Q. Why did you write a book on weight loss surgery?
At the beginning, many patients are overwhelmed by the process for obtaining
the surgery and facing the fears of their upcoming operation. It is hard
for them to imagine their new lives afterwards. I find there is scant
and sometimes conflicting information on the lifestyle changes that need
to take place for when hunger returns. My book is a realistic portrait
of what you can expect from the surgery, how you will feel after healing,
and how your habits and attitudes will need to change to achieve long-term
weight loss success and happiness. Underneath it all, it is a primer
for attaining good self-esteem, which is vital in your fight against
obesity.
Q. What is the primary method for achieving success after surgery?
There are habits we must adopt – the habits of people who have attained
long-term success after the surgery. As an example, to remove the isolation
caused by obesity, it is paramount to create community. That means find
people with whom to exercise and have recreation. Enjoin them in finding
other pursuits besides eating events. Often it is difficult to learn to
include others in our solitary lives. However, relationships pull us out
of ourselves, remind us that we are not the only ones with problems and
energize us to be physically mobile again.
Q. What would you like to accomplish next to help others?
I would like to address more fully the emotional obstacles to long-term
weight loss success. When we know of a possible problem on the horizon,
we can anticipate it and effectively work through it.
