Guest guest Posted September 17, 2002 Report Share Posted September 17, 2002 I have a slightly different attidtude - I believe that we have enough to deal with, considering all the changes we are going through. But then I've suffered from depression on and off over the years, and I welcome the help in maintaining my equalibrium. I am not on Wellbutrin. Prozac killed my sex drive [one of its side effects], and Wellbutrin is one of the few that doesn't increase appetite. I don't think you should feel badly about taking something - you are dealing with so much righ now, it's natural to feel anxiety, or feel overwhelmed at times. Helene RNY 12/22/99 350/170 > > > Date: 2002/09/17 Tue PM 03:50:45 CDT > To: Graduate-OSSG > Subject: Prozac...... > > Are there many of you taking Prozac or any other anti-depressant/anti- > anxiety drugs? Are you also getting counseling? I have been > thinking about getting some counseling but wonder if he/she would > want me to take Prozac or Paxil. > > I just wanted to get an idea of what you are going through out there. > I don't want to be medicated. I know I am dealing with issues > created because of losing the weight. I am aware that because I am > thinner I don't settle for things like I did. I want to work on > achieving what I always dreamed about but thought was impossible. > > I know I am not unique in my feelings. I think part of my > frustration is figuring out what I need to do to work on what I want > and to prioritize my goals. I have found myself unsatisfied with my > work/pay. I have never had a romanitc life (because I was fat since > 5yrs old!)and want it now! I want to still lose 40+ lbs but have not > been able to lose below 205! I want plastic surgery but need to lose > weight to make it more effective, which I have not been able to lose > nor do I have the money. But I need to look better to attract a man > and finally feel confident about my body. > > So there are many new issues that spring from losing the weight and I > hope doctors are not trying to medicate us instead of working on > issues. Many primary doctors are prescribing these anti-anxiety > drugs but they are not the right ones to work on the issues with you. > > Your feedback is appreciated, > > V. > 157lbs lost 2yrs 3mos out. > > > > > > > Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG > > Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2002 Report Share Posted September 17, 2002 I have a slightly different attidtude - I believe that we have enough to deal with, considering all the changes we are going through. But then I've suffered from depression on and off over the years, and I welcome the help in maintaining my equalibrium. I am not on Wellbutrin. Prozac killed my sex drive [one of its side effects], and Wellbutrin is one of the few that doesn't increase appetite. I don't think you should feel badly about taking something - you are dealing with so much righ now, it's natural to feel anxiety, or feel overwhelmed at times. Helene RNY 12/22/99 350/170 > > > Date: 2002/09/17 Tue PM 03:50:45 CDT > To: Graduate-OSSG > Subject: Prozac...... > > Are there many of you taking Prozac or any other anti-depressant/anti- > anxiety drugs? Are you also getting counseling? I have been > thinking about getting some counseling but wonder if he/she would > want me to take Prozac or Paxil. > > I just wanted to get an idea of what you are going through out there. > I don't want to be medicated. I know I am dealing with issues > created because of losing the weight. I am aware that because I am > thinner I don't settle for things like I did. I want to work on > achieving what I always dreamed about but thought was impossible. > > I know I am not unique in my feelings. I think part of my > frustration is figuring out what I need to do to work on what I want > and to prioritize my goals. I have found myself unsatisfied with my > work/pay. I have never had a romanitc life (because I was fat since > 5yrs old!)and want it now! I want to still lose 40+ lbs but have not > been able to lose below 205! I want plastic surgery but need to lose > weight to make it more effective, which I have not been able to lose > nor do I have the money. But I need to look better to attract a man > and finally feel confident about my body. > > So there are many new issues that spring from losing the weight and I > hope doctors are not trying to medicate us instead of working on > issues. Many primary doctors are prescribing these anti-anxiety > drugs but they are not the right ones to work on the issues with you. > > Your feedback is appreciated, > > V. > 157lbs lost 2yrs 3mos out. > > > > > > > Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG > > Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2002 Report Share Posted September 17, 2002 I have a slightly different attidtude - I believe that we have enough to deal with, considering all the changes we are going through. But then I've suffered from depression on and off over the years, and I welcome the help in maintaining my equalibrium. I am not on Wellbutrin. Prozac killed my sex drive [one of its side effects], and Wellbutrin is one of the few that doesn't increase appetite. I don't think you should feel badly about taking something - you are dealing with so much righ now, it's natural to feel anxiety, or feel overwhelmed at times. Helene RNY 12/22/99 350/170 > > > Date: 2002/09/17 Tue PM 03:50:45 CDT > To: Graduate-OSSG > Subject: Prozac...... > > Are there many of you taking Prozac or any other anti-depressant/anti- > anxiety drugs? Are you also getting counseling? I have been > thinking about getting some counseling but wonder if he/she would > want me to take Prozac or Paxil. > > I just wanted to get an idea of what you are going through out there. > I don't want to be medicated. I know I am dealing with issues > created because of losing the weight. I am aware that because I am > thinner I don't settle for things like I did. I want to work on > achieving what I always dreamed about but thought was impossible. > > I know I am not unique in my feelings. I think part of my > frustration is figuring out what I need to do to work on what I want > and to prioritize my goals. I have found myself unsatisfied with my > work/pay. I have never had a romanitc life (because I was fat since > 5yrs old!)and want it now! I want to still lose 40+ lbs but have not > been able to lose below 205! I want plastic surgery but need to lose > weight to make it more effective, which I have not been able to lose > nor do I have the money. But I need to look better to attract a man > and finally feel confident about my body. > > So there are many new issues that spring from losing the weight and I > hope doctors are not trying to medicate us instead of working on > issues. Many primary doctors are prescribing these anti-anxiety > drugs but they are not the right ones to work on the issues with you. > > Your feedback is appreciated, > > V. > 157lbs lost 2yrs 3mos out. > > > > > > > Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG > > Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2002 Report Share Posted September 17, 2002 Dear (V) I'm going to splatter the pubic board briefly but will write privately about more detailed stuff if you want. >> Are there many of you taking Prozac or any other anti-depressant/anti-anxiety drugs?<< I don't know about " many " but the many I've know have taken the same/similar since before surgery -- only a small amount of people began taking a psyche med after surgery -- not to mix the drugs up they do very different things. >>Are you also getting counseling?<< Yes, I've seen a weekly therapist since well over a year before I had surgery and continue to see him and plan to continue to see him. >>I have been thinking about getting some counseling but wonder if he/she would want me to take Prozac or Paxil.<< Therapists and counselors (the same) and shrinks are totally different -- they prescribe medications... My therapist is a Ph. D. but not a doctor and can not prescribe meds -- most therapists/counselors can't -- if a medication, short term / long term / would help you would have to see a doctor about it -- hopefully PCP's don't prescribe psyche medication (that's just an opinion) >> I just wanted to get an idea of what you are going through out there. I don't want to be medicated. I know I am dealing with issues created because of losing the weight. I am aware that because I am thinner I don't settle for things like I did. I want to work on achieving what I always dreamed about but thought was impossible.<< And a 1000 other issues -- just dive in... IMO, it is the best thing I've done for and by myself and I did it BEFORE I even thought about WLS but my issues were much the same then as now -- only now I am learning to deal with feelings as well as the rest of the stuff. >>> I know I am not unique in my feelings. I think part of my frustration is figuring out what I need to do to work on what I want and to prioritize my goals.<<< I cut that part because it isn't my place to " analyze " what you said ~smile~ just wanted to add that a good therapist (and you can interview them before choosing one for yourself...) will help you set your priorities in order of what you really want to work on first and by knowing your whole list can generally help better by seeing where all the issues criss/cross each other anyway. >>>I hope doctors are not trying to medicate us instead of working on issues. Many primary doctors are prescribing these anti-anxiety drugs but they are not the right ones to work on the issues with you.<<< Most PCP's don't prescribe the psyche meds... as I said above that is done by a psychiatrist who also doesn't work on the issues with you -- that is done by a therapist / counselor person who doesn't / can't prescribe medications but might suggest them if s/he feels strongly they might help during the time of what you are working through. The medications are usually a choice for the individual. They are not a crutch or a cop-out if one chooses to help themselves by choosing to use one or more that makes doing the work on the emotional stuff much easier -- and then you have chemical depression which is " who knows what " in our already chemically disturbed bodies... and on and on... most people I know who are on medications are also in therapy of the right choice for themselves. hugz, ~denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2002 Report Share Posted September 18, 2002 Just my opinion, but a few years back when I was dealing with " issues " and wanted to find a therapist to talk to, he prescribed meds (which I took) but I found that the side effects were undesirable and my jumbled feelings and issues never got addressed and I finally stopped wasting my money. He would say " How are you doing? " (expected to answer in one or two short sentences...Fine...So-so...terrible...) then write the script and never wanted to actually explore why I was feeling the way I was, what could be done about it, etc. You sound like you need more of a personal coach rather than a doctor. I've never enlisted the help of one, but from what I understand they talk to you about your dreams, ambitions, your goals, and then help you map out a course of action to begin working on the issues you need to address and the steps to take to get to where you want to be. Why not explore this avenue and you can always go to a therapist later if you are not getting what you need to addressed with the coach. Just my .02. KC Prozac...... Are there many of you taking Prozac or any other anti-depressant/anti- anxiety drugs? Are you also getting counseling? I have been thinking about getting some counseling but wonder if he/she would want me to take Prozac or Paxil. I just wanted to get an idea of what you are going through out there. I don't want to be medicated. I know I am dealing with issues created because of losing the weight. I am aware that because I am thinner I don't settle for things like I did. I want to work on achieving what I always dreamed about but thought was impossible. I know I am not unique in my feelings. I think part of my frustration is figuring out what I need to do to work on what I want and to prioritize my goals. I have found myself unsatisfied with my work/pay. I have never had a romanitc life (because I was fat since 5yrs old!)and want it now! I want to still lose 40+ lbs but have not been able to lose below 205! I want plastic surgery but need to lose weight to make it more effective, which I have not been able to lose nor do I have the money. But I need to look better to attract a man and finally feel confident about my body. So there are many new issues that spring from losing the weight and I hope doctors are not trying to medicate us instead of working on issues. Many primary doctors are prescribing these anti-anxiety drugs but they are not the right ones to work on the issues with you. Your feedback is appreciated, V. 157lbs lost 2yrs 3mos out. Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2002 Report Share Posted September 18, 2002 Just my opinion, but a few years back when I was dealing with " issues " and wanted to find a therapist to talk to, he prescribed meds (which I took) but I found that the side effects were undesirable and my jumbled feelings and issues never got addressed and I finally stopped wasting my money. He would say " How are you doing? " (expected to answer in one or two short sentences...Fine...So-so...terrible...) then write the script and never wanted to actually explore why I was feeling the way I was, what could be done about it, etc. You sound like you need more of a personal coach rather than a doctor. I've never enlisted the help of one, but from what I understand they talk to you about your dreams, ambitions, your goals, and then help you map out a course of action to begin working on the issues you need to address and the steps to take to get to where you want to be. Why not explore this avenue and you can always go to a therapist later if you are not getting what you need to addressed with the coach. Just my .02. KC Prozac...... Are there many of you taking Prozac or any other anti-depressant/anti- anxiety drugs? Are you also getting counseling? I have been thinking about getting some counseling but wonder if he/she would want me to take Prozac or Paxil. I just wanted to get an idea of what you are going through out there. I don't want to be medicated. I know I am dealing with issues created because of losing the weight. I am aware that because I am thinner I don't settle for things like I did. I want to work on achieving what I always dreamed about but thought was impossible. I know I am not unique in my feelings. I think part of my frustration is figuring out what I need to do to work on what I want and to prioritize my goals. I have found myself unsatisfied with my work/pay. I have never had a romanitc life (because I was fat since 5yrs old!)and want it now! I want to still lose 40+ lbs but have not been able to lose below 205! I want plastic surgery but need to lose weight to make it more effective, which I have not been able to lose nor do I have the money. But I need to look better to attract a man and finally feel confident about my body. So there are many new issues that spring from losing the weight and I hope doctors are not trying to medicate us instead of working on issues. Many primary doctors are prescribing these anti-anxiety drugs but they are not the right ones to work on the issues with you. Your feedback is appreciated, V. 157lbs lost 2yrs 3mos out. Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2002 Report Share Posted September 18, 2002 Just my opinion, but a few years back when I was dealing with " issues " and wanted to find a therapist to talk to, he prescribed meds (which I took) but I found that the side effects were undesirable and my jumbled feelings and issues never got addressed and I finally stopped wasting my money. He would say " How are you doing? " (expected to answer in one or two short sentences...Fine...So-so...terrible...) then write the script and never wanted to actually explore why I was feeling the way I was, what could be done about it, etc. You sound like you need more of a personal coach rather than a doctor. I've never enlisted the help of one, but from what I understand they talk to you about your dreams, ambitions, your goals, and then help you map out a course of action to begin working on the issues you need to address and the steps to take to get to where you want to be. Why not explore this avenue and you can always go to a therapist later if you are not getting what you need to addressed with the coach. Just my .02. KC Prozac...... Are there many of you taking Prozac or any other anti-depressant/anti- anxiety drugs? Are you also getting counseling? I have been thinking about getting some counseling but wonder if he/she would want me to take Prozac or Paxil. I just wanted to get an idea of what you are going through out there. I don't want to be medicated. I know I am dealing with issues created because of losing the weight. I am aware that because I am thinner I don't settle for things like I did. I want to work on achieving what I always dreamed about but thought was impossible. I know I am not unique in my feelings. I think part of my frustration is figuring out what I need to do to work on what I want and to prioritize my goals. I have found myself unsatisfied with my work/pay. I have never had a romanitc life (because I was fat since 5yrs old!)and want it now! I want to still lose 40+ lbs but have not been able to lose below 205! I want plastic surgery but need to lose weight to make it more effective, which I have not been able to lose nor do I have the money. But I need to look better to attract a man and finally feel confident about my body. So there are many new issues that spring from losing the weight and I hope doctors are not trying to medicate us instead of working on issues. Many primary doctors are prescribing these anti-anxiety drugs but they are not the right ones to work on the issues with you. Your feedback is appreciated, V. 157lbs lost 2yrs 3mos out. Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2002 Report Share Posted September 18, 2002 > Just my opinion, but a few years back when I was dealing with " issues " and > wanted to find a therapist to talk to, he prescribed meds (which I took) but > I found that the side effects were undesirable and my jumbled feelings and > issues never got addressed and I finally stopped wasting my money. He would > say " How are you doing? " (expected to answer in one or two short > sentences...Fine...So-so...terrible...) then write the script and never > wanted to actually explore why I was feeling the way I was, what could be > done about it, etc. I went to a psychologist first, rather than a psychiatrist. Psychologists (and other counselors) cannot prescribe meds, but after they've talked to you for a few weeks, they can recommend meds IF they think you need them. Antidepressants and other meds are really intended to correct chemical imbalances that cause depression and other disorders, but too many physicians deal them out like they're the instant cure. A found a weekly session with a good therapist to be WAY more effective in identifying the underlying problems, and THEN when I told my PCP that my therapist was recommending I try low-level doses of antidepressants, he prescribed them for me, and they did help a great deal. When I was at a point to wean off of them, the therapist was still there, to talk through and deal with the issues related to non-medicating as well as to medicating. World of difference, in my opinion, from the doctor who just says " here, take this, and let me know how it goes. " ~~ Lyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2002 Report Share Posted September 18, 2002 > Just my opinion, but a few years back when I was dealing with " issues " and > wanted to find a therapist to talk to, he prescribed meds (which I took) but > I found that the side effects were undesirable and my jumbled feelings and > issues never got addressed and I finally stopped wasting my money. He would > say " How are you doing? " (expected to answer in one or two short > sentences...Fine...So-so...terrible...) then write the script and never > wanted to actually explore why I was feeling the way I was, what could be > done about it, etc. I went to a psychologist first, rather than a psychiatrist. Psychologists (and other counselors) cannot prescribe meds, but after they've talked to you for a few weeks, they can recommend meds IF they think you need them. Antidepressants and other meds are really intended to correct chemical imbalances that cause depression and other disorders, but too many physicians deal them out like they're the instant cure. A found a weekly session with a good therapist to be WAY more effective in identifying the underlying problems, and THEN when I told my PCP that my therapist was recommending I try low-level doses of antidepressants, he prescribed them for me, and they did help a great deal. When I was at a point to wean off of them, the therapist was still there, to talk through and deal with the issues related to non-medicating as well as to medicating. World of difference, in my opinion, from the doctor who just says " here, take this, and let me know how it goes. " ~~ Lyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 18, 2002 Report Share Posted September 18, 2002 > Just my opinion, but a few years back when I was dealing with " issues " and > wanted to find a therapist to talk to, he prescribed meds (which I took) but > I found that the side effects were undesirable and my jumbled feelings and > issues never got addressed and I finally stopped wasting my money. He would > say " How are you doing? " (expected to answer in one or two short > sentences...Fine...So-so...terrible...) then write the script and never > wanted to actually explore why I was feeling the way I was, what could be > done about it, etc. I went to a psychologist first, rather than a psychiatrist. Psychologists (and other counselors) cannot prescribe meds, but after they've talked to you for a few weeks, they can recommend meds IF they think you need them. Antidepressants and other meds are really intended to correct chemical imbalances that cause depression and other disorders, but too many physicians deal them out like they're the instant cure. A found a weekly session with a good therapist to be WAY more effective in identifying the underlying problems, and THEN when I told my PCP that my therapist was recommending I try low-level doses of antidepressants, he prescribed them for me, and they did help a great deal. When I was at a point to wean off of them, the therapist was still there, to talk through and deal with the issues related to non-medicating as well as to medicating. World of difference, in my opinion, from the doctor who just says " here, take this, and let me know how it goes. " ~~ Lyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2002 Report Share Posted September 19, 2002 Maybe a little clarification....a psychiatrist, who is always a medical doctor can prescribe meds. A " talk " therapist or counselor which you refer to as a coach, may be a psychiatrist, psychologist, MSW (master of social work) It always seemed like not such a good idea to me that one would only do the minimal visits some psychiatrists require to prescribe drugs. In my case, I went to a psychiatrist who was also a counselor. Just my $.02 in Austin RNY April 1998 Prozac...... > > > Are there many of you taking Prozac or any other anti-depressant/anti- > anxiety drugs? Are you also getting counseling? I have been > thinking about getting some counseling but wonder if he/she would > want me to take Prozac or Paxil. > > I just wanted to get an idea of what you are going through out there. > I don't want to be medicated. I know I am dealing with issues > created because of losing the weight. I am aware that because I am > thinner I don't settle for things like I did. I want to work on > achieving what I always dreamed about but thought was impossible. > > I know I am not unique in my feelings. I think part of my > frustration is figuring out what I need to do to work on what I want > and to prioritize my goals. I have found myself unsatisfied with my > work/pay. I have never had a romanitc life (because I was fat since > 5yrs old!)and want it now! I want to still lose 40+ lbs but have not > been able to lose below 205! I want plastic surgery but need to lose > weight to make it more effective, which I have not been able to lose > nor do I have the money. But I need to look better to attract a man > and finally feel confident about my body. > > So there are many new issues that spring from losing the weight and I > hope doctors are not trying to medicate us instead of working on > issues. Many primary doctors are prescribing these anti-anxiety > drugs but they are not the right ones to work on the issues with you. > > Your feedback is appreciated, > > V. > 157lbs lost 2yrs 3mos out. > > > > > > > Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG > > Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2002 Report Share Posted September 19, 2002 Maybe a little clarification....a psychiatrist, who is always a medical doctor can prescribe meds. A " talk " therapist or counselor which you refer to as a coach, may be a psychiatrist, psychologist, MSW (master of social work) It always seemed like not such a good idea to me that one would only do the minimal visits some psychiatrists require to prescribe drugs. In my case, I went to a psychiatrist who was also a counselor. Just my $.02 in Austin RNY April 1998 Prozac...... > > > Are there many of you taking Prozac or any other anti-depressant/anti- > anxiety drugs? Are you also getting counseling? I have been > thinking about getting some counseling but wonder if he/she would > want me to take Prozac or Paxil. > > I just wanted to get an idea of what you are going through out there. > I don't want to be medicated. I know I am dealing with issues > created because of losing the weight. I am aware that because I am > thinner I don't settle for things like I did. I want to work on > achieving what I always dreamed about but thought was impossible. > > I know I am not unique in my feelings. I think part of my > frustration is figuring out what I need to do to work on what I want > and to prioritize my goals. I have found myself unsatisfied with my > work/pay. I have never had a romanitc life (because I was fat since > 5yrs old!)and want it now! I want to still lose 40+ lbs but have not > been able to lose below 205! I want plastic surgery but need to lose > weight to make it more effective, which I have not been able to lose > nor do I have the money. But I need to look better to attract a man > and finally feel confident about my body. > > So there are many new issues that spring from losing the weight and I > hope doctors are not trying to medicate us instead of working on > issues. Many primary doctors are prescribing these anti-anxiety > drugs but they are not the right ones to work on the issues with you. > > Your feedback is appreciated, > > V. > 157lbs lost 2yrs 3mos out. > > > > > > > Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG > > Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2002 Report Share Posted September 19, 2002 Personally, I use two different ones -- a psychiatrist to prescribe medication (I really don't want to talk to him... I've changed psychiatrists many times) My therapist on the other hand I've been with for years and years. He knows all the " From the Start " stuff going on and has followed me through for so long that I don't want to change him even though he is a Ph. D. he can't prescribe medications. BUT -- the one thing I find " critical " is that my Therapist and psychiatrist have a good repor so one can talk to the other and together we can work out the medication thing based on the therapy thing -- I haven't " changed " my medication for almost 4 years -- it ain't broke, don't have any interest in changing it -- we did double the SSRI (small coated pill) to get the same results post-op -- but that took discussion between me and both professionals to make sure we got the dosage right. Oh and then their is insurance -- shrinks cost WAY more so I get fewer visits for shorter periods of time than with my therapist -- more visits per year for longer periods of time -- the insurance dictates that so that may be another reason for two different doctors. Still, I agree that the shrink should know or get a good working relationship with the " talking " doctor so medications are not blindly prescribed without a good background knowledge of what's up. My insurance allows 4 visits a year with the shrink unless special permission is granted (and they always have said ok) still... that would not be nearly enough for " talk " therapy... my talk therapy is allowed once a week and the doctor must be a Ph.D. for approval. As to them working " together " that is my own responsibility -- having to give both of them permission to " talk " about me and making sure they do so we are all on the same page. hugz, ~denise > Maybe a little clarification....a psychiatrist, who is always a medical > doctor can prescribe meds. A " talk " therapist or counselor which > you refer > to as a coach, may be a psychiatrist, psychologist, MSW (master of social > work) It always seemed like not such a good idea to me that one > would only > do the minimal visits some psychiatrists require to prescribe drugs. > > In my case, I went to a psychiatrist who was also a counselor. > > Just my $.02 > in Austin > RNY April 1998 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2002 Report Share Posted September 19, 2002 Personally, I use two different ones -- a psychiatrist to prescribe medication (I really don't want to talk to him... I've changed psychiatrists many times) My therapist on the other hand I've been with for years and years. He knows all the " From the Start " stuff going on and has followed me through for so long that I don't want to change him even though he is a Ph. D. he can't prescribe medications. BUT -- the one thing I find " critical " is that my Therapist and psychiatrist have a good repor so one can talk to the other and together we can work out the medication thing based on the therapy thing -- I haven't " changed " my medication for almost 4 years -- it ain't broke, don't have any interest in changing it -- we did double the SSRI (small coated pill) to get the same results post-op -- but that took discussion between me and both professionals to make sure we got the dosage right. Oh and then their is insurance -- shrinks cost WAY more so I get fewer visits for shorter periods of time than with my therapist -- more visits per year for longer periods of time -- the insurance dictates that so that may be another reason for two different doctors. Still, I agree that the shrink should know or get a good working relationship with the " talking " doctor so medications are not blindly prescribed without a good background knowledge of what's up. My insurance allows 4 visits a year with the shrink unless special permission is granted (and they always have said ok) still... that would not be nearly enough for " talk " therapy... my talk therapy is allowed once a week and the doctor must be a Ph.D. for approval. As to them working " together " that is my own responsibility -- having to give both of them permission to " talk " about me and making sure they do so we are all on the same page. hugz, ~denise > Maybe a little clarification....a psychiatrist, who is always a medical > doctor can prescribe meds. A " talk " therapist or counselor which > you refer > to as a coach, may be a psychiatrist, psychologist, MSW (master of social > work) It always seemed like not such a good idea to me that one > would only > do the minimal visits some psychiatrists require to prescribe drugs. > > In my case, I went to a psychiatrist who was also a counselor. > > Just my $.02 > in Austin > RNY April 1998 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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