Emotional Scarring - ThinnerTimes

sweetnlowe · 01-29-2006, 06:18 PM

I'm scared! I was so excited to get my surgery scheduled. But now i'm scared about something else...By that I mean the hurts I've endured since I was little. I always knew I was fat, and the humiliation caused by being made fun of scarred me SO badly that I have a problem opening up to people. Does the confidence of losing weight make a lot of these emotional problems better... or should I actually seek some sort of psychiatric help to "talk about" my problems? I'm a psych major, so other than someone listening I'm wondering if that would do any good? And I also just wanted to let you guys know that I read so many of the posts on here and knowing that there is a group of people going through a lot of the same things really makes everything a little easier, so thanks to all you regulars who post!

coptergirl · 01-29-2006, 06:26 PM

Welcome to the forum family, Christy - I am glad you have joined us

Therapy is a very personal decision, but it is common and sometimes recommeded for gbs patients with deep seeded issues that need resolve. Even though you're a psych major, another therapist may be able to push those buttons and asked questions you owuldn't expect to get down to the root of the matter. I wish you the very best on your journey, and I look forward to getting to know you better through this forum...

Duckie · 01-29-2006, 08:35 PM

I would most definitely recommend therapy for you if you are having these feelings. Good luck hon.

Blueyz · 01-29-2006, 08:49 PM

I am certain that therapy will be a good thing especially post-op. I know I went through a lot of emotional times and some depression and I still have times where I know therapy would definetely be a plus.

Bypassingme619 · 01-29-2006, 09:13 PM

Hey Christy. The feelings you are feeling we are have to go through. I don't think there is anything with seeking some sort of pofessional help for these feelings. What could it hurt? I honestly believe talking about it pre-op could go a long ways for your progress post-op. I wont say losing my weight was the cure for me being able to open up but it has helped my confidence to open up. I tell my husband sometimes I feel like a bomb ready to explode because I have held onto so much for so long(family issues). I take it day by day, I try and think out what I say before I say it, but the key is alway to get it out before it eats at me. I am still working out the kinks. Christy at least know what your problems is with communicating now you have to figure out what you could do to improve that.

cnvh · 01-30-2006, 05:03 AM

I definitely agree that you should try to begin addressing these issues pre-op. Losing weight alone is not going to fix low self-esteem-- it may help, but all it's going to take is for one person to make a stupid comment and WHAM, you may well find yourself back into the emotional pits. And there will ALWAYS be stupid people out there to say stupid things, no matter how great you will look.

A woman I know had WLS a few years ago, lost tons of weight, was doing everything perfectly and was looking AWESOME. I was chatting with her one day when a mutual acquaintance came up to us, and of course the subject of my friend's dramatic weight loss came up. Our mutual friend (who means well but has NO tact), said something like "I can't believe how fat you were before, and now you look great!!" What an awful thing to say to someone, and she wasn't even trying to be mean!!

So please please please, start dealing with this now. It can do nothing but good for you in the long run... Be well and good luck!!

veroniquetalk · 01-30-2006, 08:39 AM

I see a therapist. I am getting to know mysefl better than I ever have - and guess what???? I like me

It's an awesome thing to discover about yourself.
I think its a good idea - certainly wouldn't hurt, especially if you have a great therapist. I would recommend you seek out someone who has some experience in overeating issues.