Bariatric Surgery/Expert Profile

Expertise

I can answer questions related to emotional eating.

Experience in the area

I have been working with persons struggling with food/body/weight issues for nearly 2 decades. I assist people in understanding the role compulsive eating and excess weight has played in their lives, developing new self-nurturing living skills, and learning to see themselves through kind and compassionate eyes. I facilitate a support group for persons who have had weight loss surgery and are at least 10 months post-op. I also run an in-person and telephone support group for anyone struggling to gain control of compulsive eating behaviors (for more information you can visit my website www.louisalatela.com) I am also a My Self Design Program provider (www.myselfdesign.com). I speak to Bariatric Support Groups throughout the tri-state area.

Organizations

National Association of Social Workers Alph Delta Mu: National Social Work Honor Society Academy for Eating Disorders

Publications

I have a column in WLS Lifestyles Magazine: Soulful Living I am an expert blogger for www.lapbandtalk.com and www.wlslifestyles.com I have also had articles published in Beyond Change I've written an e-workbook Live Your Highest Good: Make Peace With your Body and Food. (www.liveyourhighestgood.com)

Education/Credentials

Masters of Social Work from Rutgers University

Awards and Honors

Recognized by Philadelphia Magazine as a "Top Doc for Women in Eating Disorders".