The Weight Loss Surgery Coping Companion: A Practical Guide for Coping with Post-Surgery Emotions

In The Weight Loss Surgery Coping Companion, Dr. Tanie Kabala addresses the emotional side of weight loss surgery. In this self-help book, she assists weight loss surgery patients- many of whom have a long history of using overeating as a coping mechanism- in identifying healthy, new strategies for coping with challenging feelings and emotional eating. With insight and sensitivity, Dr. Kabala leads readers through journaling exercises that help them develop strategies for coping with anxiety, depression, anger, loneliness, identity confusion, and the compulsion to overeat- feelings common to the post-surgery period. Recognizing that emotional eating often leads to re-gain after surgery, Dr. Kabala provides two detailed, mindfulness-based strategies for overcoming emotional eating, The Nourish Technique and the COPE Technique. Packed with quotes from actual patients, this book allows readers to recognize that their challenges are shared by many members of the weight loss surgery community. Readers walk away with a personalized coping guide that can be used not only during the post-surgery period, but also for a lifetime."As a surgeon specializing in weight loss, I have found that much of my patients' success is attributed to what happens outside the operating room. The importance of lifestyle changes, behavior modification, and mindful eating cannot be understated. Dr. Kabala's book is a recipe for success. We give a copy to all of our patients, and have seen a measurable benefit in those patients who use it- not only in their total weight loss, but in their satisfaction with and longevity of their weight loss." -Marc A. Neff, MD, FACS, Bariatric Surgeon"I have seen my weight loss patients have extreme success after reading Dr. Kabala's book, and have found that patients who read it are more apt to comply with necessary changes to make their health journey a safe, successful one. I recommend Dr. Kabala's book to all my patients and will continue to do so!" -Cheri Leahy, RD, RDN, Registered Dietitian"As a psychologist, I unfortunately see individuals who have endured the challenge of weight loss surgery only to gain the weight back, often because they have not addressed the issues and feelings that caused them to overeat and gain weight in the first place. The Weight Loss Surgery Coping Companion is the only book of its kind that helps weight loss surgery patients avoid this pit-fall. With insight and compassion, Dr. Kabala helps readers identify, explore, and then effectively cope with challenging emotions, thereby helping to ensure long-term weight loss success. The book includes thought-provoking questions and writing exercises that I find very helpful to my patients, as well as a wealth of healthy, non-food related, targeted coping strategies. Thanks to Dr. Kabala for writing a thoughtful, sensitive, and practical book that is an excellent tool not only for weight loss surgery patients, but also for support group leaders and psychologists. I use it with my patients and highly recommend it."-Jill P. Weber, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Tanie Miller Kabala is a licensed clinical psychologist who received psychology training at Georgetown University, George Washington University, George Mason University, and the University of Delaware. She earned her Ph.D. with honors in 2003 and has practiced psychology in multiple settings, including community mental health centers and university counseling centers. Dr. Kabala currently works in private practice, where she specializes in treating individuals before and after weight loss surgery. She travels the country speaking to weight loss surgery patients, support groups, and medical professionals about healthy coping after surgery. Dr. Kabala also has a passion for using meditation and relaxation exercises to help her patients experience increased emotional and physical well-being. She enjoys offering meditation and relaxation classes to her community. Please feel free to visit Dr. Kabala’s website at www.drtaniekabala.com; and follow her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/drtaniekabala) and Twitter @drtaniekabala.