Are you struggling after bariatric surgery?
Are you contemplating surgery but want to explore other options as well?
Are you looking for a therapist who is knowledgeable about bariatric surgery and the unique psychological issues that can result?
Bariatric surgery is often sold as a cure-all solution to improving health, mental wellbeing, self-esteem, body image, eating issues, and more.
Unfortunately, the journey after bariatric surgery isn’t always what is expected. Many people who undergo bariatric surgery struggle with eating disorders and disordered eating, body image dissatisfaction, medical complications, substance use issues, depression, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, changes in relationships, and impaired quality of life.
Many of these risks of surgery are not widely discussed in surgery centers. In fact, it’s common for the benefits of surgery to be oversold while the risks and complications are minimized. If you are struggling after bariatric surgery, please know that this is not because you have failed; it’s because the surgery has failed you.
Who we work with
At Conason Psychological Services, we have therapists trained in working with clients before and after bariatric surgery.
We work with a variety of psychological issues related to bariatric surgery including:
• Eating disorders and disordered eating
• Body image dissatisfaction
• Quality of life issues due to post-surgical medical complications
• Relationship issues
• Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety
• Difficulty coping with changes in your body shape or size
• Support after surgery
• Issues not related to bariatric surgery but you want a therapist knowledgeable about bariatric surgery
You deserve a space in which you can discuss bariatric surgery in a weight-inclusive environment. You deserve to explore what you are feeling without someone trying to sell you a procedure or blame you for your struggles.There is therapy for bariatric surgery patients available at our practice in Manhattan.
how we help
Conason Psychological Services is equipped to work with clients in any and every stage of bariatric surgery.
Prior to bariatric surgery, you may be seeking help to address eating disorders and/or disordered eating. You may want to learn about mindful eating and other tools before committing to surgery; perhaps as an alternative to the surgery itself. Our therapists are able to provide information and support as you consider undergoing surgery; we want our clients to be able to make informed and confident decisions either way. We are not here to tell you what to do, but rather to help you come to the best conclusion for yourself.
If you have had bariatric surgery, you may be struggling with body image dissatisfaction. You may have either continued issues with disordered eating or eating disorders that were present before surgery, or a new onset of these issues that emerged after surgery. You may be disappointed to discover that issues you thought would be solved by having bariatric surgery continue to persist. You may be struggling to adjust to life after surgery or having relationship issues. You may also be dealing with the same issues that many of our clients deal with, such as depression, anxiety, and life issues outside of bariatric surgery, but want a therapist who understands the surgery.
our expertise
Dr. Alexis Conason, founder of Conason Psychological Services, has done groundbreaking research in the area of bariatric surgery. Her 2013 study “Substance Use Following Bariatric Surgery” was published in JAMA Surgery and was one of the first studies to document an increased risk of alcohol use following gastric bypass surgery.
There have since been many more studies replicating her findings, and it is commonly acknowledged that people are at an increased risk for substance use disorders following bariatric surgery.
More recently, Dr. Conason co-authored “But Everything is Supposed to Get Better After Bariatric Surgery! Understanding Postoperative Suicide and Self-Injury” published in Bariatric Times in 2019, which reviewed the research about risks and complications associated with increased risk of suicide following bariatric surgery.
As part of her postdoctoral training, Dr. Conason trained at a bariatric surgery department and has an intimate understanding of the bariatric surgery process. She has trained and supervised other therapists at Conason Psychological Services to also have expertise in this area.
If you are looking for therapy for issues related to bariatric surgery in New York, Florida, Vermont, Connecticut, and select other states, please reach out for a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to see if we can help.
*Please note that Conason Psychological Services does not provide pre-operative psychological evaluations or “clearances” for those seeking bariatric surgery.