The Weight-Loss Surgery Connection

by deBin-Parish, Melissa

• ISBN13: 9780071499026
• ISBN10: 0071499024
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-09-25
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education

Summary

The support you need to be successful with weight-loss surgeryIf you're considering weight-loss surgery, or have already had it, you're probably filled with expectations, concerns--and a million questions. Author Melissa deBin-Parish knows what you're going through. She and her husband, Dan, lost a combined 300 pounds after their surgeries in 2003. Melissa went from a size 24 to a size 4, dramatically improved her life, and started her own support group to help other patients find the same success. Today, her website is one of the most popular and informed support groups available for patients. And now, with this comprehensive guide, she's combined the firsthand experiences of other weight-loss surgery patients with the latest medical information to help you: Decide if surgery is right for you Choose the best surgeon and procedure Overcome "emotional eating" Get the support you need And keep the weight off for life!You'll also find invaluable insider's tips, delicious recipes, and journal pages to make your journey positive, successful, and rewarding. And, with the right guidance, you'll see just how wonderful it can be to transform your body, your health, your attitude, and your life.

Author Biography

Melissa deBin-Parish underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2003 and has gone from a size 24 to a size 4. She is a popular speaker on issues related to weight loss surgery and is on the advisory board of the Obesity Action Coalition.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. ix
Acknowledgments	p. xi
Introduction: Taking a Peek at Your Bright Future	p. xiii
A New Life Is Waiting for You!	p. 1
Our Story: Why We Chose Weight-Loss Surgery	p. 2
The Surgery Has Worked for Us-and for Millions of Others, Too	p. 8
The Little Things That Make Life More Enjoyable	p. 12
Start Your New Life Now	p. 15
Researching Weight-Loss Surgery-and Making Your Decision	p. 17
Are You a Candidate for Weight-Loss Surgery?	p. 18
Facing Fears: Our Story	p. 25
Answering Frequently Asked Questions	p. 26
Sharing Your Decision to Have Weight-Loss Surgery	p. 43
Finding Your Voice	p. 44
Fighting the Myth That "You Just Have to Diet"	p. 47
Answering Questions About the Safety of the Procedure	p. 51
Responding to the Naysayers	p. 52
Dealing with a Reluctant Spouse or Partner	p. 53
When Not to Tell	p. 55
Preparing for the Big Day	p. 59
Recognizing That Support Groups Are Your Safety Net	p. 60
Clearing Your Schedule	p. 68
Making Your Kitchen Healthy	p. 69
Packing for the Hospital	p. 74
Tracking Your Progress on the Path to Success	p. 77
What to Expect on the Big Day	p. 82
Preparing for Potential Side Effects	p. 84
Getting a Glimpse of Your Post-Op Stomach	p. 90
Learning How to Eat After Weight-Loss Surgery	p. 93
General Guidelines for the First Six Weeks After Surgery	p. 95
Listening to Your Body's Signals	p. 96
Keeping a Food Journal	p. 100
Starting with Smooth, Gentle Foods	p. 102
Eating Enough Protein	p. 105
Staying Hydrated	p. 107
Checking for Vitamin Deficiencies	p. 108
Eating Outside the Home: Handling Restaurants and Parties	p. 113
Eating in Restaurants	p. 116
Hosting a Party	p. 124
Attending Someone Else's Party	p. 126
Slow Food	p. 128
Continuing to Lose Weight: Overcoming Obstacles to Progress	p. 133
Gauging Your Expectations	p. 134
Anticipating Plateaus	p. 136
Heading off Head Hunger	p. 138
Expunging Old Habits	p. 141
Being Satisfied with Your Successes Along the Way	p. 143
Seeing Your Body Clearly	p. 146
Getting the Support You Need for Life	p. 149
Understanding the Benefits of Staying Connected	p. 150
Finding Support in Your Surgeon's Other Patients	p. 154
Going Online	p. 156
Maintaining Support Even Through Your Maintenance Phase	p. 158
Keeping Your Memories Alive	p. 160
Giving Back to the Weight-Loss Surgery Community	p. 161
Favorite Recipes	p. 165
Journal Pages: Your Weight-Loss Surgery Connection	p. 187
Converting to Metrics	p. 207
References	p. 209
Index	p. 211
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