The Easy Way Out: Why Bariatrics Isn't Cheating Obesity, It's Treating It

by Jamie Mills

BARIATRIC SURGERY ISN'T EASY, AND IT CERTAINLY ISN'T "CHEATING." The misconception that bariatric surgery is somehow "cheating" when it comes to weight loss is wild. Weight loss surgery is the single most effective weight loss strategy for treating severe obesity that we have today. Yet less than 1% of the eligible bariatric population takes advantage of surgery. In The Easy Way Out, registered dietitian and bariatric patient Jamie Mills shares why bariatric surgery is not only challenging, but why going into any weight loss strategy with eyes wide open can make all the difference. Having weight loss surgery and changing your entire life is far from easy, but damn, is it worth it.

328 pages, Hardcover

Published September 16, 2023

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

This book is incredible. I have been following Jamie on Instagram for a while now, and I absolutely love that when I read her book, I can hear her talking to me. When you read this book, it feels like one of your best friends is sitting down and talking to you about the struggles of obesity. Even when she is putting on her dietitian hat and educating us with statistics, she does so in such a way that this doesn’t feel like reading a textbook. I love how Jamie also speaks to medical professionals about needing to do better in their treatment of obesity. This is a MUST read for anyone who has struggled with obesity, especially if you have had or are considering weight loss surgery.

[Judi Jin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a bariatric patient that is more than 2 years out, this book is a game changer! The author's unique point of view of being both a registered dietician and a weight loss surgery patient provides balance between the science and the experience. I recommend this book to anyone even considering surgery. I also shared some parts of the book with my spouse and he insists that this is an amazing resource for any surgery patient's support system. Jamie puts into words what so many of us can't explain to our loved ones. If you are pre-op, post-op, considering, or love someone that falls into these categories, this book is a must read! I received a free advanced copy of this book from the author, as well as purchased my own personal copy. This is my honest review.

[Beatriz · Rating 5 out of 5]

PC - ENG
If you have had, are thinking of having or belong to the close circle of someone who's had/will have WLS, this is a must. It explains SO many things that bariatric patients often wonder why, it puts a name and validates all the confusing feelings around, it is written from the heart and, as such, it reaches your own. Congratulations Jamie on this wonderful resource.

[Nicole Caperilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie’s book is absolutely incredible, start to finish. I’ve been following Jamie’s bariatric journey for the last 6 years and she’s been everything helpful, inspiring, and most importantly real. She is a huge asset to the bariatric community with incredible knowledge, abundant experience and possesses so much talent. This book touches multiple levels of the bariatric world to help you gain all the knowledge and education to be successful with your new tool and lifestyle long term. What I love most about this book is that Jamie doesn’t just “talk the talk” she has walked this path herself! She shared many raw and real moments that remind you that you are not alone. There were so many times in this book that I found myself cheering along with her on so many relatable topics as well as shedding many happy tears! I encourage anyone seeking bariatric surgery themselves, post-bariatric and also family and friends of these pre or post bariatric patients to read this book! It is full of so much education and you will NOT be disappointed! Thank you Jamie for being a pillar to this community! Your dedication never goes unnoticed.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this book and as a bariatric patient, I wish I had this book pre-op to help me prepare for the wonderful ride I was about to embark on. That being said, it’s even better having had someone walk in your shoes as a bariatric patient and so eloquently explain so many of the feelings, challenges, wins, and outside reactions one can go through during this journey. Def recommend this book for anyone pre-op, post-op, supporting someone on their bariatric journey or just trying to educate themselves on the journey of individuals battling obesity.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my honest thoughts.

I am so glad I decided to read this book. I’ve been following Jamie on social media for a while and love her personality - so when she announced a book was coming I thought to myself “this is going to be good.” And I was more than right. Jamie speaks directly to you while sharing her personal stories along with her expertise in the field. I am recommending this to anyone considering surgery or loves someone considering or who’s had surgery. It’s very easy to read and understand. Thank you for this amazing resource Jamie!

[Fiona Prendergast · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought it after reading it for free… Very few books (only 2 others IMO) or other tools truly belong in the “must haves” list in the bariatric community; this book is 100% one of them. As a “successful” bariatric patient myself (vsg 2019 200+lbs down) I KNOW there are SO many people trying to sell us shortcuts, fear, unnecessary supplies and fake solutions to pre AND post op bariatric patients… and often we don’t know what when or who to trust in our journeys.

As a broke person I don’t spend my “extra” nickels and dimes on much besides my kiddo; when I received an early copy of Jamie’s book to review, I jumped at the chance. After GOBBLING this book down at hyper speeds, I KNEW I needed a physical copy. This book is important to have and review.

When I had the chance I picked it up in person because I wanted to monetarily support the author (whose very sweet!) but also so I could dog ear, scribble, highlight and study this book. As I go through my journey and continue to battle for my health and monitor the disease of obesity that’s always lurking behind me this book is an important reference guide, support, educational boost and reminder that this was NEVER about “the easy way out” it’s about freeing yourself and changing so you can be alive and live a longer, better life.

Thank you Jamie for writing this!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is phenomenal and full of incredible information from beginning to end. Jamie does not disappoint and has poured her heart and soul into this book and it shows with not only all the valuable information she writes about but also some extra details she adds such as the bite size recaps at the end of each chapter, statistical and factual information mixed with her own personal experiences, and numerous resources you can access that she references throughout the book. Thank you Jamie for bringing such valuable knowledge and information to the table with this book, and for making sure no one at anytime or during any part of their journey feels alone. And lastly, she even has picked the perfect title for this book “The Easy Way Out” Many of us in the community have to fight that the choice of surgery and the journey itself has never been the easy way out. If you have had surgery, or are thinking about having surgery, or you are (or know) someone who wants to actually learn the truths about what weight loss surgery is all about, then don’t wait and grab a copy of this book today!

[Tiana J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for anyone who is considering weight loss surgery, who has had weight loss surgery, who works in the health and wellness industry, and who thinks negatively of bariatric surgery. Jamie’s unique perspective as a bariatric patient and a registered dietician highlights key perspectives that even the most seasoned professionals might miss. The information in this book is heartfelt and personal, yet simultaneously backed by science and facts. As someone who has had weight loss surgery, this book taught me new things and has allowed me to feel understood. It has reinvigorated my own journey to continue on a healthier path. Weight loss surgery is often seen as cheating. Jamie combats that idea and shows how weight loss surgery is actually a tool that can change lives and support those in their fight against obesity.

I highly recommend this book, and I thank Jamie Mills for writing it!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie’s book The Easy Way Out does an amazing job of giving a voice for the bariatric community as many have felt unheard or unseen. She wears many “hats” in this book (bariatric dietician, child dealing with obesity, an adult dealing with obesity, woman, and bariatric patient). In all of these roles I felt like she was speaking right to me, as if she had somehow lived my life growing up, felt the same pressures of being in the medical field while also dealing with obesity, and learning how to navigate life after bariatric surgery. This is a must read for everyone, not just those who are in the bariatric community but also for those who truly believe that surgery is the easy way out. This book will open the eyes and hearts of those critics as well as be a beacon of hope for the bariatric community! What are you waiting for? Go on and read it already!!

[Kaity · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a plethora of fact-based evidence, coupled with personal experiences. As someone who is a bariatric patient, I was able to read it through that specific lens, but attempted to also consider it from the POV of a non-bariatric patient/someone considering surgery. I felt like the book did a good job of explaining so many aspects of bariatrics, and was relatable in that sense. Personally, and likely because I know Jamie via social media, the book had a very millennial feel to it. Not that this is a bad thing, but it definitely made it a bit harder for me to read without stopping, as I prefer a more professional approach to books such as these, rather than being generationally relatable. Overall a good book for anyone, but specifically for those who have an inquiry into the bariatric world or biases about bariatrics.

[Dannie Lynn Fountain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie Mills does the impossible with The Easy Way Out - creating a book that addresses the genuine patient-centered concerns around WLS while also providing guidance to surgeons, other medical providers, and family and friends. The Easy Way Out is sure to become the #1 resource for the WLS community in the months to come, as it comprehensively covers every single topic that might be on a bariatric patient's mind while also providing inclusive support and guidance at every step along the journey. As a WLS patient myself, this is the book I WISH I had three years ago, because so many of the bumps along the way would have been far easier to navigate! I received a free advance copy of this book from the author and was a DEI sensitivity reader. This is my honest review.

[Noelani Apana-Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book. As a Bariatric Patient myself and someone who has struggled with obesity my entire life, it can feel very isolating. Jamie has a way of making you feel heard, seen, valued, etc. I can’t tell you how many times through out the book I was like, “Wow, she’s in my head” or “Omg, how did she know?!”.

This book covers the ins and outs of Bariatrics from both a patients and a professionals point of view. It’s real, raw, and beautiful. I highly recommend this book to anyone considering Bariatrics, a patient, professional, loved ones…truly ANYONE passionate and curious about the world of Obesity and Bariatrics.

Truly an incredible book, THANK YOU Jamie for creating a safe space for our community.

[Ana Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Easy Way Out is a must read for anyone who has ever dealt with obesity, especially WLS patients! As a bariatric patient myself, I related to this book on a personal level, it contains a wealth of information surrounding bariatric surgery, including the pre-op and post-op stages, and everything in between. Jamie does a wonderful job in merging her personal experiences as a bariatric patient along with her professional advice as a dietitian, creating an informative, yet personable and enjoyable read. I would've loved to have this book at the beginning of my WLS journey! The Easy Way Out explores many aspects of obesity, including medical and surgical treatment, the emotional aspects patients experience, nutrition guidance, and so much more! I truly cannot recommend it enough!

[Kelsie Spetelunas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible. The vibe is exactly where it needs to be, and it's the perfect read for someone who is very early in their journey (deciding if surgery is an option) or someone who is years out from getting a life changing tool (like me- RNY was 3+ years ago!)

Not only has Jamie changed my life through this book, but I've been a member of the T.R.I.B.E. and following her on Instagram for over 4 years. Her growth, her story, her honesty, and her ability to help is astonishing for anyone in their journey.

Jamie has and will continue to be a influential source to the weight loss surgery community, and if you're contemplating getting the surgery (or if you're really curious about it in gereral) - THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU.

10/10 recommend.

[Sarah Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who had VSG surgery last year, this book was very informative and encouraging! I greatly enjoyed the perspective and hearing about someone else’s experience. I also appreciate the entire chapter dedicated to mental health, as that has been the BIGGEST challenge of this entire process. It was validating to hear someone else with similar experiences to mine. I am only giving this 4 stars because of the copy editing in this book. There were consistent errors in formatting, fonts, and layout that made it difficult to read at times. Overall, though, I think this was a very encouraging and insightful book. You can definitely feel the caring and concern coming from the author instead of it feeling like a self-help or self-promoting book. I greatly appreciated that as well!

[Helen Partlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is great for anyone thinking of Bariatric surgery or has recently had it. I am 2 years PO and still found it a great reminder. I also utilized Jamie’s support group since before I had surgery and well into my recovery/adjustment phase. I stopped losing about 10 months and stalled for 12 months. The only thing that helped me continue on was a glp1 injection. It is so refreshing to see someone with such a unique perspective as both a dietician and patient in the community as well as someone also needing glp1 to continue on. I wish she would have shared more about her skin removal surgeries, as that has always been a fear of mine since the beginning. But overall, I absolutely love her perspective.

[Johanna Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where should I begin? Wow was my first reaction, I have followed Jaime for quite some time now and she's been such an inspiration and helpful with resources for the bariatric community. Her knowledge of bariatric and nutrition in general is out of this world. She did just that, wrote it all in a book, and what a book this is. When I first had VSG 10/2016, I felt alone and confused, with no support but that of my family this was all new to us. For those new patients who feel the same way I did, not only new patients but for those who are not sure if they should have surgery, if they have regained, or just feel "stuck". Please read this book you will not be disappointed. Thank you Jaime!!

[Jamie Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so excited to FINALLY share "The Easy Way Out" with the world! I poured my heart and soul into this book and I hope that it helps those who need it most. As both a registered dietitian and bariatric patient I have been able to experience weight loss surgery in such a unique way. There are so many nuances that come along with this journey, and so much the world simply doesn't understand about bariatrics and obesity. I hope this book challenges you, inspires you, and helps you better understand what it's truly like to have surgery and overcome all the challenges that go along with weight loss surgery.

[Marissa Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I particularly liked the recaps at the end of each chapter. This is the ultimate guide to every thing related to weight loss surgery. Everything is backed by research. Jamie was sure to add some personal experience as well.

My only criticism is that the book is a broad overview of everything WLS. The book covers a lot. To really get into detail with each topic would take several volumes. I feel like this book is a great overall guide but it may not go as in depth on certain topics.

I was also hoping for a more memoir style telling of Jamie’s story. But instead only got story’s that were relevant to each chapter/topic. Which worked perfectly fine for the book.

[Colleen Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was like Jamie stopped in my brain and took my unanswered questions and kindly put them together with some scientific evidence, tough love and humour in book form!

Even at two years post op I still had unanswered questions and this book covered them all. This is a must read for those pre-op or newly post op as well as those further into their journey who still have questions or want to revisit the best practices of bariatric life.

A Bariatric Big Sister with insights from a professional and personal side, Jamie offers scientific and medical context as well as lived experience and compassion.

[ash (mymodernrenaissance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My app crashed in the middle of a detailed review and it’s gone now lol.

So, in case it happens again, I just want to say this book is extremely well researched and needed. As well, Jamie offers a unique perspective by having both experience as a patient and an education in dietetics.

Also, food addiction is very much a thing (I am only a grad student in addictions, so not an “expert” or anything, but I have experienced that first hand as well).

And thank you for bringing light to the fact that we need more research on various populations of people (non-White, LGBTQAI+, etc).

[Courtney VanDonkelaar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hands down the most resourceful book I’ve read to help me during my VSG journey. Jamie’s story is so relatable and makes you feel like you’re finally understood. Her credentials and knowledge are packed full in each page of this book. The best part, you can read it page by page or pick out chapters to read whenever as you please. Jamie has flooded the pages with a wealth of information, you will have a hard time putting this book down. -Courtney

[William hanscom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie is an authentic professional. She has met every expectation I had in this book. The way she can offer everyday tools that the readers can use to control triggers..... this is so important to the bariatric community. It is nothing short of amazing. From the well thought out chapters to the ability of the reader to bounce around as the reader needs to find support in different stages of their journey. It is a must-read for all in our community.

[Freakywhtgrl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a godsend! Jamie gives a voice to all those in the bariatric community. She is an expert with the perspective of both an obese person having bariatric surgery as well as a dietitian with years experience helping those same people. This book is just in time for me, having surgery just this week. I've already learned so much and already started healing the shame and anxiety of being obese and having WLS.

[Joanne Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish a book with this level of detail and honesty was available when I had surgery nine years ago. It’s filled with real life experiences, encouragement and information that is helpful at any stage of this journey. Jamie has put together a great resource and I’m glad I was fortunate enough to be a part of her TRIBE for a short while and learn even more as I continue through this adventure! Great job!

[Eric Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I wish I had preop.

I thought it was going to be just another weight loss surgery book. Boy, was I wrong. It's insightful and factual and written from the heart. It answers the questions we all had pre-op and is still beneficial reading post-op. It's a must have for anyone who is thinking about having weight loss surgery.

[Terri Mobley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic! How connected you feel with the author, the realness of it all. Her openness to share with others in the bariatric world, not just for those who have had surgery but an excellent read for those thinking about the bariatric surgery options or just a supporter of someone thinking about having the surgery, this book is it.

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grateful for this book

I’m so glad that I found Jamie and her membership right around the time I was considering bariatric surgery. She helped me feel less alone, was a resource for all my questions, and showed me a path forward. This book was such an affirmation of my own experience and a great help in my first year post-op. Going to try her journaling prompts!

[shari mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative

The fact that this book is written by a WLS patient who is also a registered dietician grabbed my interest. It answers a multitude of questions as well as giving insight to some issues I hadn't even considered. Two thumbs up from a post WLS gal. Will be recommending to all my friends and family who have had or are thinking about bariatric surgery.