You Have Such a Pretty Face

By: Kelley Gunter

Narrated by: Piper Goodeve

Length: 6 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's Summary

Have you struggled with obesity, poor self-image, weight-related health problems, or simply a feeling of inadequacy or meaninglessness? Are you tired of feeling left out of the active world around you? Have you ever contemplated weight-loss surgery? It's an option many consider, often after trying and failing over and over again with diet and exercise. But what about the side-effects? The pain? The financial burden? The emotional toll?  

Kelley Gunter found herself dealing with all of these issues and many more as she weighed the decision to undergo bariatric surgery. Finding very few personal accounts from those who had gone through the same struggles, she decided to write about her experience in an effort to help others facing the same decision.  

Gunter struggled with her weight from an early age. Always self-conscious of her body, she endured the taunts of her classmates, rejections from boys, and painful nicknames such as “Richter” and “Tree Trunk Legs.” 

As an adult, her demons followed her into her professional life, where co-workers and even supervisors perpetuated the hurtful body-shaming she had come to know so well. Her personal relationships suffered as her constant craving for love and acceptance caused her to make poor decisions in romantic partnerships.  

Gunter knew it was time for a change.  

Mustering all her strength, courage, and faith, she undertook the monumental task of preparing herself for weight-loss surgery. She attended workshops and meticulously researched various procedures until she found one that was right for her. She worked to obtain the necessary funding, taking out loans to make her goal a reality. She even endured unexpected life-threatening complications that left her not only bedridden, but saddled with additional debt and recovery time.  

Gunter leads the listener through her entire weight-loss journey in vivid detail. The listener will follow her as she copes with the early stages of recovery. Listeners will journey with her as she works her way back to wellness, cry with her as she wrestles with the barrage of emotions that come with rapid weight loss, and rejoice with her as she begins to realize her goal of physical and emotional wellness.  

Whether you have grappled with personal body image, yo-yo dieting, weight issues, or even morbid obesity, you will find personal inspiration through Gunter's compelling personal story of pain, struggle, and ultimate personal triumph. For those contemplating bariatric surgery, Gunter offers guidance, words of wisdom, and personal examples. For those seeking inspiration, she offers her personal story of spiritual faith, family, and friendships that served as a guiding force in her ongoing recovery and personal growth. For those seeking motivation, she offers the triumphant story of a desperate but determined woman who takes matters into her own hands and reclaims the life she deserves.  

©2017 Kelley Gunter (P)2018 Tantor

I wanted more ...

I selected this book because I am about to go through weight loss surgery. I wanted more about that journey. It fell flat to me.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

How brave to share such personal experiences.

Such an amazing story. Her story gave me hope an inspiration. It was nice to feel that I was not alone.

It's me, but not me.

This story is well presented and written. Although everybody's story is individual, there are so many similarities. This is a good explanation for the person who has not struggled with being obese. She shares so much of what that life is like physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

You won’t want to put it down and will be sad when it’s over!

I loved this book. Constantly thinking YES!! She sees into the heart of someone struggling with weight gain. She offers an honest account of her journey and by doing so gives you hope, strength and courage. She is so strong and brave and encourages you to be the same! She didn’t sugar coat the difficulty of all of it but gives you the hope it is possible! If you don’t have a weight problem this book is still perfect she has a beautiful outlook on life and you will benefit from hearing her journey!!!!
I can’t wait for her next book!!

Honesty & Hope Blend perfectly!!!!

After listening to this memoir my experience was different than reading it. The story became more and more intense as I was listening. I found myself connecting to so much of her story. The narrator speaks so soft and kind which makes the audio even more amazing! Make sure to get a copy!!! A wonderful story you wouldn’t want to miss!!