A Diary of Gastric Bypass Surgery: When the Benefits Outweigh the Costs [Paperback]

Darlene K. Drummond (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 8, 2008

The story of one African American woman's decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

While gastric bypass surgery is often touted by the media as "the easy way out," and American health care professionals increasingly endorse weight loss surgery for a population plagued by obesity and its complications, A Diary of Gastric Bypass Surgery discloses the sacrifices, suffering, and commitment required to endure this complicated procedure. Using personal diary entries between 2002 and 2006, Darlene K. Drummond details her life-altering decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery. Drummond, an African American woman diagnosed as morbidly obese, diabetic, and hypertensive, describes her family history of chronic illness and obesity and shares conversations with health professionals, family, friends, coworkers, and support groups both before and after the procedure. She also includes her weekly grocery expenses, out-of-pocket medical expenses, reactions to media stories on celebrity personalities battling complications of obesity, as well as chronicles of the cognitive and behavioral changes she experienced along the way.

"This book is a compelling, well-detailed personal account of weight loss that contains valuable insight about a topic that is largely misunderstood by the general public. What a powerful narrative!" -- Mark P. Orbe, coauthor of Contemporary Issues in Interpersonal Communication --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Darlene K. Drummond is Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at the University of Miami, Florida. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: State University of New York Press; 1 edition (May 8, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0791474402
• ISBN-13: 978-0791474402
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #645,293 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Thankful, June 18, 2009

By 

SB "what i really think" (kansas City, MO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Diary of Gastric Bypass Surgery: When the Benefits Outweigh the Costs (Paperback)

This is an awesome book! As a educated African American female, suffering from obesity (sounds like a oxy-moron. This book spoke to me and helped me make a decision if I really wanted to do this or not. I am now waiting insurance approval for my gastric bypass surgery, and would recommend reading Darlene's journey. It was a quick read, which makes it great for those of us who are really busy.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Remind me not to seek medical treatment in North Carolina, April 9, 2010

By 

Erin McArdle "Book Worm MZZ" (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: A Diary of Gastric Bypass Surgery: When the Benefits Outweigh the Costs (Paperback)

I found Darlene's account of her journey before and after her Gastric Bypass very imformative. She gave plenty of information regarding the requirements for the procedure as well as her progress after. However I have to tell you I was appalled at treatment she received from the COLD, INSENSITIVE members of in the medical profession she encountered along the way. I thought her surgeon DR. Bozeman's personality was awful from the momemt she first met him. His staff was just as bad. They were all cold and insensitive. As for DR. Insull Jones he sounds like a jerk. I just had a Gastric Bypass this past Monday. I have to say my journey towards the procedure was so different that I found myself blinking in shock as I read her tale. From the first moment I signed up online for the informational seminar I was treated with nothing but warmth and caring. I got a phone call from a very friendly woman the next day confirming my registration for the seminar. The seminar was very imformative and the doctor stressed how you had to feel comforatble with your choice of a surgeon because you would have a life long relationship. I signed up for an appt and at that appointment everyone in the office was warm and kind and eager to help me start my journey. I had a check list of what I needed to complete before surgury. At the right time they got my insurance approval for me. I went through all my appointments with no problem. The surgeons office was there to help with any questions. One of the requirements was that I bring a family member to meet the surgeon.(he wanted to make sure I had some sort of support system at home). I was well informed as was my family by the time of my surgury. The staff at the hospital was wonderful. My doctor called constantly to see how I was. When I was discharged I thanked the doctor and he told me "No Thank You, I feel honored that I can help you get on with your new life".
I wish that Darlene could have experienced that as well. She seems like a wonderful woman and I thank her for sharing her journey, I read it while I was in the hospital after surgury. I just want to let everyone know that there are warm, caring, compasionate people who are out there to help you on your journey. MAKE SURE YOU FIND A BARIATRIC SURGEON YOU WON"T MIND SEEING FOR A LONG TIME TO COME !!!! Good Luck !

5.0 out of 5 stars Heartfelt and Honest, August 12, 2011

By 

Shannon Bananon "AK" (AK) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: A Diary of Gastric Bypass Surgery: When the Benefits Outweigh the Costs (Kindle Edition)

I am considering WL Surgery. WOW, if I can track my daily protein like she can, I'll be in good hands. She is wildly honest about everything with this surgery. Her courage to stick to it is enlightening. Good for her.