What is Bariatric Counseling?
A comprehensive explanation about the role of Bariatric Counseling!
First, let's define the term Bariatric. Medically speaking, it' means "relating to or specializing in the treatment of obesity."
Obesity is medically defined as a BMI (Body Mass Index) of or more than 30. (BMI can be a bit antiquated at times, but the medical community has to use guidelines to define specific terms and qualify their patients for certain services.)
So what is Bariatric Counseling?
Bariatric Counseling typically refers to the counseling that patients receive pre & post bariatric surgery. When I use the term, I refer to the counseling I provide to clients struggling with weight loss, but surgery is not a prerequisite to counseling.
It can be an incredibly focused, effective way to address weight loss when other methods or programs haven't worked.
Pre-Surgery Bariatric Counseling
If a client is in the process of pursuing bariatric surgery, there are often a lot of medical appointments and requirements that have to be met. Each bariatric surgeon will require a different variation of things, but there's generally some encouragement to ensure their client has counseling or therapeutic support.
Prior to surgery, sessions often focus on the process of their medical appointments, questions/concerns about their procedure, addressing how their relationship with food developed and impacted them over time, and how to create a daily routine that's supportive of their goals.
Other topics we address in Bariatric Counseling include:
challenges to developing healthy habits
role of stress on weight loss
any additional mental health struggles or concerns
importance of support and follow up
relationship with the scale
using numbers (i.e. weight, BMI, etc) as data and not as a means to measure self worth
understanding what satiety and fullness means, getting back in tune with their body
eating due to emotions, stress, boredom, etc
how to discuss these lifestyle changes with family members, friends, coworkers, etc
and more... there's a lot that goes into Bariatric Counseling (and the evaluation for bariatric surgery), which is why it's a good idea to ensure you have the appropriate support along the way!
Post-Surgery Bariatric Counseling
Continuing Bariatric Counseling after surgery is important for long term success. After surgery clients can sometimes struggle with recovery. Bariatric procedures are surgery, and there can be physical discomfort as a client heals and adjusts to the changes both physically and emotionally.
What do Bariatric Counseling sessions look like?
When I meet with a client for Bariatric Counseling, we generally meet weekly (sessions are an hour long) for 2-3 months. This can shift based on a client's needs, goals, insurance, schedule, etc. But to establish a supportive relationship, we try to be as consistent as possible.
As progress is made, we work together to modify the schedule and decrease the frequency of sessions as needed. Just as we would in "regular therapy." I have many clients that I've been meeting with for over a year, but the frequency has decreased over time due to necessity and progress.
Clients can decide how long to continue counseling after surgery, and we evaluate the schedule as we move forward. I've had clients decrease frequency over time to monthly sessions, or even less frequently, and then there may be times they ask to increase session frequency if they're struggling with something. This is why maintaining a relationship is important!
Benefits of Bariatric Counseling
Bariatric Counseling helps clients develop necessary coping skills to navigate the challenges of weight loss. It's a place of unconditional support where clients can explore & address the factors that have contributed to weight struggles and issues with food. It also provides space to help clients develop an understanding about their relationship with food an redefine it as necessary.
A lot of times weight loss is villainized and clients have a difficult time reconciling self acceptance and their desire to lose weight. Whether it's for personal or medical reasons, if a client wishes to lose weight (and it's appropriate for them to do so), Bariatric Counseling can help provide support and tools that allows them to work toward this in a positive, healthy manner.
The ultimate goal of therapy is to help clients create positive & lasting change, regardless of what they're working on. Bariatric Counseling is designed to help clients work toward long term success, while establishing tools, gaining support and creating habits that allow for lasting lifestyle changes.
Struggles in Bariatric Counseling
A lot of clients feel stigmatized or ashamed about their weight, and often struggle with seeking help. Especially after they've spent many years "trying everything!" This causes some hesitation when beginning counseling.
In addition, all therapists are different. We have varying styles, personalities and physical offices. Just like dating, it's important to find a qualified counselor who has the professional experience and personality that will be good for YOU. This might mean, after giving it try for a few sessions, and if you don't feel like it's a good fit you may need to ask for other referrals or make additional calls.
It's important to know that Bariatric Counseling is one part of the process and no "one thing" is the be-all-and-end-all. I always tell my clients: "we can have the most amazing sessions, but what's really important is what you're doing outside of sessions." If someone isn't dedicated to making changes, lacks support or isn't engaged in the process, Bariatric Counseling may not help.
Final Thoughts on Bariatric Counseling
Bariatric Counseling can be an incredible resource for clients who have struggled with weight their whole lives, are considering bariatric surgery or have undergone a bariatric procedure. (If you're not sure if this specific type of counseling would be a good fit for you, feel free to ask!)
Whether or not my clients elect to have bariatric surgery, my role is to ensure they're both physically and emotionally/mentally prepared to create changes to their lifestyle so they can make the desired progress toward their goals!
* Need mental health clearance for Bariatric Surgery? Depending on your surgical program and any insurance requirements, I can provide this evaluation & the necessary paperwork for you! Send a message if you have questions or would like schedule an evaluation.
To make an appointment or ask a question, visit the contact page to send us a message!
Talk soon,
Lori