Exodus from Obesity. The Guide to Long-Term Success After Weight Loss Surgery

It is an excellent book. I am a bariatric support leader and I am using this book as a guide in my support meetings. It has most everything that I need to answer questions about the Journey of Weight Loss Surgery, both before the sugery and after. I highly recommend it. Its a wonderful book written in the lay-persons language.

I just received this book today and I am already half-way through reading it. My doctor has recommended thatI have the surgery, but everything is taking so long and I didnt know what to do next. The book has given me ideas on what to do to speed things up, and what to expect at every step of the way. It is well written and very concise. I am looking forward to a new life in the not too distant future.

As this was written by someone who had a positive experience with her WLS, it offers several good ideas (training for surgery, writing a letter to yourself before surgery, etc.). I wish it would have gone into more detail about Ive read in other books (bad breath, gas, hair loss, etc.). Overall, I was pleased with some of the suggestions in preparing for the surgery, both physical and emotional. Its a very fast read, as well as clear and concise writing. One thing I really enjoyed were the quotes at the beginning of the chapters. Although they didnt have anything to do with WLS per se, I thought they were inspirational.

This book is excellent, but I felt it was a little misleading from the title....The Guide to Long-Term Success After Weight Loss Surgery. I purchased the book post-op, and felt that the first half of the book dealt with Paula Pecks decision to have the surgery. A definite read for all who are in the process of making this life changing decision. Paula is very inspiring. I did learn from the book.

I just loved this book. As a new post-op, I need a book that helps me take the practical aspects of living a healthy life and incorporates my special needs as a gastric bypass patients. I HIGHLY recommend this book.

Paula has done an excellent job capturing what really goes on longterm not just in the honeymoon phase. It is more than just her story, it has alot of practical suggestions to work on longterm success and maintenance.
I recommend it highly at my support groups (in person and online.)

This was one of the most comprehensive, straight-forward books on this subject I have ever had the pleasure to read. Informative, insightful and a must read. Whether it is you or a loved one who is facing this disease and seeking a cure through drastic, but sometimes necessary measure, you will benefit. The writer truly conveys hope. Embrace it.

What a fine read. Not only does Paula Peck hit every target for worry, but she presents simple, coherent advice on how not to sabotage your own best efforts. I came away feeling smarter, better armed to deal with the new realities of my surgery, and most importantly, like I had made a friend. The best part is that this book doesnt read like a textbook. Its warm and unclinical. Frankly, I cant imagine having the surgery and not having this book in my bag for constant back-up information and support. A must read for anyone on the road to recovery.

I manage a large Obesity Support Group in Connecticut. Paula has spoken to the Group four times, and, after the first time, each presentation has been standing room only. She has an open invitation to speak to the Group at anytime.

I personally vouch that Paula is a compassionate and wonderful person, which shows in her writing. Having been a Registered Nurse for thirty years, she now has dedicated her career to helping the morbidly obese. In this book and in her presentations, she frequently recounts her own experiences and those of others who have had the surgery. Paulas own story is remarkable. Having been morbidly obese all her life, she loss 175 pounds from conventional white knuckle dieting only to gain it back. Having exhausted all her options, she courageously chose to have gastric bypass surgery. Why courageous Because this was the same surgery that killed her sister when it was a pioneering procedure. After her surgery, she lost 185 lbs, has kept it off for over 5 years, looks wonderful and is having a happy life.

I love the practical and sensible advice her book provides for long-term success -- both in weight loss and in achieving lifes goals. Paula wrote me that this books original title was, When the Hunger Returns. Much is being written about the procedure itself, but little has been written about what to expect and do AFTER the surgery. And, what has been written by others is often outright wrong or conflicting.

Weight loss surgery is not an answer in itself. It is a tool. Patients can regain much, if not all, their weight after undergoing this major surgical procedure. And, rarely addressed by others are the lifestyle changes needed to achieve long-term success. Many individuals in my Support Group have never developed their social skills after a lifetime of obesity. Food events, such as, holidays, celebrations and parties are perilous. Many are uncomfortable and feel awkward in social situations. Many think of themselves as still being fat even with their new body. Newfound sexual intimacy is often awkward. Some old relationships with others can be detrimental and undermine the progress because of their jealousy, resentment and/or insecurity over your new body. Paula sensibly addresses all these issues and many others.

I feel this book is an absolute must for weight loss surgery patients, potential patients, and support people, such as, loved ones, parents and friends. Paula has done us a great service by writing this book. I highly recommend it.

In Exodus From Obesity, Paula F. Peck provides the information, encouragement and guidelines for maintaining long-term success after weight loss surgery. Ms. Peck interweaves intelligent discussion with humorous stories about herself and individuals that have faced diet after diet and ultimately chose the gastric bypass procedure. This book is a clear, easy-to-read guide for patients, potential patients, loved ones, parents and friends.

Based on scientific research and reflecting Paula F. Pecks many years of personal and professional experience, this clear, authoritative guide provides readers.

- A thorough, step-by-step approach for undergoing gastric bypass surgery.

- Lifestyle changes necessary AFTER surgery for maintaining long-term weight loss.

- Tips for preventing binge eating when hunger returns.

- Skills for dining out at restaurants, salad bars and parties.

- Identification of the triggers that set off out-of-control eating.

- Approaches for overcoming self-defeat.

- Ways to change a distorted self-image.

- Methods for restructuring relationships and dealing with sexuality.

- New attitudes for raising self-esteem and celebrating a new life.

From the Publisher
Paula F. Peck is committed to the education and support of gastric bypass surgery patients and considers it a calling and honor to assist in improving the quality of their post-procedure lives. She is a warm, compassionate and caring person. Her book, Exodus from Obesity. The Guide to Long-Term Success After Weight Loss Surgery is for pre-operative and post-operative bariatric surgery patients and their personal support team. spouse, parents, and friends.

The book is a clear, authoritative guide providing readers a thorough, step-by-step approach for undergoing gastric bypass surgery and for creating a new life thereafter. It focuses on the lifestyle changes necessary for maintaining long-term weight loss after surgery including tips for preventing binge eating when hunger returns, skills for dining out at restaurants, salad bars and parties, identification of the triggers that set off out-of-control eating, approaches for overcoming self-defeat, ways to change a distorted self-image, methods for restructuring relationships and dealing with sexuality, and new attitudes for raising self-esteem and celebrating their new life.

From the Author
There has never been a time in my life that I can remember where food and weight were not an issue. My journey was a struggle to overcome the pain and prejudice of obesity. Eventually, I weighed 325 pounds and my health was deteriorating. I made the decision to have the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery. My surgery went well. I awoke from the operation with the realization that I had been granted another chance at life.

I am about to celebrate the fifth anniversary of my surgery. My body has shed 185 pounds. I have found a renewed love of life. I am endlessly grateful.

I embrace anyone who wants to walk through the door marked Weight Loss Surgery. I know of no other method that offers as much quality of life for the morbidly obese.

There are many books available that instruct about the gastric bypass procedure and teach the basics of surgical preparation. But, as revealed in my Support Groups, there exists a distinct need to address lifestyle change issues, particularly after healing. That is the purpose of my book. Emphasis is placed on how to maintain weight loss long-term, deal with your changing body image, address feelings of sexuality, cope with resentment from fat prejudice, change your attitudes about relationships, and enjoy your new life. I sincerely hope this book will be of value to you.

About the Author
A Registered Nurse for over thirty years, Ms. Pecks knowledge and experience encompass bariatrics, medical, surgical, cardiac, obstetrics, psychiatry, orthopedics, and cosmetic surgery.

As Clinical Nurse Manager for bariatric clinics performing gastric bypass surgery within Tenet Healthcare Corporations Tenet HealthSystem, Ms. Peck was the primary liaison to patients for preoperative and postoperative education. Key responsibilities included. preoperative preparation classes, postoperative behavior modification and nutrition classes, and managing weekly support group meetings. She created a Sensitivity Training Program taught to hospital staff - a program promoting more humane treatment of the obese patient.

Ms. Peck is an accomplished public speaker, group leader and author and her experience includes lifestyle changes, such as. behavior modification, stress management, time management, exercise, nutrition, addiction theory, and attitudinal changes.

Ms. Peck holds a license by the California Board of Registered Nurses and the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is a member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS), International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO), National Certification Board for Massage Therapy and Bodywork, American Massage Therapy Association, and the National Association of Nurse-Massage Therapists. She has served on committees in Obstetrics, Nurse Management, Anesthesia, and Risk Management.

Excerpted from Exodus from Obesity. The Guide to Long-Term Success After Weight Loss Surgery by Paula F. Peck. Copyright 2003. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Excerpt from Chapter 11 - Navigating Through Food Landmines

Eating In Restaurants

The Wave

Much of our socializing revolves around eating in restaurants. We use food for all our occasions, formal and casual.

For me, the fast food restaurant is a thing of the past. I need to eat the most nutritious food I can from now on.

When I go into a restaurant, my attitude is that I have rented the table for as long I am there. It is mine. Either I get my needs met or I leave. I am not encouraging rudeness. I am merely stating that if I cant assert even my food preferences, then how do I get my more sophisticated needs of life met

Your servers objective is to maximize your bill, which increases the size of the tip you leave. So she begins to recite a list of the specials usually with highly descriptive prose. I immediately interrupt with a wave of my hand and say, I am eating light. Thats all. A wave of my hand and a simple declaration signals that I have made my decision and I dont need to be informed further. I teach it to support groups as The Wave. We all laugh, and they get the idea that they dont have to apologize for their choices nor ask approval for their needs.

When you do The Wave, there is no need to say that you are dieting or to tell your life history. There also is no need to state that you just had gastric bypass surgery and show a diagram of where all your digestive organs are now routed. Your life is none of your servers business and you dont have to apologize for yourself.

What about when your server asks about a dessert preference I immediately interrupt with The Wave and say, I am eating light.

Try it yourself.