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Before & After: Living and Eating Well After Weight-Loss Surgery
At 278 pounds, Susan Maria Leach couldn't lie in bed without gasping for air, wasn't able to fit into a restaurant booth, and could barely buckle the belt on an airplane seat. In 2001 she resolved to take back control and underwent gastric bypass surgery--cutting her weight in half and beginning a journey that would change her life forever.
At once an eye-opening memoir, a self-help guide, and a cookbook filled with delicious, healthy recipes, "Before & After" is Susan's inspiring personal account of her remarkable transformation as well as an indispensable handbook for anyone who has already undergone or is considering the procedure. This newly revised and updated edition includes a wealth of important new material, including: A Q&A section, featuring answers to frequently asked questions--essential advice from someone who has experienced more than a decade of post-bariatric-surgery lifestyle changes. Revised nutrition discussions based on the real and very serious deficiencies faced by a many bariatric patients. Menus and meal plans containing new products and recipes.
Weight-loss surgery may not be the answer for everyone. But reading Susan Leach's personal story, and sharing her ups and downs and her tips and techniques, will provide inspiration, motivation, and hope for anyone with a serious weight problem.
At once an eye-opening memoir, a self-help guide, and a cookbook filled with delicious, healthy recipes, "Before & After" is Susan's inspiring personal account of her remarkable transformation as well as an indispensable handbook for anyone who has already undergone or is considering the procedure. This newly revised and updated edition includes a wealth of important new material, including: A Q&A section, featuring answers to frequently asked questions--essential advice from someone who has experienced more than a decade of post-bariatric-surgery lifestyle changes. Revised nutrition discussions based on the real and very serious deficiencies faced by a many bariatric patients. Menus and meal plans containing new products and recipes.
Weight-loss surgery may not be the answer for everyone. But reading Susan Leach's personal story, and sharing her ups and downs and her tips and techniques, will provide inspiration, motivation, and hope for anyone with a serious weight problem.
336 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2004
80 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 22 reviews
February 14, 2010
A little too cheery for me - very little discussion of any hardships or difficulties, and it's about 1/3 memoir, 2/3 cookbook. However, the recipes look great and I'll definitely be using some of them.
November 15, 2013
The nutrition information portion of the book was a quick read, understandable, and helpful for anyone preparing for weight loss surgery, caring for someone during recovery, or providing support after.
The author not only recounts her personal experience side by side with related medical information and recommendations, but provides a multitude of time saving lessons learned. she has explored and experimented with a full range of available nutritional support products and devised some fantastic, easy to prepare meals that are also family friendly.
I read this book to help a friend who has struggled in the decade following his surgery, and found it extremely helpful. It's worth picking up just for the recipes, which compromise a majority of the text.
The author not only recounts her personal experience side by side with related medical information and recommendations, but provides a multitude of time saving lessons learned. she has explored and experimented with a full range of available nutritional support products and devised some fantastic, easy to prepare meals that are also family friendly.
I read this book to help a friend who has struggled in the decade following his surgery, and found it extremely helpful. It's worth picking up just for the recipes, which compromise a majority of the text.
June 4, 2012
I wish I would have found this before my Sleeve surgery, but I am grateful that I found it right afterward. Even though Ms. Leach had the RNY, a lot of the eating requirements are the same. Her recipes have been so helpful!
I also enjoyed the emotional support from the book. When she wrote about some of the things that happened right after surgery, I had the same things and it was nice to know how normal it was.
I bought this for my Kindle first, then I bought it in hard copy to use the recipes. I have thought about sending it to some friends and family, as well, because it explains the emotional side of the surgery so well.
I also enjoyed the emotional support from the book. When she wrote about some of the things that happened right after surgery, I had the same things and it was nice to know how normal it was.
I bought this for my Kindle first, then I bought it in hard copy to use the recipes. I have thought about sending it to some friends and family, as well, because it explains the emotional side of the surgery so well.
May 29, 2011
LOVED reading her story! Such inspiration and such a great resource. Many of the recipes looked so good that I want to go ahead and try them, even though my surgery's not for another 2 months. My only other complaint would be that there doesn't seem to be very many early stage recipes other than protein shakes. But, maybe that's because that's really all you should be eating at that time.
August 4, 2019
I marked this "read" though I didn't read the recipes, which made up about half the book. It's full of clear explanations of what people will experience, and practical advice on how to navigate the difficult lifestyle changes required for those who have bariatric surgery (which fortunately I'm not contemplating).
I'm a bit concerned that throughout she promotes her own line of protein supplements and foods, though maybe she's right and her stuff is a good choice, or the best choice, or even the only choice for many of these products. That said, most of the recipes do not contain her products, and look pretty good, so the book is not a straight-out sales pitch by any means.
I'm a bit concerned that throughout she promotes her own line of protein supplements and foods, though maybe she's right and her stuff is a good choice, or the best choice, or even the only choice for many of these products. That said, most of the recipes do not contain her products, and look pretty good, so the book is not a straight-out sales pitch by any means.
January 29, 2011
This is an indispensable guide everyone who's going through weight loss surgery should definitely keep handy. Helpful hints sprinkled throughout and great recipes. A first hand account of what works best for patients both before and after surgery.
March 19, 2012
Great memoir of someone who has always struggled with weight and her change of eating habits and surgery to lose the weight. Lots of recipes for those of us trying to cut out sugar and carbs, surgery or not.
December 30, 2015
Informed writer
This is a must read for anyone considering weight loss surgery as well as their family and close friends as it is a great perspective from " one who has been through it".
This is a must read for anyone considering weight loss surgery as well as their family and close friends as it is a great perspective from " one who has been through it".
August 17, 2007
Lots of very good information for those looking into weight loss surgery.
April 29, 2015
A pretty good book – although I think it paints too rosy a picture of WLS. Also, her husband seems like a prick.
April 27, 2016
Really helpful.
April 28, 2017
Really truthful book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 22 reviews