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A review by jaxyway
Stranger Here: How Weight-Loss Surgery Transformed My Body and Messed with My Head by Jen Larsen
5.0
Disclaimer: I am a post-op weight loss surgery patient, and I am pretty knowledgeable about the topic.
Left: January 2015 (300lbs) Right: October 2015 (170lbs)
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
First and foremost, this novel is a memoir written by a woman that chose to undergo weight loss surgery in her early 30's; it is NOT the definitive guide to weight loss surgery. In fact, the author had a rare form of weight loss surgery called the duodenal switch, and even in 2015, most bariatric surgeons in the US do not offer it. It is by far the most invasive of the weight loss surgery options, and guarantees the best results long-term. Essentially, after having the duodenal switch, patients can eat pretty much anything they want, whereas post-op gastric bypass patients have to be a lot more mindful of their choices. Gastric bypass is the gold standard of bariatric surgeries, and a lot of what Ms. Larsen writes about will NOT be applicable to those that had or will have that particular surgery. The same applies for those that had had the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Simply put, if you've had vertical sleeve of gastric bypass, and you eat like Jen Larsen describes she ate, you will undoubtedly suffer complications, and not lose anywhere NEAR the amount of weight she lost.
That isn't to say that I do not recommend this memoir to those that had a different weight loss surgery than the author; I DO. But I recommend those that do read Stranger Here to use it as a guide of what NOT to do following weight loss surgery. Unless you either A) had the duodenal switch or B) want to fail.
Read this if:
- You have had weight loss surgery
- Someone very close to you has had weight loss surgery
Do not read this if:
- You are considering weight loss surgery, but want to know your options
- You'd like to learn more about weight loss surgery in general
- Fat people annoy you
Now that that is all of of the way with, I enjoyed Larsen's wit and candor, especially about a topic that is rather embarrassing. The first half of so of the novel are the months leading up to her weight loss surgery, and every single person that has been through that long process will find a LOT to relate to. Her uncertainty and emotional fuck-ups post-op are also something that I can relate to. I was annoyed at times, emotional at others, and laughing hysterically in between. Jen, I truly believe that Andy was a closet homo, and I want to be friends with you. You're awesome.
If you are in the Raleigh, NC area and are thinking about weight loss surgery, please consider Rex Bariatric. (Note: Rex DOES perform the duodenal switch operation)
If you are a pre or post operative weight loss surgery patient looking for a friend... consider me.
Left: January 2015 (300lbs) Right: October 2015 (170lbs)
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
First and foremost, this novel is a memoir written by a woman that chose to undergo weight loss surgery in her early 30's; it is NOT the definitive guide to weight loss surgery. In fact, the author had a rare form of weight loss surgery called the duodenal switch, and even in 2015, most bariatric surgeons in the US do not offer it. It is by far the most invasive of the weight loss surgery options, and guarantees the best results long-term. Essentially, after having the duodenal switch, patients can eat pretty much anything they want, whereas post-op gastric bypass patients have to be a lot more mindful of their choices. Gastric bypass is the gold standard of bariatric surgeries, and a lot of what Ms. Larsen writes about will NOT be applicable to those that had or will have that particular surgery. The same applies for those that had had the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Simply put, if you've had vertical sleeve of gastric bypass, and you eat like Jen Larsen describes she ate, you will undoubtedly suffer complications, and not lose anywhere NEAR the amount of weight she lost.
That isn't to say that I do not recommend this memoir to those that had a different weight loss surgery than the author; I DO. But I recommend those that do read Stranger Here to use it as a guide of what NOT to do following weight loss surgery. Unless you either A) had the duodenal switch or B) want to fail.
Read this if:
- You have had weight loss surgery
- Someone very close to you has had weight loss surgery
Do not read this if:
- You are considering weight loss surgery, but want to know your options
- You'd like to learn more about weight loss surgery in general
- Fat people annoy you
Now that that is all of of the way with, I enjoyed Larsen's wit and candor, especially about a topic that is rather embarrassing. The first half of so of the novel are the months leading up to her weight loss surgery, and every single person that has been through that long process will find a LOT to relate to. Her uncertainty and emotional fuck-ups post-op are also something that I can relate to. I was annoyed at times, emotional at others, and laughing hysterically in between. Jen, I truly believe that Andy was a closet homo, and I want to be friends with you. You're awesome.
If you are in the Raleigh, NC area and are thinking about weight loss surgery, please consider Rex Bariatric. (Note: Rex DOES perform the duodenal switch operation)
If you are a pre or post operative weight loss surgery patient looking for a friend... consider me.