Re: Reply to Susie RE: Psychiatrist

[Guest guest]

Psychiatry visits (or as mine were with a clinical counselor under the

direction of a psychologist) are not required. I was already seeing mine

for help with severe depression and panic attacks from 3 years ago. She

ended up being more of a friend than a " counselor " although she did help me

keep things in perspective. It is nice though to have an already

established relationship (pre-op psych visits) in case you feel you need

help afterward.

Some people experience bouts of depression and some are just so overwhelmed

by all the changes that are taking place in their lives that it helps to

talk to someone. My counselor was my most avid supporter for the surgery

and was a real help when my " success " started to overwhelm me somewhat.

Then of course in Aug. - October when all my really life-threatening

problems were occurring she was there for me. In fact, because she only saw

me once a month, she was one of the first to pick up on the fact that what

was happening to me at that point was not " standard " and urged me to talk to

Dr. R and my PCP immediately. Sometimes when you see yourself everyday (or

anything else, I guess) changes " sneak up " on you without your realizing the

consequences.

To be perfectly honest, the MGB-Post Op group make a great bunch of " free "

counselors, so there's always that option LOL.

Pam in NC

Pre-Op Wt 318 @ 5 ft. 5

MGB Surg.= 1/4/99

Lowest Wt.= 143 10/99

Reversal of MGB= 10/24

Current Wt= 165-175, Holding healthy and happy