Customer Reviews

Weight Loss Surgery : Finding the Thin Person Hiding Inside You

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Barbara has written an intelligent, thorough account of weight loss surgery (WLS). She not only gives you the pros, but the cons. I will undergo this surgery on July 13th and although I have been studying it for several years, this book has all the practical answers to questions you may have regarding the different types of surgery available and what to expect before and after your surgery. It's also easy to read and understand. The last chapter of the book was written by Barbara's husband to the significant others in our lives and is invaluable in seeking acceptance and support from our loves ones.

I have read both this book and the Michelle Boasten book and find this one MUCH better. I didn't realize until after I read Michelle's book that Michelle had the mini gastric bypass surgery, which is an old surgery that has been abandoned as being dangerous. Barbara Thompson's book covers everything about the RNY weight loss surgery and what you have to do after the surgery to be successful. It has become my bible. My surgeon recommended this book to me after he had read it. Barbara Thompson brings up important information that I hadn't even thought about. It is very well researched and very personally written. If you get only one book on weight loss surgery, make sure it is this one.

I read this book within two days of receiving it! It is an excellent source of information for anyone considering WLS. Thanks Barbara for the vast amount of information and for your inspiration!

Okay, before I have 100 angry post-ops throwing tomatoes at me for my review, I have to say that the main reason I was disappointed in this book had little or nothing to do with the author or the content. Please read on and THEN pass judgment.

My first complaint is that I didn't learn anything new from this book. Reason? Ms. Thompson's book is so popular amongst the WLS crowd that everything in it has already been discussed in the chatrooms and support groups (right down to the reference to the wooden spoon & toilet paper)!! I guess I bought the book hoping that I would be introduced to a fountain of new and secret knowledge, privy to only those who've read it. Afterall, this book was so strongly recommended to me I figured I had to rush right out and grab a copy before they all sold out.

I commend Ms. Thompson. She is a courageous woman to write a book about surgery while she herself has no medical background. She simply and honestly told her story as a patient, and I believe that she wrote it not to make a few bucks but to enlighten the rest of us who are so desperately looking for a change in our lives.

Even though I was disappointed, I highly recommend this book for someone who does not frequent WLS chatrooms or support groups. This really does cover the broad spectrum and should answer the majority of your questions, including what to take with you to the hospital and how to adjust to your new stomach size. And the before and after pictures of Ms. Thompson and some of her followers were very inspiring. I suggest buying a used copy and then passing it along to another WLS friend when you are through.

Whether you're considering this surgery, waiting for insurance approval, already have a surgery date or are post-op, this book is for you. It has so much to offer, I keep it in my backpack to reference almost everyday. This surgery is only half the deal, it takes a whole-hearted committemnt to know thas this drastic move is for you. Ms. Thompson does a very good job of relating this to the readers...she explains that this surgery is only a tool, that it's not the fix-all. Being a new post-op myself, any knowledge I can gain relating to my new lifestyle and new "inner" workings is nothing but beneficial. This book is well organized and full of tips and suggestions that are meant to help no matter which road you're on. I'm very glad I purchased this book and recommend it to all my friends who are searching for help or who have already "crossed-over". Thank you Barbara Thompson

Being a newly post-op WLS patient myself, any knowledge I can obtain related to this life-changing event surely is beneficial. This book has helped me tremendously. It is well organized and offers lots of tips that are sure to get you more educated and familiar with your "new" inner workings as well as help you feel more secure in your ability to overcome your past additions (with time of course). This surgery is only a tool - you must make a whole-hearted committment for the rest of your life and that is the attittude that comes across throughout this book. This is one of the greatest decision I have made for myself. Barbara is an inspiration and is full of knowledge and great advice. I think this book is great and anyone considering the surgery, who is already scheduled for surgery or who has already had it, should have a copy.

First of all I must commend Barbara Thompson and her long road to success with WLS, as well as the courage it takes to discuss this very personal matter in such a public forum. However, if you are looking for a book that focuses on factual medical answers to the tough questions you may have about WLS, then this is not the book for you. This book is a light read, easily finished in an evening. Often I found many of Ms. Thompson's answers to commonly asked questions lacking in research or based solely on her personal experience, which is great for a look at personal testimony about what she went through but not very factual for typical surgery experiences. If you are looking for detailed answers to your questions about WLS, you may want to read the various books out by Michelle Boasten, who is an RN and presents information in a more objective manner.

I AM STILL READING THIS BOOK AS I AM PRE-OP AND I LOVE IT. I FOUND IT VERY INFORMATIVE AND I WILL KEEP THE BOOK FOR FUTURE REFERANCE. THE BOOK SEEMS TO GIVE US ALL THE INFORMATION WE NEED TO GO THROUGH THIS SURGERY . I WOULD LOVE TO SEE BARBARA THOMPSON WRITE A BOOK ON RECIPES AND HOW TO USE PROTEIN , MAKE SHAKES, AND DIFFERENT ITEMS SO WE WONT GET BORED EATING DIFFERENT .

Since looking into Weight Loss Surgery (aka WLS) I have been searching for books on this subject. Two other books by Ackerman and Boasten (spelling???) are good but I found this one to be the best so far. If appears as if the author has really done her homework when it comes to WLS. I am scheduled for an Open Gastric Bypass on June 14th and found this book to be the most inclusive and informative. She openly states that she is not a medical expert but she appears to be more knowledgeable about everything than the other two authors. The book is more organized than Mrs. Boasten's and less "technical-sounding" than Dr. Ackerman's. If you are only able to afford one book, this is the one to invest in. But I suggest getting all three to compare and contrast.

One note, however, I would like to have seen more "success stories." Most importantly, I would like to have seen some from people who may have had other types of surgery (including the Open method of Gastric Bypass) and people who originally weighed more than 350 pounds. Don't forget people who are "long-term" successes! But that's another book!!