The Wait is Over! "Cookin' for Weigh-Loss Surgery Patients"

Stories of weight-loss surgery successes abound these days. From Carnie Wilson to Randy Jackson, celebrities and common folk alike are finding surgical intervention the answer to a lifetime of struggling with the effects of the disease of obesity. As a weight-loss surgery patient from 1995, and a Bariatric professional since 1997, I have had the wonderful privilege of working with literally thousands of weight-loss surgery patients. My personal story, like many others, is common in the Bariatric community, but once in a while, a story comes along that is truly extraordinary. Such is the case with Dick Stucki.

As we prepared for our pre-surgical class that February afternoon, 2003, we could see that we had a gentleman coming down the hall who would need some extra room, and likely some extra attention. His wife by his side, he was outfitted with an electric wheel chair, complete with oxygen. He struggled terribly, but cooperated as we took his photograph, reviewed his pre-op instructions, and explained in detail what he could expect over the next few days. As he introduced himself, he commented, I just had to sign 29 release forms for the doctors & the hospital indicating that I understand that I will likely not survive this surgery. It seemed that he was well aware of the risks, but knew he had to do something. Wheelchair bound for 3 years, Dick had suffered from multiple medical challenges and while it was a tremendous risk to undergo weight-loss surgery, he gambled; And won! He made it through surgery and survived the grueling days in intensive care. Weeks went by, then months; pounds came off, out went the oxygen, out went the wheelchair, and in came a man whose mission now was to Pay it Forward.

These recipes have been tried and tested, savored & enjoyed by weight-loss surgery patients and supporters alike.

Recognizing a real need among post-op patients to combat food boredom Dick offered his experience as a renowned Chef by teaching a cooking class in our support center to help patients add some spice and variety to their otherwise monotonous meal plans. His class, as you can imagine, has been a tremendous success. Dick has spent this year creating and sharing new, innovative recipes, gathering feedback from hundreds of weight-loss surgery patients, and has now complied this book, Cookin For WLS Patients.

These recipes have been tried and tested, savored & enjoyed by weight-loss surgery patients and supporters alike. Post-op dietary guidelines vary, and as a result, we encourage weight-loss surgery patients to learn the basic principles of nutrition, and then make wise choices on what they eat, when they eat and how much they eat. One of the key features of Dicks book is the nutritional analysis included with each recipe. Youll find the recipes high in protein, low in carbohydrates and in compliance with the nutritional needs & restrictions of most Bariatric guidelines. Cooking for WLS Patients also features shopping ideas, and cooking tips, as well as serving and storing suggestions.

At Bariatric Support Centers International, we are honored to know Dick Stucki. This month, Dick celebrates his one-year anniversary with a weight-loss of 275 pounds! His story of success is inspiring, his givers-gain attitude appreciated, and his recipes are delicious! It is our privilege to provide this wonderful resource to weight-loss surgery patients through the world.

Colleen M. Cook, WLS Patient, Speaker, Author
Founder of Bariatric Support Centers International