For those of you who have had weight loss surgery, you know it is sometimes
bumpy ride, but weight loss friends all support each other. For this, I thank
you and hope this cookbook brings you healthful recipes that you have
trusted me to bring to you over the years. To my friends in the weight loss
profession, thanks for helping me keep my dream alive and introducing my
work to so many of your patients.Vicki Bovee, my business partner and friend. Your help has been invaluable
on this project. You have been the second half of our success. We have done
many great projects together, from publishing cookbooks to changing the
face of the National School Lunch Program. Simply Smart Food is truly
making a difference in obesity. I know no other dietitian who “gets” the
weight loss surgery lifestyle as well as you do.To Mary, my wife of almost 15 years, you have been there with me every step
of the way. Thanks for keeping me sane and grounded. To Noah and Michael,
my two boys, you are awesome! I could not ask for more creative, playful
spirits, and you give me joy every day of my life.Cook smart. Our mission statement: To help fight the disease of obesity one
meal at a time by educating, inspiring, and motivating people to live healthier
lives.From Karen:Working with bariatric patients is one of the most rewarding things I have
done as a dietitian. Thanks to all of you who have helped me to remember
that every day is a gift and we have to appreciate the wonderful things we are
able to do, no matter how small.Thanks to Chef Dave Fouts for giving me the opportunity to work on this
project. He and Vicki Bovee, RD/LD have turned out to be terrific friends as
well as colleagues.Special thanks to my amazing husband, Greg, for his love and encourage-
ment. I would not have done many of the things I have done without him to
inspire me and give me a push when I need it. Many thanks to the rest of my
wonderful family for always supporting me in everything I do.01_640180-ffirs.indd v01_640180-ffirs.indd v 8/27/10 10:36 PM8/27/10 10:36 PM