Weight Loss Surgery. Finding the Thin Person Hiding Inside You, Third Edition

Very informational, whether youve already decided to
have WLS or are in the exploring phase. Very honest
and insightful.

I have bought andamp. read several WLS books andamp. this by far is my favorite. I am willing to lend out the rest to my friends but this one never leaves my house. It has become my WLS Bible.

As a recent WLS patient, it has managed to answer almost all my questions andamp. has laid to rest many concerns. It has saved my surgeon from more than one late night telephone call.

I had my surgery in April 2003. This book was a great asset in that it let you know what to expect from beginning to end, even the hospital stay...I took it to the hospital with me and used it as reference there as well.

I would highly reccomend this book.

All I can say is this book has been like a bible to me before and after my surgery. It has helped me to understand every aspect before and after. From one wls patient to another - THANKS for writing a great book.

I am a person who is currently waiting to have this surgery. I wanted a book that would tell me what to expect in detail regarding recovery and eating post surgery. This book was one ladies experience and a few before and after pictures with side comments like, I love to shop for clothes now. This book is more of a cheerleader go for it kind of book. Okay, I guess if you are just wondering about the procedure in a general sense. Today I am on Amazon.com looking for another book...hopefully one with more detail and substance and less encouragement.

This book is an absolute must read both for the person considering weight loss surgery as well as the persons support team (spouse, significant other, family). I bought it at the beginning of my journey in helping me make the decision to have weight loss surgery (open RNY) and use it now as a post-op. I constantly refer to the book for answers to questions and recommend it to anyone considering the surgery. Barbara (the author) had the surgery herself. Her book is extremely easy to read and understand. She lectures across the US also regarding the surgery. This book is a must read in my opinion.

I prefer this book to Michelle Boastens Weight Loss Surgery. Understanding andamp. Overcoming Morbid Obesity, which I also purchased. That book is not as well laid out but also contains good material. I have not read her other books and therefore have no comment on them. Though I have not read it, you may wish to check out The Doctors Guide to Weight Loss Surgery. How to Make the Decision that Could Save Your Life by Louis Flancbaum MD. It looks promising based on the editorial reviews - a doctors perspective and expertise.

I highly recommend visiting the Obesityhelp website. Please click on Enter next to Public Entrance and then the WLS logo in the shape of a heart. This will answer many questions you may still have after reading the book and give you access to a large community of people who are considering surgery and those who have already done it. Also, if you are not interested in purchasing this book now, this site will give a nice background, although the book presents it in a more organized fashion. A search engine will reveal additional sites that may be helpful.

I read this book on the day my daughter had her surgery. Whenever the physican or nurses referred to technical procedures, medications, or anything I knew exactly what they were talking about because I had just read it. Very informative. There are some differences in the manner in which my daughters physican did some things, but I knew what to expect. This book should be purchased and read by anyone who is having the surgery and as well as those who are taking care of them.

This relatively thin book is a good guide to gastric bypass surgery, the type of surgery Ms. Thompson had. In fact, its the best of the four books I read pre-op. It is less successful as a guide to other forms of weight loss surgery than to gastric bypass. Ms. Thompson bases much of her information and advice on her personal experience and that of other patients of her surgeon, Dr. Schauer. Of course, other surgeons and their protocols vary, and a bit more commentary on some of those variables would have been useful. Still, when I had a problem pre-op and posted it to one of the WLS boards, Barbara Thompson answered my question personally -- definitely beyond the call of duty. If youre only going to buy one book, Id recommend this one.

This book is far the best information I have read on the subject of Gastric Bypass Surgery. It helped me in my final decision to have the surgery. It is not only a GREAT encouragement but is VERY factual in the events that happen with you emotionally and physically. I had my surgery 10/17/02 and have referred back to the book several times since my surgery. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who is considering this surgery. Although this is great information on the the various aspects relating to this surgery and could be read at anytime, I would HIGHLY recommend this book be read before sugery. IT IS A MUST HAVE...

I have purchased and read a ton of books and information regarding Gastric Bypass as I prepare for my surgery 4/16/02. This Book is by far the very best book on the market for people who are just thinking about Gastric Bypass or those who are pre or post-op. This book is extremely informative and easy to read. The author not only focused on the medical aspects of the surgery but the more personal aspects of the surgery as well. I really enjoyed the amount of details that were given to the entire process of having Gastric Bypass. I would say this is a must read for anyone who is having the surgery or anyone who is a friend or loved one of someone having the surgery.

I bought this book near the beginning of my journey to having weight loss surgery. It answered so many questions in easy to read understandable terms. It suggested a family member stay at the hospital with me. Looking back that one suggestion helped me so much. While waiting for surgery my wife Jen decided to get it also. The book, we only half jokingly refered to it as our bible, became a big resource for us. We now both have had surgery and by using the info have lost a combined over 235 pounds. It helped immensely too because although I soared thru surgery Jen really missed her buddy food. Book suggestions helped me to better understand what she was going thru. Info like the hernia rate for open surgery vs Lap probably saved me rom getting a hernia in the future thus requiring yet another operation. We bought the second edition when it came out, just to keep current although by this time we were both post ops. We loan this book to friends who want to know more about WLS, and some are now in pre op testing. I heartily recommend this book and WLS itself. Surgery saved both our lives. Feel free to e mail me if you have any questions.

I purchased this book because my finacee and I were scheduled to have gastric bypass surgery. I read the book and thought I would be well prepared. Keith had his surgery yesterday and the reality is that nothing can truly prepare you well enough for this procedure. Keiths surgery lasted 4 hours instead of 2.5 hrs. He has a naso-gastric tube in place which will remain for 4 days, no liquids or ice chips, hes on morphine and has not been able to stand up yet. He will be fine and in a year I am sure we will see this as worth it, but the book tends to emphasize practicality, in reality I followed all the advice given in the book, most of it was helpful--But dont drag fans, pillows, etc to the hospital. There isnt enough room, most hospitals will not allow the use of outside appliances, and there are plenty of pillows in the hospital. There is also a section in the book on self-hypnosis and visual imagery--Well, if that is something you had already practiced then it may assist you--but when you are pumped full of morphine those exercises will be futile as you are unable to focus. The best idea is to keep it low key, dont make a major production out of it, and take it slow. After reading the book I thought I would be able to deal with anything that came up andamp. that I would be able to successfully comfort Keith, in reality he hardly knows anyone is here and he wants his pain medication. Another tip that is not in the book--if you are taking care of a WLS patient, you must take care of yourself. I stayed in the hospital last night on a 3 cot, they woke us up every hour for one thing or another, by the time I could fall back asleep the IV or PCA delivery system would alarm and ring for 20 mins until a nurse made it to the room. The best thing is to keep yourself rested so you can help the person you love when they really need you. The books has lots of definitions, and procedural information, as to the diet section you cannot generalize that information as each surgeon uses his/her own diet regime.

Dr. Arif Ahmad, Journal of Laparoscopic and Advanced Surgical Techniques, Oct 2001
I would enthusiastically recommend it to patients concidering bariatric surgery.

Dr. Robert Brolin, Past President of American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 2000 - 2001
Covers all questions regarding bariatric surgery. I would certainly recommend it to any patient who is considering bariatric surgery.

Dr. Phil Schauer, Director of Bariatric Surgery, University of Pittsburgh
It is a superb, comprehensive guide that I recommend to all my patients and their primary physicians.

Book Description
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 patients 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.

From the Publisher
This patient guidebook puts all your weight loss surgery research in one place. Written by a weight loss surgery patient, this book covers all aspects of the surgery from a patients point of view. It answers all the questions that people have when they are considering this life-altering procedure. It also gives detailed guidance about life after the surgery and how to ensure your success in Finding the Thin Person Hiding Inside You.--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From the Author
I want to congratulate you for considering the purchase of this book. We as patients need to be fully informed as we go through such a life-altering procedure. There are so many aspects of this surgery that require knowledge, including nutrition, emotional issues, exercise, and medication. This book will go a long way toward helping you to be safer and more successful as you travel your own journey. Use this as a patient guide to reinforce what your doctor tells you or to more fully explain in easy to understand terms what you are trying to understand. It will be a book that you will keep close to you for many months.--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author
Barbara Thompson is the recognized authority on weight loss surgery from the patients perspective. Her pioneering efforts to provide education and support include speaking to audiences around the country. She brings hope to the dangerously obese, and stresses the right for personal dignity at any weight.

Barbara Thompson holds a Masters Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh. She is an author, speaker and motivator. Barbara is a successful weight loss surgery patient herself, having had her surgery in January 2000. She has managed to lose and maintain a 125-pound weight loss. When she began her weight loss surgery journey, she spent many hours, utilizing her professional research skills, to gather all the facts she needed to fully understand this life-altering procedure. She soon discovered that of all the research material available on the subject, nowhere was it brought together in a form that could be used as a daily guidebook, which a person could reference for the rest of their life. This motivated her to author Weight Loss Surgery. Finding the Thin Person Hiding Inside You.