How to start the conversation.... - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

VanessaSFL · 05-20-2005, 10:54 AM

I talked to my Dr. today and told him I am having a hard time emotionally with all the changes since surgery..He said he noticed and said I should see some one for depression and angzeyety(like my spelling..too lazy to Google)

It will be my first time talking to anyone...what do you tell them to start things off?Can you just say ..I just had a life ulter surgery and not coping well?

I don't want to take meds..and everyone I know who has gone to see a DR. is now on medication.

I feel like I am renting a friend for 30 mins.

Has anyone gone to the Physcologist and just sat there nothing to say?

Thanks...Van

spell check:ANXITY :-)

Gladitsme · 05-20-2005, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VanessaSFL

I talked to my Dr. today and told him I am having a hard time emotionally with all the changes since surgery..He said he noticed and said I should see some one for depression and angzeyety(like my spelling..too lazy to Google)

It will be my first time talking to anyone...what do you tell them to start things off?Can you just say ..I just had a life ulter surgery and not coping well?

I don't want to take meds..and everyone I know who has gone to see a DR. is now on medication.

I feel like I am renting a friend for 30 mins.

Has anyone gone to the Physcologist and just sat there nothing to say?

Thanks...Van

Van,

You might ask your surgeon's office for a referral to a WLS friendly therapist. I bet you'll find lots to say once you get there. Good luck sweetie. From everything I've read here, what you're going thru is totally normal, but no fun. Kelly at Dr. C's office said it's all the estrogen, progesterone and testosterone getting released that makes us get depressed -- I guess like the worst PMS ever. We're here too so if you want to talk to us, feel free!

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Van}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

kristyann · 05-20-2005, 11:25 AM

Even though I have not yet had my surgery I do know that it is normal. I had to meet with a psychologist for pre surgery testing because that is what my doc requires. She did tell me that I might suffer from some type of depression after surgery, hold on, let me back up. I began my discussion with her by telling her that I truly believe that I suffer from depression however I feel like it is completely related to my weight. She then told me that she believes it could very well be, however sometimes that depression does not go away with weight loss because you then have to get used to the new body your in. Eventhough we do not like our bodies "BIG", that is what we are used to and any kind of change can be hard to deal with. She plans on waiting until after my surgery to then try and evaluate my depression and go from there. I was very fortunate that my psychologist has also had WLS so she is very good at understanding everything that goes with it. Anyways what I am trying to say is maybe it would be easier for you to talk to someone who is familiar with the journey you have taken (such as a psychologist who specializes in bariatrics) which might also allow them to help you to understand why you are feeling the way you are.

kristyann · 05-20-2005, 11:27 AM

GOOD LUCK and remember we are here if you need to talk.

bridgetgirl · 05-20-2005, 04:08 PM

Van: You are not alone on this. Luckily for me and many others ont hsi board our surgeon Dr Callery and Dr Potts have 3 month pot op visits with a psychologist in a group setting, you can go for as long as you like. I went for about the first 6 months, I had so many struggles with the way things had changed, my expectations vs reality, etc.

I just want to extend the offer to you, to call me if you like. I would be happy to hear you out. Hopefully you can get with a support group where you have one on one interaction to actually "feel" that your not the only one who feels the same way.

Get to a support group ASAP. I think talking with YOUR PEERS about the changes is actaully more beneficial with a therapist... for me anyways it has been. Please PM me if you would like to talk. Im here for you sugar pea! Much love~

Bellasnana · 05-20-2005, 04:15 PM

I am a therapist and I also have been in therapy. A therapist is not a friend, this person doesn't have a vested interest in you so they are not bias. Or trying to direct you in some particular way. You say you don't want to take medication. But being depreseed--clinical depression--is an illness. If you had an infection, or diabetes, or high blood prerssure, you would take medication. Then why not depression or anxiety? I tell you this from experience. I fought taking medication for depression and anxiety for years. I thought would make me appear weak. Then my family practice MD was finally able to convince me. It has made such a difference in my life. When you are depressed it "colors" everything you see. Maybe you have a friend that knows someone. If you want to e-mail me, I will give you some additional info to look at when looking for a therapist. Good luck. Sometimes as women we look at therapy as being self-indulgent. But really its just taking care of your self, like a manicure. Sometimes we are so busy taking care of everyone else we forget ourselves.

Myra
6/7/05

lealphachienne · 05-20-2005, 04:23 PM

I see a therapist at least every two weeks. You don't have to do anything the first time. Sometimes silence is therapuetic too. If you're clinically depressed, then medication in conjunction with therapy is quite successful. Not everyone will need a med. There's plenty of assessment tools that can help identify what may work for you. The key thing is to get yourself in to see someone ASAP. You deserve to take care of your health, both physical and emotional.

VanessaSFL · 05-20-2005, 05:18 PM

Hi Guys...I googled anxiety and I fit ALL of the physiological aspects and few of the other things.I couldn't believe it.I will ask my Dr.for some names of DR.s who understand WLS and its struggles.

Question:Who deceides the session is over...like do you go 6 times or till you feel like you can cope?

Q~Therapist,Psycologist,Psyciatrist?(spelling ~will deal with that later)

What's the differance..schooling?

Q~Why do I feel like its a bad thing?

I just may IM one of you all who offered

Thanks...Vanessa

lealphachienne · 05-20-2005, 05:32 PM

The amount you go is influenced by your health plan, if you have one. My health plan covers 30 visits a year. Many offer a sliding fee scale if you don't have insurance coverage for mental health.

You may feel like seeking professional help is bad for many reasons:
1. You're ashamed or scared to admit you can't do it on your own.
2. Afraid that others might think less of you.
3. There's a lot of negative press about people who "need" help. Yet, 20 million Americans are depressed.
4. Afraid that it might affect your job or family.
5. Fear of finding out something else is also "wrong" with you.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking help. The greatest harm is continuing to suffer needlessly when there's effective treatment available. It may take a try or two to find the right person that you feel comfortable with. Keep at it until you are satisfied with who you are.

Gladitsme · 05-20-2005, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VanessaSFL

Hi Guys...I googled anxiety and I fit ALL of the physiological aspects and few of the other things.I couldn't believe it.I will ask my Dr.for some names of DR.s who understand WLS and its struggles.

Question:Who deceides the session is over...like do you go 6 times or till you feel like you can cope?

Q~Therapist,Psycologist,Psyciatrist?(spelling ~will deal with that later)

What's the differance..schooling?

Q~Why do I feel like its a bad thing?

I just may IM one of you all who offered

Thanks...Vanessa

Vanessa,

The therapy ends when it's mutually decided. It depends on your insurance and the type of therapy you are getting. (I know could I be more vague??)

Therapist, Psychologist, Psychiatrist -- A therapist can be a Licensed Social Worker, a Marriage Family Therapist or a Psychologist. The first 2 are usually Master's level providers and the psychologist has to have a doctorate degree in psychology. A psychiatrist is an MD who specialized in psychiatry.

Why do you feel like it's a bad thing? Social stigma for one thing. You aren't crazy nor are you weak. You are going through some overwhelming stuff right now. It's good to get an unbiased view of your situation and therapists can help you learn tools to cope with what you're going thru.

Good luck!