Weight-Loss Surgery Connection by Melissa Debin-Parish, Alfredo L. Fernandex

Foreword Alfredo Fernandez, M.D. ix Acknowledgments xi Introduction: Taking a Peek at Your Bright Future xiii Chapter 1 A New Life Is Waiting for You! 1 Our Story: Why We Chose Weight-Loss Surgery 2 The Surgery Has Worked for Us-and for Millions of Others, Too 8 The Little Things That Make Life More Enjoyable 12 Start Your New Life Now 15 Chapter 2 Researching Weight-Loss Surgery-and Making Your Decision 17 Are You a Candidate for Weight-Loss Surgery? 18 Facing Fears: Our Story 25 Answering Frequently Asked Questions 26 Chapter 3 Sharing Your Decision to Have Weight-Loss Surgery 43 Finding Your Voice 44 Fighting the Myth That "You Just Have to Diet" 47 Answering Questions About the Safety of the Procedure 51 Responding to the Naysayers 52 Dealing with a Reluctant Spouse or Partner 53 When Not to Tell 55 Chapter 4 Preparing for the Big Day 59 Recognizing That Support Groups Are Your Safety Net 60 Clearing Your Schedule 68 Making Your Kitchen Healthy 69 Packing for the Hospital 74 Tracking Your Progress on the Path to Success 77 What to Expect on the Big Day 82 Preparing for Potential Side Effects 84 Getting a Glimpse of Your Post-Op Stomach 90 Chapter 5 Learning How to Eat After Weight-Loss Surgery 93 General Guidelines for the First Six Weeks After Surgery 95 Listening to Your Body's Signals 96 Keeping a Food Journal 100 Starting with Smooth, Gentle Foods 102 Eating Enough Protein 105 Staying Hydrated 107 Checking for Vitamin Deficiencies 108 Chapter 6 Eating Outside the Home: Handling Restaurants and Parties 113 Eating in Restaurants 116 Hosting a Party 124 Attending Someone Else's Party 126 Slow Food 128 Chapter 7 Continuing to Lose Weight: Overcoming Obstacles toProgress 133 Gauging Your Expectations 134 Anticipating Plateaus 136 Heading off Head Hunger 138 Expunging Old Habits 141 Being Satisfied with Your Successes Along the Way 143 Seeing Your Body Clearly 146 Chapter 8 Getting the Support You Need for Life 149 Understanding the Benefits of Staying Connected 150 Finding Support in Your Surgeon's Other Patients 154 Going Online 156 Maintaining Support Even Through Your Maintenance Phase 158 Keeping Your Memories Alive 160 Giving Back to the Weight-Loss Surgery Community 161 Appendix A Favorite Recipes 165 Appendix B Journal Pages: Your Weight-Loss Surgery Connection 187 Appendix C Converting to Metrics 207 References 209 Index 211