The Real Skinny on Weight Loss Surgery: An Indispensable Guide to What You Can Really Expect! (Paperback)

~ (Author), Karen J. Sparks (Author), Randal S. Baker (Author), Judith Brown Clarke (Foreword)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Written for REAL people, by REAL people, about REAL stuff, this funny and easy-to-read book reveals accurate information for anyone considering weight loss surgery. This book will enable all readers to make an informed decision about whether or not weight loss surgery is right for them. Readers will get information on the hidden costs of bariatric surgery and how to deal with them, real issues about skin issues, protein diets, co-mobidites, potential complications, and emotional and psychological issues. Real experiences specifically related to men’s issues are mentioned as well. No celebrity stories or unrealistic Hollywood expectations - just real-life experiences, tips and information to help make the decision that is right.

About the Author

Dr. Randal Baker specializes in bariatric surgery. Dr. Baker presently serves as the Medical Director of the Surgical Intensive Care Units at Spectrum Hospital, and is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Michigan State University. Dr. Baker is a 2005 award nominee for the Outstanding Achievement Award of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery Foundation. He is also a proud past recipient of the American College of Surgeons Transplantation Award. Dr. Baker has researched, published, and lectured extensively on the topics of morbid obesity, bariatric surgery, and surgical critical care, and is on the Editorial Board of the prestigious Obesity Surgery Journal, a publication of international reputation in the medical community. His bio-absorbable staple line product won the 2002 American Medical Innovation of the Year award. His research received the prestigious international INAMED Award.

Karen J. Sparks is a gastric bypass patient having had surgery in December, 2003. She is a former Dean of Business Administration and Technology at Baker College, and has been teaching for fifteen years, specializing in management strategies, administrative functions, and technology applications, with emphasis on real world application through experiential learning. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Master degree in Business Education, and is completing her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration as well. She is the co-owner of Little Victories Press, and Athena Group Consulting, serving education, business/medical, government, human service, and community arenas with professional development, program development, assessment, and other consulting services.

Julie M. Janeway is a gastric bypass patient having had surgery in October, 2003. She is a previously published author, a former on-air legal correspondent for a Michigan ABC affiliate, and currently teaches at Central Michigan University. Julie Janeway has taught for twelve years, specializing in law, political science, and social science. She is the co-owner of Little Victories Press, and Athena Group Consulting serving education, business/medical, government, human service, and community arenas with professional development, program development, assessment, and other consulting services. She holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration with minors in marketing, international relations, communication, and social science, a Master of the Science of Administration, a Juris Doctorate, and is ABD on her Ph.D. in Public Policy / Public Administration.

Product Details

• Paperback: 206 pages
• Publisher: Little Victories Press (June 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976767287
• ISBN-13: 978-0976767282
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #611,069 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Resourse for Pre WLS, or Post & Confused WLS, August 2, 2005

By	Angie (Oregon) - See all my reviews

This is not a technical manual on WLS, and it's not meant to be. It's a very well rounded book that humerously provides pre-surgery, surgery, and post-surgery information. As a pre-WLS patient, I have found it to be most helpful in "real-life" presentation of all the information gaps that exist for pre-WLS patients. Very digestible read!

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Informative, if you can overcome the silliness, November 12, 2006

By	J. Walters "Eyestrain" (Twinsburg, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I purchased this book before my RNY surgery in a blitz to collect and read everything I could on this type of bariatric procedure. While this book is cleverly written, it's not nearly as good as my favorite, and the one I took to the hospital with me, "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies", my bible.

I'm not sure if I believe these women when they detail their experiences. They've had every side-effect and complication, including some I ran to my surgeon with and neither he nor his entire staff had ever heard of. "Scramps" being one of them. Some of the things are laugh-out-loud funny, like when Karen goes out with her husband and doesn't realize that post-bariatric surgery, alcohol speeds right into your bloodstream. She winds up screaming in laughter at a barking dog when her husband is forced to drive her home.

This book is a good read, kind of like a Fannie Flagg book, but I wouldn't take it as law.

31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Book!, August 16, 2005

By	Cheryl Mansell "Cheryl" (Indiana) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This was a great book! It is not a technical book but it is full of useful information that you don't necessarily get prior and during surgery. I had Bariatric surgery and wish I had this prior and during my process. I facilitate a support group and am more than willing to recommend this book to pre and post op individuals.