For the thousands of people affected by severe obesity, the decision to undergo weight loss surgery can be a matter of life and death. But it is not a simple procedure and once done, it produces life-altering changes. That’s why, for many, the decision does not come easily. To help you make the best possible choice, a dynamic team of experts have come together to share their experience, knowledge and findings about these procedures. Merle Cantor Goldberg is one of this country’s leading psychotherapists specialising in eating disorders; Drs. Cowan and Marcus have not only helped develop and refine many of the techniques used in bariatric surgery, but have also taught these procedures to hundreds of other surgeons. Weight Loss Surgery provides everything the prospective and post-op patient must know. Written in easy-to-understand language, the book begins by asking important questions that must be considered before any decision is made. It then presents a comprehensive overview of the pre-op visits, the various weight loss surgeries available and the post-op recovery period. Examining both the psychological and the physical impacts of surgery, the authors offer up-to-date information that should be the basis of any informed choice. Weight loss surgery is not a minor procedure. It is not an extreme makeover. Yet, when appropriate, it can save lives. This thoughtful book offers the information you need to make the decision that’s right for you.