Gastric Band and Beyond: Maximise Your Weight Loss

This semi-autobiographical book describes the journey of a gastric band patient who also works as a specialist nurse in a bariatric clinic. Written in the style of a ‘self help’ book it is full of practical hints for those contemplating gastric band surgery. Heavily slanted towards banding, the personal preparation for surgery from the decision to have the operation to the challenges of coping with the necessary changes afterwards will resonate with those choosing any bariatric operation.

The sections describing band surgery could have more specific data on the known risks and outcomes - the phrase ‘complications are rare’ is stated or implied more than once. No comparison is made between the different available operations other than the statement that weight loss outcomes are similar for gastric banding and gastric bypass.

The book will appeal to and encourage prospective patients and they will use it as one of many aids in their decision to seek surgery. The glossary at the back is useful. It will also help bariatric trainees and members of the multidisciplinary team see a patient’s perspective and will remind them how difficult being obese is and the challenges (and rewards) of being a bariatric patient.