Nutritionsmarts.com

This easy-to-read guide to nutritional management after gastric bypass includes: an explanation of the surgery, nutritional requirements for vitamin and mineral supplementation, suggestions for maintaining a good-quality, high-protein diet, information about the psychological impact of the surgery, and strategies for incorporating permanent lifestyle changes.

The surgery is only the beginning of this process. The responsibility for making good food choices, eating properly, and taking adequate supplements is critical to the success of anyone who has gastric bypass surgery. - Lisa Cohen.

It is impossible to achieve long-term weight loss if one does not follow the nutrition advice, no matter what operation one has undergone. - Kuldeep Singh, MD.

Arlene Swantko, RD, LD is a registered dietitian with a private practice in metropolitan Baltimore. She has over 25 years of experience working with many aspects of nutrition, with a specific concentration in gastric bypass surgery. Her realistic and practical approach to nutrition makes her advice easy to understand and follow.

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 patient's 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."

About the Author

Born the daughter of Beach Boy legend Brian Wilson, Carnie Wilson has overcome a lifelong struggle with obesity to achieve personal satisfaction, professional success, and new dimensions of physical and emotional health. As a young child growing up in the fast lane, Carnie turned to food for comfort. As she grew into adulthood and achieved success with the multiplatinum pop group Wilson Phillips, her dysfunctional relationship with food led to life-threatening morbid obesity. In the summer of 1999, she made the dramatic decision to undergo state-of-the-art weight-loss surgery live over the Internet. Over the next two years, her life was transformed as she lost more than 150 pounds, married the man of her dreams, and fashioned a new future of exciting career opportunities. Carnie and her husband, Rob, are living in Los Angeles with their three dogsand are looking forward to extending their family soon. Now dedicated to helping others, Carnie is a spokesperson for MEDICAL MARKETING SERVICES, LLC, a company whose goal is to match qualified surgeons with those suffering from Morbid Obesity by broadcasting an INFOMERCIAL, LITE AND HOPE once a week around the country. Viewers to the INFOMERCIAL can then call an 800 number and be referred to a Registered Surgeon in their area. Visit with Carnie at www.liteandhope.com. Carnie and Rob are soon to be proud parents of Lola, arriving in May 2005.

-by Susan Maria Leach In addition to more than 100 recipes in this book, there are ideas to help a post-op cook stay on the path and adapt his or her own recipes. Susan has also included tips for eating out and cooking during the holidays. There is an introduction to protein, carbohydrates, and sugar for those who are post gastric bypass surgery, as well as a list of sources for special foods and ingredients.