About Paula
Paula F. Peck is committed to the education and support of gastric bypass surgery patients and considers it a calling and honor to assist in improving the quality of their post-procedure lives. A gastric bypass surgery patient herself, she underwent the Roux-en-Y procedure in 1999. Ms. Peck ultimately lost 185 pounds and has maintained her health. Her recent book, Exodus from Obesity; The Guide to Long-Term Success After Weight Loss Surgery provides the guidelines for surgical preparation, but, also, the adjustment to life after surgery. Included in her book is an understanding of body image as the patient loses weight, attitude changes, sexuality, changing relationships, and much wisdom in the pursuit of a new life.
A Registered Nurse for over thirty years, Ms. Peck's knowledge and experience encompass bariatrics, medical, surgical, cardiac, obstetrics, psychiatry, orthopedics, and cosmetic surgery.
As Clinical Nurse Manager for bariatric clinics performing gastric bypass surgery within Tenet Healthcare Corporation’s Tenet HealthSystem, Ms. Peck was the primary liaison to patients for preoperative and postoperative education. Key responsibilities included: preoperative preparation classes, postoperative behavior modification and nutrition classes, and managing weekly support group meetings. She created a Sensitivity Training Program taught to the hospital staff, a program promoting more humane treatment of the obese patient.
Ms. Peck is an accomplished public speaker, group leader and author and her experience includes lifestyle changes, such as: behavior modification, stress management, time management, exercise, nutrition, addiction theory, and attitudinal changes.
Ms. Peck holds a license by the California Board of Registered Nurses and the Commonwealth of Virginia, and a National Certification for Massage Therapy. She is a member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS), International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO), National Certification Board for Massage Therapy and Bodywork, American Massage Therapy Association, and the National Association of Nurse-Massage Therapists. She has served on committees in Obstetrics, Nurse Management, Anesthesia, and Risk Management.
