From Library Journal
For those individuals who are morbidly obese defined as weighing more than 100 pounds above their ideal body weight or with a body mass index of 40 or higher (35 or higher with other illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease) weight loss, or bariatric, surgery can be a lifesaver. It is not, however, a miracle cure. It requires a skilled surgeon, support staff, and the patient's lifelong adherence to diet, exercise, and vitamin supplementation. Expert bariatric surgeon Flancbaum (St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hosp., New York, and Columbia Univ.) has written an excellent and reassuring guide for those considering the surgery. He clearly outlines the surgical options, explaining each type along with its risks and possible complications, as well as expected outcomes. He also explains what to expect before, during, and after surgery, discussing selection of a surgeon, insurance coverage, the surgery itself, pain control, diet, and (rarely) reoperation. Resources and recipes are appended. For a nurse's perspective on the same subject, see Michelle Boasten's Weight Loss Surgery: Understanding and Overcoming Morbid Obesity (FBE Service Network, 2001). For all health collections. Anne C. Tomlin, Auburn Memorial Hosp. Lib., NY
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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From Booklist
Stedman's Medical Dictionary defines obesity as "an abnormal increase in fat" and simple obesity as "resulting when caloric intake exceeds energy expenditure." Flancbaum, a surgeon with considerable experience in weight loss surgery, refers to obesity throughout as a "chronic disease." Erica Manfred, one of his coauthors, had problems with obesity, was operated on by Flancbaum, and became an advocate for this method of treatment. They and their colleagues describe the various types of surgical procedures and counsel the prospective patient in selecting the most helpful one for her or him. They relay what to expect before and after the operation and what complications are possible. They recommend a healthier diet and more exercise after the surgery, and they advise on selecting a good surgeon and getting one's insurance company to pay for the operation. They conclude by listing sources of further information and providing many food recipes.
William BeattyCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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