Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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. Paula's 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 life's goals. Paula wrote me that this book's 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.

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 doesn't read like a textbook. It's warm and unclinical. Frankly, I can't 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.

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!

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 didn't 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.

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 Peck's 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 could not put Exodus from Obesity down. I highlighted it and even felt compelled to email Paula Peck, the author.
This book totally "walks you" through the entire process from selecting a surgeon to managing food and situations years after surgery.
Ms. Peck convinced me to buy a book to log my success after surgery. She includes a weight chart to chart your weight losses, which I have bought and begun.
As she suggests, I will spend the day before surgery (two days from now) taking measurements, recording feelings and taking pictures. She suggests taking pictures each month, but I will probably do it each two weeks.
She has given me "permission" to weigh myself daily, as opposed to what anyone else suggests.
Buy the book, I am taking it to the hospital with me!

I find myself rereading pages in this book over and over as needed. This is instrumental in helping me on my weight loss journey and I've recommended it to the WLS group I'm active in. Many of the group members are familiar with this book, and agreed that it's quite helpful. Ms. Peck took major surgery and a total lifestyle overhaul and put this reader at ease with her personal story. It helped that a medical professional wrote the book and lived this journey herself. I recommend this book to everyone considering weight loss surgery.

Being aware that my surgery would be life altering, I was nervous about how to proceed with the rest of my life post-operation. Paula Peck's book was written with such care, concern and intelligence that upon turning the final page I realized my anxiety had completely left me and that I literally held a blue-print for success in my hands. Thank goodness for Paula's sensitivity, charm and wit. This is a honest guide to living and coping after weight-loss surgery - and who knew? A funny one too! Kudos for this book.

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 I've 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. It's 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 didn't have anything to do with WLS per se, I thought they were inspirational.