Weight Loss Surgery : Understanding & Overcoming Morbid Obesity - Life Before, During & After Surgery

by Michelle Boasten

Book Overview

Are you one of the 58 million morbidly obese people in America today? Chances are, you've been on a diet after diet and failed miserably. But you should lay the blame where it belongs. You didn't fail... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1931033013
• ISBN13: 9781931033015
• Release Date: February 2001
• Publisher: F B E Service Network
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.

Customer Reviews

An Excellent Resoruce

In WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY, UNDERSTANDING AND OVERCOMING MORBID OBESITY, Michelle Boasten provides extensive information for anyone seeking surgery for the super obesity disease (and valuable information for anyone seeking surgery, period). She names physical and emotional feelings that the super obese share. I was able to relate to 95% of the feelings she listed. In addition, she carefully walks you through preparation for surgery including insurance problems, financing the surgery, and physical/emotional preparation--she also covers complications and so forth. She asks some invaluable questions that we can use to determine if we are candidates for surgery. She prepares us for the aftercare, and discusses WLS as a tool, and not a cure. Our support system is very important and she drives that point home. She even explains the mechanics of the three current types of WLS. I highly recommend this book to anyone comtemplating WLS, and also to those who have already had it (and I recommend it for anyone dealing with insurance battles for any type of surgery). Peggy gives it TWO THUMBS UP!

Excellent resource of Information

Excellent resource of Information which includes first hand knowledge Michelle Boasten takes the reader on a step by step journey into weight loss surgery (WLS). This book is for any person or members of their family considering or embarking on the WLS journey. Michelle writes in a very open and informative manner. This informative writing style I'm sure comes from her first hand knowledge of WLS. The book is well written, informative direct and honest. There were confirmations of my thoughts (which I thought no one else understood) and suggestions for things that I had never thought about. This book has been a constant resource of information as I embark on my own weight loss journey. The book is written for the lay person. BRAVO to Michelle for breaking the mystery of WLS.

Great Book That Covers The Facts & Deals With The Fantasies

Michelle has done a great job with her book. As somebody who has been actively researching WLS for over 2 years, I can honestly say that she doesn't leave out a thing. She talks about the genetic and scientific reasons behind morbid obesity; goes into depth about the 3 major surgery types (MGB, RNY, and DS); choosing a surgeon; dealing with insurance (her advice on documentation is probably worth the cost of the book); financing the surgery; and life pre- and post-op. I think that my favorite part of Michelle's book is where she addresses the Fantasies people have about life after WLS--I'll no longer be single, my marriage will improve, etc. If you are seriously considering surgery for clinically severe obesity (100+ pounds over recommended weight or BMI 40+), then you should buy this book. Research the surgery thoroughly--through this book, the web, your doctor, and talking to patients who've had WLS (both with positive and negative outcomes). On a negative side, I think there could have been more information on plastic surgery following WLS--everyone without exception who I've spoken to who has had WLS has needed significant plastic surgery due to excess skin. One friend says that even though she looks great in clothes, she would never consider wearing a bathing suit due to this problem. Two books I would recommend to those considering or going through WLS are "The Spark" by Glen Gaesser and "Fat?So!" by Marilyn Wann. Glenn's book will teach you how to fit 15 10-minute exercise sessions into your life per week. A very doable program, but with excellent results. Whether or not you have this surgery, you need to be active in order to prevent disease. Exercise will only make your WL easier, as well. Marilynn's book deals with fat empowerment/acceptance. It's going to take you at least a year to lose a significant amount of weight--why not learn to love yourself now? If you can do that, there's a greater chance that you will honor your body with appropriate decisions throughout your WLS experience--even if that includes not having surgery at this time.

The Ultimate in Weight Loss Surgery Information!

A heartfelt thank you to Michelle Boasten for the time and effort in putting this book together. With so much information floating around about weight loss surgeries, her book gives you the information in a thought-provoking manner while letting the reader decide if this life saving surgery is for them. I especially enjoyed Chapter 5, "Are you a Candidate for Surgery", with the comprehensive checklist. Chapter 7, "Dealing with your Insurer" gives excellent information to get through this hurdle. The illustrations, the medical terms are all spelled out in layman's term making the book an easy read. Thanks again Michelle and much success to those seeking Weight Loss Surgery. Larice White

Excellent Book if you are going to have weight loss surgery

This book was EXCELLENT. Every aspect of weight loss surgery is covered! Nothing was left out. I highly recommend this book if you are going to have weight loss surgery or even if you already have had it.