The Real Skinny on Weight Loss Surgery... - ThinnerTimes

Toony · 11-09-2007, 09:34 PM

By Julie Janeway, Karen Sparks and Dr. Randal S Baker

OMG! I'm reading this book... and it is fantastic! It's written by two WLS patients and Milady Beth's Surgeon!!! WhooHooo!

I don't know if it's been discussed here before or not, but it is a "must read" for TT folks.

I just finished reading a section on strictures---Desiree and Simone come to mind as they are going through this now... I'm also reminded of the TT veterans here who have been there and done that!

There is a lot of humor and wit in the book so far (I'm only on page 55... Check your library or pick up a copy... a very good-good-good resource!!!
I got my copy from the library, but will probably pick up a copy to KEEP and highlight sections for future reference... Hmmmm.... maybe put it on my Christmas list

--toony

PS: I'm also listening to a recorded book, "YOU: On a Diet" --- whoa! Lots of details about hormones, biology, food processing (not the machine), etc... all with contemporary humor... I think I need to put that book on my Xmas list too... Somehow I think I need to see the pictures... LOL!!!

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PS2: Just found another thread ---probably where I heard of this book in the first place... LOL! Beth - you have a might "kewl" surgeon and team there... I'm totally impressed!!!
Can't call my unedjekated about RNY!!!

MiladyB · 11-10-2007, 08:12 AM

*LOL* It IS a GREAT book, isn't it, Katie?

They actually have come out with a second edition a couple months ago with even more information in it.

They are wonderful women and very exciting to be around. They are the two women who personally trained me to be a support group leader. They offer training all over the country. When I didn't get an RN position in my surgeon's office I went to Julie and Karen asking if they had any suggestions on what I could do with my drive and desire to work within the Bariatric Community. I had met them personally a couple of times at my surgeon's support groups. I quickly heard back from Jane and she encouraged me to go through the training. It's an expensive course but they never charged me for it. They were shaing the frustrations that I was, in regards to my surgeon's support group system and the restrictions placed on the practice by the medical organization their practice is part of. They wanted a different kind of support group to be offered in the Grand Rapids area....so I'm it. Their dream and mine is that one day the practice will actually hire a person only to lead their support groups...and maybe one day that could be me. I'm making sure my name is still floating around that office. *L*

It really is a wonderful office. All of the writer's that contributed to that book are people I've been involved with. Andy the exercise therapist, Carrie the nutritionist and Scott the Behaviorist!! They honestly do have a heart for the Bariatric Community. There are areas that really need to be improved on, their surgical support group for one. BUT they do realize things aren't as good as they can be and they are open to working and making changes. Right now they are taking steps of implementing a suggestion I contacted Scott about while I was on my medical leave. I'm VERY excited about that!! I also received an email recently from the practice coordinator who would like to meet me to discuss thoughts that I have about their surgical support group.

So anyway, back on the subject of the book. It really IS a MUST read!! Dr Baker gave me a copy on my first pre-op consultation with him and I read it all in one night. I had a hard time putting it down. *L*

Toony · 11-10-2007, 05:19 PM

Beth - it's a great book! Amazon has the 2nd Edition, and I've ordered it. Lucky you to rub shoulders with such talented people!!! I didn't pick the book up until 10 p.m. last night... and read until my eyes were so watery (wanting sleep) that I couldn't read the words any longer. I should finish it tonight.

They talk at great length about "scramps" - the one incident with horrible leg cramps - and the other belly cramps... I've never heard anyone here mention them before... What is your experience with them???

I love their style and candor... This book is a definate 2 thumbs up!!!

I sure hope you got an AUTOGRAPHED copy!!!

katie

MiladyB · 11-10-2007, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toony

Beth - it's a great book! Amazon has the 2nd Edition, and I've ordered it. Lucky you to rub shoulders with such talented people!!! I didn't pick the book up until 10 p.m. last night... and read until my eyes were so watery (wanting sleep) that I couldn't read the words any longer. I should finish it tonight.

They talk at great length about "scramps" - the one incident with horrible leg cramps - and the other belly cramps... I've never heard anyone here mention them before... What is your experience with them???

I love their style and candor... This book is a definate 2 thumbs up!!!

I sure hope you got an AUTOGRAPHED copy!!!

katie

Actually I have 2 autographed copies, Katie. *L* I have each edition. My friend Judy bought me the second edition and Dr Baker gave me the first edition.

I've never had cramps or scramps so I have no experience with them. I've only talked to Julie about the ones she experienced. Every once in awhile I hear of people on here complaining about horrible abdominal pain and it sounds alot like what Julie and Karen called "scramps". I have heard of a few people in my surgeon's support group that have experienced it but it doesn't seem real common, thankfully.

Yes, they have a wonderful style. They are very much in person like they write in their book. Julie talks a mile a minute and Karen likes to keep "busy" when they lead a group. They have a wonderful way of playing off each other. They also have the most unbelievable drive. I get tired listening to how busy their lives are. Presently they are traveling all over the country teaching bariatric practices how to effectively lead support groups. They also are involved in research and write a lot of articles.

I'm glad you picked up their book and that you are enjoying it so much. If you would ever like Julie's email let me know. You can let her know how much you enjoy their book. I'm not promising you'll hear back from her *L* but I know she would love hearing how much you enjoyed their book.

Toony · 11-10-2007, 10:49 PM

Beth---if these folks have taken you under their wing, I'm sure there will be a future for you in bariatrics!!! There is a big need for what they're all about...

I didn't finish it yet... I babysat the little granddaughters today and my eyes slammed shut an hour after they left (8 pm)!

One of the things I'm looking forward to post-op is having MORE energy!!! Wow... if you could only bottle up the energy of they 3 year old...

I have a support group meeting on Monday and will find out if the team has this book in their lending library... and if they don't --- I'll make sure they know about it. The team I'm working with is very good --- I can't imagine having the surgery and not having all this support backing it up. For those reading here and you're lacking in the support dept, start your own library... I own 4 wls books so far - and this one plus the Dummies book are the two I recommend the highest!!!

Katie

PM me Julie's email... I'll send her fan mail once I've finished it...