Weight Loss Surgery: Finding the Thin Person Hiding Inside You

by Barbara Thompson

Weight loss surgery is a life-altering approach to finally free yourself of the obesity that has gripped so many of us for most of our lives. But with the interest in the surgery comes a dizzying variety of questions such as where to begin, what surgery to have, do I qualify, will my insurance pay for the surgery, does it really work, what will my life be like afterwards, and how can I give up my relationship with food? This THIRD EDITION book deals with all of that and much more. You will know what pre-op tests are usually necessary and why, what vitamins to take, the role of water and exercise, the 4 Rules of Success, the Window of Opportunity, what complications may occur, what to take to the hospital, and how to deal with all of the physical and emotional issues that surround this surgery. Also included in this THIRD EDITION is an example of an appeal letter that includes many valuable references to studies that will be of interest to the insurance company that denied you coverage. This edition now includes an informed consent quiz to test your knowledge of the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery. The book begins by guiding the reader through that big step in deciding to have surgery and then how to choose a surgeon. The author then discusses, in a very straightforward manner, the various operations available along with comparative advantages and disadvantages. This is followed by a very realistic description of what to expect during the hospital stay and during recovery. Some excellent advice is provided to help make the journey as safe and smooth as possible. The section on adjusting to new, healthy eating habits after surgery is full of very useful and practical guides. The book continues with some very practical suggestions on how to cope with and maintain success. Every issue of your life and health through the weight loss surgery journey is explored. The final chapter written by her husband, Frank, is targeted directly to a patient's family members and "significant others." It poignantly addresses some of the anxieties and concerns held by loved ones who may have strong doubts about weight loss surgery based on ignorance. This book, written by someone who had the RNY surgery and succeeded, is a "must-have" for anyone considering weight loss surgery to "find the thin person hiding inside you."

Genres: Nonfiction

235 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2001

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Considering it's 2011... and considering the dates of both Thompson's surgery and the surgeries of the included success stories, the book reads as slightly outdated, now. There are a lot of little additions mentioning that, since Thompson's surgery, there have been many advances in surgical procedures. Well? Such as?

The book is basically a compilation of a lot of the information you could otherwise gather on your own with a little time and everyone's best friend Google.

I did find some reassuring information in the section about the actual surgical procedure. I've never had major surgery before, and the thought of catheters and intubation terrify me... but the book explained that those things are inserted after you're already asleep, and the breathing tube will most likely be removed before waking up. And I breathe a sigh of relief.

All-in-all, this is a fine compilation of information. It is not threaded together particularly well or smoothly, but it's all there. Still, I'm not completely satisfied with the amount of information that I have, so I'm spending lots of time on forums and boards, reading up.

[Hopelessdawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for anyone who had surgery and is having a hard time adjusting to the fact that they really DID lose lots of weight.