Weight Loss Books

This is what I thought Secrets of a former fat girl would be from
all the good reviews. This is a much better book in that the author
shares her story AND...unlike lisa delany's book tells you how she
did it. Bravo Kim!

It really doesn't. This book tells how much easier it can be once you set you mind to it. It's mostly willpower and sticking to a plan. This is as good as any of the others out there.

To the author of this book, I just want to say a big thank you for being so honest with us.

I bought into the low carb craze, starting with a popular food combining plan, then to Atkins. I know these plans work for some, but not for me. I started suffering from severe fatigue, chronic mood swings that were hard to control (this from being so darn tired all the time), never lost weight, but what was my breaking point was when I started having irregular heart beats, my arms would tingle and go numb, my hands would swell and icth (that, and being on bi-polar meds when I knew something else was wrong). Turns out I was reacting to Splenda. I thought I was having heart attacks! Scared me to death! Then I realized, how do you low carb if you can't use sugar subs, when the whole point of the diet is to be sugar free. Well, a light bulb went off and something clicked. We think low fat diets are bad because they emphasise replacing fat with sugars and chemically enhanced foods, so low carbers won't touch low fat stuff because of the hidden sugars and chemicals, yet they will eat low carb stuff with chemical sweeteners, this makes no sense!
At that point, now that I will never touch a artificial sweetener in my life, I needed to learn how to balance foods so I can eat real foods, including fat and sugar, to be healthy and lose weight, and this book did that for me. It makes so much sense. It is hard to learn portion control, to eat only when hungry and to stop when full, not stuffed, but everyday it gets easier and easier. I do make good choices over bad (whole grains over processed, fruit over desserts, etc, but now that I eat from all food groups, I get full with less food, something I never experienced with low carb.

Its nice to be free of the "diets". All the money spent on diet cookbooks and special ingredients never did anything for me, but taking the advice of this book has done a lot, and it cost me nothing more than the cover price. No specialty ingredients, no plan to follow or lists of foods I can eat or need to avoid, just good old fashioned common sense.

Thank you!!! I wish more people could read this book. Especially all those suffering from 1 diet to the next.
And by the way, since I have stopped doing low carb and eat like a real person, no more mood swings. Gone, all of them, and no more fatigue! I'm able to work out daily now and live my life, something that seemed so out of reach just 2 months ago.

I'm done with dieting for good!!!!!! I can't believe how I've overlooked this common sense approach. I can't beleive how I've been fooled. This book deserves to be right up there with the best of them. It's not gimicky and it's not starvation and it's not eating a million pounds of bacon. It's just good advice to be had. If everyone would stop and open their eyes like this book advises, there would be NO overweight people in America! Time to wake up, everyone! And, no, there is no simple plan in this book, it just tells you to eat what you want but don't gorge!!! That's the problem, we can't stop feeding our faces or having an immese fear of starvation, just like she says. I'm just so glad I found it. I'm serious. If you want to lose weight, like I did, read this book. If you're happy being fat, skip it cause her advice WON'T sit well if you're in denial!!!

The thing I liked about this book was that it wasn't just about losing weight, it had lots of social commentary--my favorite being the whole "it's genetics" routine. The author really hits upon some major hot spots within the book and takes on cooperations who help make us all "fat".

Sure, the program is relatitevly easy and does seem to work--oddly enough, who would think that eating less could contribute to weight loss? But the real reason to read this book is the comments on the weight loss industry. I have to totally agree and say that the diet industry doesn't want any of us any thinner. If they did, wouldn't a few of their diets work?

All in all, this is a good book not only because the program can actually help people to lose weight, but because it might even open a few eyes and ears. Just thinking about all the things that conspire to make us eat more and more makes me sick. Therefore, I am very glad I read this book.

This is the way weight loss should be approached - by a real person with real emotions. Carole is so honest that you can't help but laugh in recognition of your own foibles. But she found a path to fitness and the rest of us can do it too. Better yet, our whole communities can become supports for health. Highly recommend!!!!!!

This book offers a lot of information for any reader who has struggled with their weight. Its filled with great ideas, and a whole host of professionals to give you motivation to loose weight the right way, the healthy way. Carol Carson's story of her transformation is one we all should read and use it for motivation to get fit and stay fit.

Carole Carson took our already wonderful community and made it even more wonderful! She has struggled with issues many of us have had throughout our lives. Her book has humor, helpful suggestions, and examples of people challenging themselves. Not to mention a map on how to loose weight and stay fit.
A must read for people interested in being fit.

Susan Michalski

This is one of the Best motivational books written about obesity and how to get people motivated to loose those extra pounds, make friends, and get positive reinforcement from within. It inspired me to start moving.

I actually met Carole Carson and THEN read her book. Believe me, seeing the "after" first had a great impact on me. I never could have imagined the "before" Carole. She went from a pleasantly round grandmotherly type to a toned, energetic, athletic and strikingly attractive woman who looks like she could take on the world! Oh, did I mention that I met her on a tennis court in the Hawaiian Islands? My group was so impressed with her play, confidence and effervesence. Imagine my surprise when I read her book. After only a few chapters, I decided, "I want that!" Her ideas are easy to implement and I love hearing, "Are you thinner--you look great!" Better yet, I have new-found energy and confidence. Her story can be your story. You'll laugh out loud as you read how an entire town jumps on board as Carole motivates them to healthy living.

Eating disorder authority Michael Strober, Ph.D. and therapist Meg Schneider MA, LMSW combine their expertise in Just A Little Too Thin: How To Pull Your Child Back From The Brink Of An Eating Disorder, a straightforward guide to recognizing the dangerous signs of when one's daughter (or more rarely, one's son) shifts from becoming an "innocent" to "exhilarated" to "preoccupied dieter" - when dieting has less to do with weight and health and more to do with emotional issues that could prove fatal. Offering compassionate, no-nonsense advice on how to talk to one's children about weight issues, and guide him or her away from the slippery slope that can lead to anorexia, bulimia, or other eating disorders, Just A Little Too Thin is a valuable, jargon-free guide. Additional chapters also offer insight concerning when professional help or medical intervention are necessary, and if so, how to go about it. Highly recommended.

Eating disorder authority Michael Strober, Ph.D. and therapist Meg Schneider MA, LMSW combine their expertise in Just A Little Too Thin: How To Pull Your Child Back From The Brink Of An Eating Disorder, a straightforward guide to recognizing the dangerous signs of when one's daughter (or more rarely, one's son) shifts from becoming an "innocent" to "exhilarated" to "preoccupied dieter" - when dieting has less to do with weight and health and more to do with emotional issues that could prove fatal. Offering compassionate, no-nonsense advice on how to talk to one's children about weight issues, and guide him or her away from the slippery slope that can lead to anorexia, bulimia, or other eating disorders, Just A Little Too Thin is a valuable, jargon-free guide. Additional chapters also offer insight concerning when professional help or medical intervention are necessary, and if so, how to go about it. Highly recommended.

Dr. Michael Strober has taken his life's work, synthesized it, and encapsulated in a very well written, accessible text. Dr. Strober is known internationally in academic psychiatry and psychology as a "triple threat". This means he has the highest respect as a clinician, teacher and researcher. When it comes to eating disorders you want Dr. Strober to care for you; you want him to teach you and you want to follow his research findings. Now all of these arenas are covered in one place: Just a Little Too Thin: How to Pull Your Child Back from the Brink of an Eating Disorder. I consider this a must read for any patient or family dealing with anorexia as well as all students and clinicians interested in eating disorder.

Dr. Michael Strober provides excellent insight for parents of girls suffering from eating disorders. His combination of academic research and clinical experience makes his advice both practical and effective. There is no other guide like this out there.

Another excellent resource for parents is STICK FIGURE: A DIARY OF MY FORMER SELF by Lori Gottlieb. I heard a reading from both books tonight, and having both the doctor's and patient's points of views was invaluable. As a parent of a teen girl, I highly recommend reading both books together.

Eating disorders are ever more prevalent in an image-obsessed society, the phenomenon affecting young girls at an alarming rate. Faced with this concern, parents are often understandably overwhelmed, at a loss for information. This book is designed to help parents define their daughter's behavior, whether there are signs of a passing phase or more serious symptoms, making specific suggestions to interpret eating behavior. The focus of this volume is pre-disorder, appropriate information for parents before their daughter has slipped into pathology, offering insights for using this information proactively, concentrating on a developing girl before she falls victim to peer pressure and media saturation. The authors outline three stages of eating behavior: the innocent (but rigid) dieter, the exhilarated dieter and the distressed and preoccupied dieter. The evolution of these stages is subtle, the obsessive dieter ever more skilled in exercising aberrant behavior, offering logical excuses for a temporary problem that may, in fact, be accelerating, a condition that "weakens her emotionally, cognitively and physically."

Puberty is a critical factor in the onset of eating disorder or preoccupation with weight, the body's natural changes occurring with social expectations and hormonal acceleration, all of which may distort a girl's perception of her body, her food obsession and lack of nutrition gaining in significance. Other triggers include: intense participation in athletics, genetic predisposition to weight gain and the messages of family, society and peer pressure. Certainly the media sends a strong and consistent drumbeat of impossible perfection, television, the movies and the music industry major contributing factors. Add in an adolescent's need for control and the potential for an eating disorder deserves serious attention. One chapter offers detailed suggestions for counteracting the pervasiveness of a thin-oriented culture, changing the dialog before the damage is done, speaking positively about physical image, avoiding injurious remarks about overweight people, developing inner resources and natural talents and articulating feelings. Specific case studies offer insights into pre-adolescent thinking, some misperceptions that can be corrected as a girl views her identity and body in relation to the world at large.

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are disorders that require immediate intervention, a clearly defined diagnosis of specific behaviors and a fear of fat that is not relieved by weight loss. In contrast, Just a Little Too Thin addresses the diet obsession, adolescents and pre-adolescents tailoring their eating habits to control weight gain, a still viable situation where parents can effectively work with their daughters to prevent more serious issues. The most effective treatment is preventive, focusing on teaching girls how to develop healthy self-perception, a valuable asset aimed at dealing with body image before it becomes a problem. Luan Gaines/ 2005.

Recent news headlines said that a low fat diet does not prevent heart attacks, breast cancer, or colon cancer. I looked them up in The No Sweat Exercise Plan and found that exercise can help prevent all 3, along with many other problems. It's one example of all the important information in the book, and it's presented in a very lively and interesting way. Best of all, the book is very practical and specific. It tells you what, when , and how to exercise. It also helps you figure out which exercises you can skip because you don't really need them. I enjoyed reading the book and I'll keep it handy for reference. I recommend it very highly.

What a relief to know I don't have to be a serious athlete in order to stay healthy! Having recently been laid up from back surgery, (which my wife is sure was brought on by shoveling last winter's heavy snows), I wanted to resume an active life and keep my heart healthy, without re-injuring myself. This book prescribes a very congenial life style which can do that for me. In addition to cardio and strengthening exercises, it has useful chapters on stretching and balance. While these may be less important for young people, they seem particularly relevant for people who, like myself, are getting on in years. "No Sweat" is written in a very engaging style and is a pleasure to read. D.L., Meredith, New Hampshire

Why do I consider this work to contain the best exercise- advice at all? The answer is because the advice it gives does not require 'exercising' as a special block of time taken in a gym, or with some special instrument. It thinks of exercise as a possible extension of everyday life- activity. We can do much exercise simply by increasing the pace at which we walk, or by lifting a few cans in the proper way each day for a few minutes. Whether we are gardening, housecleaning, shopping, mowing the lawn, climbing stairs, washing the car, playing with children , we can benefit physically by increasing the level of our activity.
We can no matter, it seems , where we are, and almost in whatever we are doing, find a way to excercise a bit more, to get ourselves moving physically in a better way. And these little bits of motion are not insignificant but can add up to better health.
As Judy Siegel writes in the 'Jerusalem Post' "The latest scientific studies shows conclusively that people can get the full health benefits of exercise with only slight modifications to their daily routines."
Simon also in this work provides a more thorough analysis of different kinds of exercise, and specific steps for improving functioning of different areas of the body.
This work would seem to have something for everyone who cares about improving their health.
Most highly recommended.

I thought I knew a lot about exercise, so I bought this book
mainly for the great drawings and instructions on stretching and weight training. But it turns out that what I didn't know about exercise could fill a book--this book, in fact. The most startling fact is that I can exercise for as little as 10 minutes at a time and still slim down, and that I don't have to
join a health club to be healthy. I've already started a "stair strider" group at work--we have a chart over the printer and we'll give a little "top flight" prize out each week. It's all good fun, but I'm convinced it will also be good for us. I'm also looking forward to spending more time reading over the
healthy diet chapter. I think it will also be very useful, but it will take a little more time to get into that side of things.
In my opinion , the book is important and enlightening. If you
don't agree, no sweat.

Despite the 230+ page format, author and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, Harvey B. Simon's premise in "The No Sweat Exercise Plan: Lose Weight, Get Healthy and Live Longer" takes a page out of lifetime exercise guru Jack LaLanne's recipe for a healthy and long life. The idea, so simple that it really isn't necessary to spend $21.95 on the book, can be summed up albeit it gratuitously with the catch phrase, "Keep on Truckin'" So sorry, Harvey.

Okay. Now you might have the inclination to want to `read all about it' and Dr. Simon does provide a semi-interesting format immersed in enough medical no-how to satisfy all those out there who have a need for those special credentials that validate information as `expert testimony.' Keep in mind that Simon as a medical doctor demands the requisite tests that the medical community deems `preventative medicine' and he elaborately explains the dangers of certain body signals like BMI, hypertension, high cholesterol, HDL levels etc. to help the reader to understand just how exercise as a panacean solution in general helps to slow the aging process. Mainly, Simon debunks the need for heavy-duty sweat-inducing aerobics and prescribes a European lifestyle without the saturated high fat cheeses, (although he uses strictly American examples) of moving about rather than relying on the couch potato contrivances and conveniences of modern life.

Simply said, Simon advocates four types of exercise where what he calls CME---cardo-metabolic exercise---wins as hands down most important. Using an elaborate point system he rates any exercise that elevates your heart rate and stokes up your metabolism, suggesting that around 1000 points a week should maintain good health for those without special needs. He sites 2000 points a week for those who may seriously want to lose weight. Typically, one would receive 200 points for jogging at the rate of 12 minutes per mile for 30 minutes as opposed to 165 points for 30 minutes of golfing while carrying your own clubs. Whether or not you sweat or not, Simon says is not the issue. Moving around (walking) for sustained periods of time on a daily basis remains paramount to insure good health. In his No Sweat Basic Pyramid, Dr, S suggests that good eating with an eye on nutrition provides the fuel the body needs to sustain itself---here the standard approach of watching calories in a 15% protein - 25% to 35% fat - 50% to 60% carbohydrate breakdown, avoiding sugars, trans-fats and processed foods maintains optimal vitamin and mineral intake. Following a substantial CME block on the pyramid, the three other types of exercise gain the spotlight, beginning with strength training as a separate component then a shared block of flexibility and balance training. Simon details all four types of exercise with actual diagrammed routines, establishing what he preaches as an undeniable "no brainer." Anyone who has been keeping active for years already knows what it takes the bulk of the book to say. I repeat, `just keep moving----use weight bearing exercise to keep up your muscle mass, stretching to keep your body limber and balance to prevent falling.

At the pinnacle of the No Sweat pyramid, Simon places preventative medicine and hoists a flag atop to alert one to the perils of too much stress in modern life. No real new news here, however Simon does take out the time to help you construct a `my-pyramid' of your own to help you realize your personal health goal and spends a few extra chapters explaining some of the common complaints people may initially have about adding a daily exercise regime to their life. For those who have perspired routinely in gyms and in the outdoors for over the last 25 years, he lists the types of sweaty exercise machines one can utilize to maximize the burn.

Bottom line: if your thing is to read about what you already know and have heard about for years, check this tome out of the library and get down and dirty with expert medical information about the whys and wherewithal-s pertaining to what you are already doing to maintain your health. If you haven't started yet - shame on you---this book can provide some grist for your exercise mill and set you on the right path for the future. With that in mind, I can only recommend this book to those who have been living under a rock for the last 30+ years----everyone else need not spend the going rate to vindicate their own common sense.

The Saint-Tropez is an excellent diet book, or better yet, a way of life.
It's very easy to follow, once you read the book.
The recipes are out of this world! Who thought of cooking spinach with pine nuts and raisins ? There are no rare ingredients, everything is at your grocery store.
This diet combines two nutrients in every meal, omega-3 and foods rich in beta carotene.
Some of the recipes have two parts like "Marinated grilled vegetables", The marinade part for this recipe could be used also as a salad dressing.
Also the recipes are not complicated,they are simple, but different.

I am so glad that I bought this book. After a fast food diet of KFC and Big Macs and with the extra pounds packing on this was just what I needed!

After just one week and I see results: I have lost some weight and I do not feel deprived at all. This diet should be used by everyone who is interested in not only their weight management but also those are interested in living a healthy lifestyle where processed food is a thing of the past. The food can be a bit pricey but if you use your common sense substitutes are easily found.

I loved this book. Surprised to not really hear much about it. I found it one day while playing on Amazon and reading reviews. After I read the reviews I immediately bought the book. It is an easy read. Simple and to the point. I have been trying the simple recipies day to day for the past two weeks and love most every one of them. I feel like a gourmet chef but it is so easy. My kids are still a little stand offish about trying radically new stuff but I know in time they will get more and more used to it. I love having a glass of wine now and then and I do find that I simply enjoy the taste and freshness of the food. I highly recommed. We should all shake up our diets and make them tastier and healthier.

Who knew that healthy eating could be this enjoyable? The recipes in this book are appealing to everyone in our family. The Saint-Tropez Diet offers 56 days worth of menu ideas, including snacks and desserts. Merci beaucoup!

I liked this book so much that I purchased extras as gifts for my health-concious foody friends.

The overall philosophy is sound and not extreme, and the recipes I've tried so far are delicious.

This book is a must for anyone having WLS. There are so many things that we seem to forget as we go through the process of "dieting". This is a life style change that effects everyone in the family. It is not a "diet" it is a new way a living. Where food is not the center but the fuel for the body. Colleen gives us great examples and goal setting techniques that I have never thought about. Great Book for anyone at any stage of the "new life".

I had only planned on buying one WLS book because I only had a few questions left unanswered. Well, the first book told me everything I already knew and did not answer one of my questions. So one book became two and I ended up with 4 books when I finally decided to buy this book. Let me tell you, if you only want to buy one book then this is the book. You can find all the basic information about WLS on the internet and the surgeon will tell you all the basics too. But this book tells you things no other book talks in-depth about. This book is a must have for anyone who has had the surgery, is planning on having it, or is even considering it. You will read it again and again...I have.

The book is actually geared towards those that have had any form of restrictive gastric surgery, but I found it very helpful in making the final decision to have the surgery. It's straight forward and reads quickly. Can be read start to finish or just the area you're struggling with.

Colleen Cook's book is an excellent resource for people who are either considering weight loss surgery or who have already had the surgery. As the director of the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery (www.nawls.com), I talk to people every day who are struggling with long-term WLS success. This is one of the best books I've read on how to be successful. I found the information to be practical and very useful. I apply Colleen's lessons to my WLS recovery every day.

This book is packed full of FACTS on how to loose and keep those pounds off for good. This is a must have for the long-term success of all weight loss surgery patients.

One of the best thrillers among my recent collection and that of a new and budding author. I was intrigued by both characters and plot. Having friends who worked in ambitious pharma companies, I can see certain paralells about how ruthless a business can get when driven by greed and the potential to earn big bucks. Apart from the fact that the reporter seems somewhat of an exhibitionist, the plot is convincing and realistic in most parts. Can't wait to read the sequel.

This is one of the kind of books you start reading in the evening, and you don't put down reading it, even if you are reading all night. Scary. Makes you seriously wonder about corporate ethics. The plot is very realistic and very detailed. It must be based on a real and possibly covered-up story. Much worse than the Enron scandal - at least Enron was only about money. If the story is real, this would be a scandal of epic proportions. Egomania and greed with a disregard for human life. If I remember right, a San Diego biotech one paid a hitman to take out a competitor. "Thin" may be another story that has not hit the newsdesks (yet). Even if it is pure fiction, "thin" is one of the best novel I have read in a very long time. I wonder who owns the movie rights to this one.

Little did I know when I ordered a random book from a new author, what was in store for me. I did not put the book down until I was finished with it. I spent a sleepless night reading, curious as to what the outcome was. The plot seems very realistic - outright scary, if you think how monetary greed can motivate the wrong people to do the wrong things. I wonder if this story is based on a real event - there are many details that sound just like it. I think Winston has created a splash - I am waiting for the sequel or at least the movie to go with this. Based on the book, I'd put the author into the leagues of the Tomm Clancy's and Michael Crichton's. A must read for anybody.

Suspenseful and gripping Thin is a great read. Excellent attention to detail and character development. It was hard to say good-bye. I look forward to further adventures from L.A. Winston.

A fast paced thriller that I had a hard time putting down. Sympathetic characters, an interesting premise, a few unexpected twists and turns, and a nice payoff at the end all make for a great read. I highly recommend this book.

Loved this book. Very clear and easy to read, we just started incorporating the ideas but I have high hopes for the process. It keeps things realistic which is a nice change.

This writer has done her homework. Weight Loss Confidential is well researched. In a compassionate voice, Anne Fletcher shares the real-life experiences of teens who have successfully lost weight and kept it off. Very inspiring for teens, their families and those of us who work with people struggling with their weight. In this book, we see what is possible. Overweight teens can and do learn to feel better about themselves and take better care of themselves. You'll learn their strategies for success - make a rule not to eat out of a bag or a container, swap sodas and sports drinks for water and other zero-calorie drinks, practice restraint, not deprivation. Lots of strategies for you whether you're a teen, a parent or a health professional.

I bought this book because my granddaughter is becoming overweight and I want to help her and my daughter to work on this problem. I am an RN and yet the information in this book was priceless because despite what I know and understand medically, the information on what works for the teens by teens could not be learned in nursing school. I have completed the book and have sent it on to Arizona from Texas so that my daughter and granddaughter can read it. I also took some of the information on keeping a daily journal and portion control and have lost 5 pounds since purchasing this book. I would recommend this book to all ages. The book also lists many other references for children and obesity problems.

A wonderful, quick, and captivating read! This book belongs on the bookshelves of teens, families, AND healthcare practitioners! "Weight Loss Confidential" is a great "how to" manual for teens who want to lose weight, and the book also serves as a source of motivation for teens who are ready to change. "Weight Loss Confidential" can also serve as a fantastic tool for medical and nutrition professionals who work with overweight youth. "Weight Loss Confidential" complies a myriad of pertinent data, quotes from teens, nutrition and exercise advice, effective weight loss programs, and up-to-date research. Finally, the book is a timely and much needed resource as pediatric overweight rates continue to climb. "Weight Loss Confidential" is simply fantastic...Buy it today!

-April Rudat, MS Ed, RD, LDN, author of the upcoming book, "OH YES YOU CAN BREASTFEED TWINS"

What an excellent concept, find teens who were successful at losing weight and determine how they did it. This book has been helpful for my husband and me, and MOTIVATING for my daughter. What I like the most is you see a chart of what things the kids did to lose weight. The ones that top the list are the healthy ones (exercised more, ate less fat, ate less in general) and the ones at the bottom are unhealty (took pills, etc). PROVING ONCE AGAIN that the RIGHT/SUCCESSFUL way to lose weight is to diet and exercise. This has totally motivated her to move more, the KEY FACTOR for these successful teens.

BRAVO!!

I love this book. It was easy to read. If you have any issues with emotional eating, this is the book for you. I could really relate to the book.

This is a great book. It helped me indentify between eating for hunger and eating for emotional reasons. Great buy!

Geneen "Gets It" and gets right to the chase. This book has opened my eyes and turned the light bulb on. I highly recommend it for anyone who has issues with their relationship with food.

I don't usually write reviews but I felt like I had to for this one. "Breaking Free" goes beyond just food to explore the essentials: emotions, shame, forgiveness, sexuality. Truly a special book--Roth's voice is very genuine and the personal experiences she relates make you feel like you know her and can trust her. One of those books I'll keep around forever.

As a serial dieter, I was skeptical of anything claiming to help me "break free" from this millstone around my neck. But as I read the book I began to see what a novel approach Ms. Roth has outlined. It is clear, well-defined and, I think, do-able in the long run. It is not a fast fix and I cannot yet testify to its effectiveness, but I am hopeful and look forward to the soul searching and self-discovery that lies ahead. If nothing else, it has calmed me down, taken away a large part of my dispair, and given me a glimpse of possible freedom from my addiction.

I have read this book several times and it is the only book on this subject that you will need. I have read the others but this book has EVERYTHING you will need to know INCLUDING how to select a surgeon, and even how to get approval for your surgery. A MUST HAVE ITEM IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING WLS.

If you are considering WLS and need to compare operations and get a basic overview, then this is the book for you. It covers pre-surgery questions as well as post-op concerns. I would recommend giving this book to your surgeon or primary care physician to inform them of the surgery. I work as a library assistant and recommend this book to my patrons. It has been the only book I have found that gives good basic coverage of the subject.

I depended on Dr. Flancbaum before and after my weight loss surgery in the same way that I depended upon Dr. Spock when my children were small. His book became a dog earred companion on my nightstand--well read and well loved. I would recommend it to anyone considering this surgery!

If you're looking for an authoritative review of weight loss surgery, including how it could actually save your life, this is the book for you.

Morbid obesity is usually diagnosed when someone is 100 pounds overweight or 150% of one's ideal body weight. Dr. Flancbaum refers to this condition throughout the book as a chronic disease and offers a range of surgical solutions, along with the risks and possible complications. For anyone contemplating this route to losing weight, realize that the book leans toward the more invasive Roux-en-y (RNY) gastric bypass surgery. In my opinion, it reflects the 2003 copyright date as well as the experience base of most surgeons, who tend to favor what they know best.

However, RNY surgery is documented as more effective, usually resulting in more weight loss than the less invasive gastric banding (GB) surgery. This is due primarily to the dumping syndrome that causes patients to vomit high fat or sugary foods and the malabsorptive nature of the RNY procedure, which reroutes the small intestine to the new stomach pouch and prevents the normal absorption of nutrients. The book terms this surgery as "more radical," since it involves opening the body cavity and re-plumbing the patient's innards.

Compare this to GB surgery, which is generally performed laproscopically with thin instruments and a tiny tv camera to guide the surgeon through four or five small incisions in the abdomen. The plastic band is inserted around the upper part of the stomach, forming a small pouch that helps the patient feel full on much less food. The band permits a trickle of food through the small opening, which is adjustable to expand or contract for more or less food to pass through according to the patient's weight-loss progress. The book cites some negative issues that occurred early on with this procedure, and tends to write it off. But since the book's publication, GB surgery is gaining popularity primarily because it is adjustable, is reversible (rarely done), is far less invasive, does not cause the dumping syndrome, does not affect the absorption of nutrients and has many other advantages.

Regarding food choices and diet recommendations -- Dr. A. Hawasli, one of the most experienced laproscopic GB surgeons in the U.S. -- makes one diet book a mandatory requirement for his patients. Written by registered dietitian Theresa Malysz, The Duct Tape Diet includes a comprehensive listing of 6200 foods from the USDA database of branded items along with their content of saturated fat, protein, carbohydrates and calories. The book also contains a simple, easy to understand regimen for GB patients to follow so their food selections don't interfere with the intent of the surgery. The title originates from her husband's use of duct tape to wrap up those "diet villains" that often cause people to fall off the wagon -- an amusing technique from a book that employs humor to help those afflicted with curse of dangerous excess weight.

Current estimates of 10 million morbidly obese adults in the U.S. (BMI of 40 or more) constitute about 5% of the population and could reach as high as 23 million if the BMI range extends to 35 or more. Although other books on the subject reflect a lower estimate, the problem is all too common for any western society. The Doctor's Guide to Weight Loss Surgery is one of the best guides to help you make this decision, which is not a magic solution to the problem, but is effective for anyone who can't do it any other way.

I am the father of a highly overweight adolescent girl, whose furure may include weight loss surgery (WLS). This book explained the many issues involved not only about the surgery itself, but, importantly, about many basic concepts about obesity (including very useful definitions and formulas about what constitutes obesity). The book also clearly discussed the critically important subject of the co-morbid conditions (diabetes II, high blood pressure, e.g.)that can be caused by obesity. The danger of obesity, as mainifested by the presence of these co-morbid conditions, was dramatically described. These issues, as well as the more technical description of the various types of WLS surgeries, was set forth in a manner that was easily understood by this lay person. I felt as if I was involved with a personal consultation with the physician/author, where the surgery was described, and the potential risks and side effects, and benefits, were being explained to me in a very understandable way. The book also contains an ending chapter of Frequently Asked Questions which provided an excellent review of the entire book's contents, and could serve as a condensed version of the book should a reader just wish to address a certain issue, and have the answers presented quickly and directly. The book greatly advanced my understanding of the meaning and problems of obesity, and placed me (and ultimately my daughter)in a substantially more enlightened and informed position to make a potential decision about whether or not my daughter should undergo this surgery.