At 278 pounds, Susan Maria Leach couldn't lie in bed without gasping for air, wasn't able to fit into a restaurant booth, and could barely buckle the belt on an airplane seat. In 2001 she resolved to take back control and underwent gastric bypass surgery--cutting her weight in half and beginning a journey that would change her life forever.

At once an eye-opening memoir, a self-help guide, and a cookbook filled with delicious, healthy recipes, Before & After is Susan's inspiring personal account of her remarkable transformation as well as an indispensable handbook for anyone who has...

An intimate guide to living and eating well after weight loss surgery, Before & After by Susan Maria Leach was nominated for three IACP awards--Best First Cookbook, Best Health & Diet Book, and Cookbook of the Year--when it was first published in 2005. Now, in its 2nd revised edition, Leach's essential guide--part memoir, part cookbook, part inspirational journey--has been updated with a new Q&A section, revised nutritional discussions, updated menus and meal plans, and more. Anyone who has undergone or is contemplating weight loss surgery can benefit from Leach's recipes, tips,...