTREMELY stressful day from Hell, When
I got in my car..(after just having ate an hour earlier) I started digging
around for ANYTHING to eat,,I ate some crackers, some nuts, some raisins,
some cheese, some pork rinds...Then, right there on the Hwy, it hit me..OMG
I AM AN EMOTIONAL EATTER...I was upset and stressed and the ONLY thing I
wanted to do was eat..WOW, what an eyeopener, I guess I never realized it
before, because I could just go and EAT, now, pigging out to me is STUFFING
myself with 4oz (I don't vomit,,,ever) Anyways, I thought maybe I might
need to seek some professional help here too...I think its something that
might help you too. I guess when you call, just tell them you need some
couceling with a food problem, I'm SURE just about every other call they
get is someone seeking help with a food problem. Best wishes :)
— WABBIT F.
January 20, 2003
Hi Shannon,
wow you sounds JUST LIKE ME. When I went for my psyche evaluation before
surgery, the Dr. asked me if I was an emotional eatter, I insisted I was
not. I truly believed I ate because I just liked food...period..Well I'm 2
months post op. Yesterday I had an EXTREMELY stressful day from Hell, When
I got in my car..(after just having ate an hour earlier) I started digging
around for ANYTHING to eat,,I ate some crackers, some nuts, some raisins,
some cheese, some pork rinds...Then, right there on the Hwy, it hit me..OMG
I AM AN EMOTIONAL EATTER...I was upset and stressed and the ONLY thing I
wanted to do was eat..WOW, what an eyeopener, I guess I never realized it
before, because I could just go and EAT, now, pigging out to me is STUFFING
myself with 4oz (I don't vomit,,,ever) Anyways, I thought maybe I might
need to seek some professional help here too...I think its something that
might help you too. I guess when you call, just tell them you need some
couceling with a food problem, I'm SURE just about every other call they
get is someone seeking help with a food problem. Best wishes :)
— WABBIT F.
January 20, 2003
Hi Shannon,
wow you sounds JUST LIKE ME. When I went for my psyche evaluation before
surgery, the Dr. asked me if I was an emotional eatter, I insisted I was
not. I truly believed I ate because I just liked food...period..Well I'm 2
months post op. Yesterday I had an EXTREMELY stressful day from Hell, When
I got in my car..(after just having ate an hour earlier) I started digging
around for ANYTHING to eat,,I ate some crackers, some nuts, some raisins,
some cheese, some pork rinds...Then, right there on the Hwy, it hit me..OMG
I AM AN EMOTIONAL EATTER...I was upset and stressed and the ONLY thing I
wanted to do was eat..WOW, what an eyeopener, I guess I never realized it
before, because I could just go and EAT, now, pigging out to me is STUFFING
myself with 4oz (I don't vomit,,,ever) Anyways, I thought maybe I might
need to seek some professional help here too...I think its something that
might help you too. I guess when you call, just tell them you need some
couceling with a food problem, I'm SURE just about every other call they
get is someone seeking help with a food problem. Best wishes :)
— WABBIT F.
January 20, 2003
I had a similar experience and find that I am an emotional eater too, even
though I sort of was in denial about it. Anyhow, I found OA really helped.
You can find local chapters everywhere and it's free. I recommend it!
— missmollyk
January 20, 2003
I am pre op, but I am an emotional eater too. When I get upset
(particuarly from work), I go home and EAT. I have been known to eat an
entire pint of Ben and Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk in one sitting.
When you are upset and you eat, you are literally STUFFING the bad feelings
back down. If you cannot express your anger, it will need to be dealt with
somehow and this is how most of us have learned to do it. I have asked this
question at my support group and they have some suggestions. As you lose
weight, ou have more energy, so they suggest exercise as a way to get rid
of the anger and release endorphins which are hormones that make you feel
good. Of course, there is therapy where you can deal with your own
personal issues head on. OA, as another member suggested is a good idea
because they are free. I wish you luck. It is never easy having to deal
with this stuff. Now when I am post op and have had a bad day, can you
remind me of all these suggestions????? :) Carol
— daisymae
January 20, 2003
Pre-op I was a bit of an emotional eater myself. This surgery being the
great tool it is, gives you a fighting chance. The previous poster is right
about learning to express your feelings, particularly anger, instead of
"stuffing them back down with food." Exercise can be one of your
strongest weapons. Even just going for a walk will do wonders for you! I
can't wait until the cold weather goes away so I can take my Chihuahua
puppy for short walks again! Also, I highly recommend pet ownership to cure
the post-op blues AND encourage you to exercise. I got my little Pedro
about 7 weeks post-op and he's made the journey so much more fun! Pets are
definitely great "therapy." Good luck to you - Anna LAP RNY
7/3/02 -106lbs.
— Anna L.
January 20, 2003
It is never, ever easy for anyone to make that first therapy appointment.
And showing up for the apppointment is so freaky - I know the first time I
went to see the psychiatrist, I was so overwhelmed to be at THE
PSYCHIATRIST, FOR GOD's SAKE, I just started crying while filling out the
health history in the waiting room. But it all worked out. Most
psychiatrists don't do therapy, it just happens that mine does. You would
probably want to see a psychologist or a licensed clinical social worker. I
recommend a social worker, but I am a social worker, so I may be biased.
Ask your surgeon/his nurse if they have any recommendations on who's good
with eating issues/WLS. Or if you belong to a WLS support group, you might
ask there. Or, you could let your fingers do the walking! (Even if somebody
is recommended to you, you might not like him/her, so you should be willing
to try a different therapist.) **You don't have to say anything about your
problem when you call.** Just say, "I'm interested in seeing Jane Doe,
and I wonder if she's taking new patients?" Then they give you an
appointment. Then you go, and you feel real freaked out in the waiting
room. Then you go in to talk to Jane Doe, and she says, "What brings
you here, today?" And you start talking and she listens and it goes
great! Good luck! You're smart to seek help, from whatever source.
— Kim A.
January 20, 2003
Identifying yourself as an emotional eater is the 1st step. I did not
think I was an emotional eater or a stress eater, however, my surgeon
requires us to take a 350 question test that is scored by a "Behavior
Modification" specialist and I scored 70% stress and 30% emotional.
Knowing that up front helped me start dealing with some of my food issues
even before surgery. Going to a professional really helped me....I called
and asked for either a therapist who handled "Food Issues" or
"Addictive behavior"...Ended up seeing someone who helps people
with all kinds of addications. I went every week for about 1 month. Now I
have a plan....any time I know I am reaching for FOOD out of stress or
emotions....I go pick up a book, go for a walk, drink 8 oz of water.....
— Sharon H.
January 21, 2003
A therapist is an excellent suggestion. Like the others said, you may have
to go thru a few to find the "one" that you feel comfortable
with. You'll know after a session or two whether you feel comfortable with
the therapist. If you have a support group, you may be able to get
referrals thru them. If not, find a therapist that works with people who
have eating disorders. I'm not a fan of OA. I've never liked the 12 step
type of programs and turning things over to a higher power, but thats just
me. One on one therapy can be intensive and painful, but it works.
— Cindy R.
January 21, 2003
Shannon,
Calling can be daunting. First I would call your surgeon and see if they
can suggest an eating disorder counsellor. I would think that any surgeon
worth their salt would have good relationships with several if not at least
one. When you call there will most likely be an "intake" person.
Just be open and honest about your past, surgery, and your current
experiences. They will give this info to the therapist so they can prepare
for your first visit.
Amy
— Amy S.
January 21, 2003
Hi there! YES I would definetly recommend a therapist. I'm still pre-op and
I should be having surgery in March. I have been in therapy for 2.5 years
and I'm a classic emotional eater. My therapist held an eating disorder
group and it helped me tremendously. Read my profile it elaborates more.
I'm not perfect, but I really feel like I can control my binging now. She
taught me phrases to say in my head that pop up when I get my insane
cravings. In fact, if I didn't have the therapy beforehand, I don't think I
would be able to handle the surgery very well. I defiently know I'll need
her help post-op as well! But I feel like I have a better handle on what to
expect. So good luck and feel free to E-mail me if you have any questions
:)
— mzcath
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