Exodus from Obesity : The Guide to Long-Term Success after Weight Loss Surgery

In Exodus From Obesity, Paula F. Peck provides the information, encouragement and guidelines for maintaining long-term success after weight loss surgery. Ms. Peck interweaves intelligent discussion with humorous stories about herself and individuals that have faced diet after diet and ultimately chose the gastric bypass procedure. This book is a clear, easy-to-read guide for patients, potential patients, loved ones, parents and friends.

Based on scientific research and reflecting Paula F. Peck’s many years of personal and professional experience, this clear, authoritative guide provides readers:

- A thorough, step-by-step approach for undergoing gastric bypass surgery.

- Lifestyle changes necessary AFTER surgery for maintaining long-term weight loss.

- Tips for preventing binge eating when hunger returns.

- Skills for dining out at restaurants, salad bars and parties.

- Identification of the triggers that set off out-of-control eating.

- Approaches for overcoming self-defeat.

- Ways to change a distorted self-image.

- Methods for restructuring relationships and dealing with sexuality.

- New attitudes for raising self-esteem and celebrating a new life.

A Registered Nurse for over forty 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 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. 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.