The Bariatric Bible: Your Complete Guide to Thriving After Weight Loss Surgery
Includes 120+ Protein-Packed Recipes for Every Stage of Recovery
Why This Book?
Written by Chef Carol Bowen Ball—who lost 100 lbs after her own bariatric surgery—this is the most comprehensive lifestyle guide for weight loss surgery patients, combining medical insights with kitchen-tested recipes and real-world survival strategies.
What You’ll Discover
- Pre-Op Prep
- How to choose a surgeon
- Procedure options (bypass, sleeve, lap-band)
- Hospital packing checklist
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Post-Op Success
- “Protein First” rule & portion control
- Danger foods to avoid (e.g., slider foods)
- Emergency snack kit essentials
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120+ Stage-Specific Recipes
- Color-coded for each recovery phase
- Nutrition facts (protein, carbs, calories)
- Meal ideas: Breakfast Protein Pancakes, Lemon-Chive Hummus, Halloumi Salad
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Beyond the Plate
- Exercise for changing bodies
- Dining out & social life hacks
- Clothing your new shape
Who It’s For
- Pre-op patients preparing for surgery
- Post-op patients adapting to new eating habits
- Support networks (family, friends)
Why It Stands Out
- Written by someone who’s been there—no unrealistic advice
- Recipe-focused—unlike most clinical guides
- Covers the whole journey—from hospital to maintenance
Finally—a book that understands bariatric life isn’t just about surgery, but thriving afterward.