Imagine Me…, LLC

According to some reviews over 40 million Americans are affected with severe obesity.  Concern about health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, high cholesterol, joint problems and back problems resulting from obesity is continuing to increase.  Diet and exercise plans designed for weight loss are numerous.  Millions have tried these only to lose and regain weight.  So is bariatric surgery the magic that Americans are looking for after many failures with diet programs? Perhaps surgery is a good solution for some people and is necessary for their individual health issues.

Does the cost and medical risk always justify this choice? What about potential psychological problems associated with lifestyle changes? Have you considered differences in your relationship with your family and friends? How do you evaluate your chances for a successful outcome? These questions are extremely important.  Awareness and education before the surgery is crucial.  Many researchers fear that the surgery’s downside is being taken too lightly, especially as the surgical procedures have become increasingly available.

As a psychotherapist who has worked with eating disorders, food and body image issues for many years, I have seen some sad, tragic failures following poorly screened bariatric surgery.

For example I have worked with people who have regained their weight plus more, thinking that was impossible.  A few other situations include people who require periodic blood transfusions due to chronic anemia, medications are not absorbed, increases in depression or other mental health problems, embarrassment from vomiting in public, divorce, promiscuity or addiction to drugs or alcohol.  Many people cannot manage food or exercise before surgery and have a very difficult time with the specific requirements after surgery.  Many people believe their life will be perfect and they will have very few problems if they are thin.  Are you choosing surgery for health reasons or image?

I have seen both pre and post op complications which might have been avoided by a comprehensive assessment.  In my opinion a thorough evaluation cannot be done quickly.  Some people with failed results have reported they received one interview and were then told to find a mental health professional to approve surgery in one session.  They were not assessed for an eating disorder prior to surgery.  Some counselors have been asked to guarantee that an individual is a good surgical candidate and report that surgery is imperative.  Others have been asked to insure the person will attend counseling.  Surgery is a medical decision.  Counseling requires a commitment.  There are testing instruments and assessment tools available which can greatly assist your surgeon and medical team with managing your treatment.  I hope anyone considering gastric bypass or lap band surgery will be proactive and decide to seek a complete psychological evaluation which includes counseling before and after to learn appropriate coping skills. The cost of your evaluation is insignificant even if it is not covered by insurance.  Why would anyone make such an enormous decision and ignore this part? Please don’t underestimate the importance and the value of your psychological evaluation.