Search - Gut Feelings

VERY Frank. VERY honest-sounding. You get a vivid picture of the agony and the ecstasy of Carnie. She is clear that "you have to do the work"; and very clear about the conflicting feelings that come with the decision to get rid of the fat.

The most beautiful aspect of Carnie is her ability to celebrate herself and her relationship with Rob whether she is fat or not. Very strong, very capable young lady.

Many people will read Gut Feelings hoping to gain some insight into weight loss surgery and they will receive exactly that, but they should be aware this is an autobiography more than an informative tome on gastric bypass. This is the story of Carnie Wilson’s journey: from fat acceptance advocate to the poster child for weight loss surgery; from daughter of a famous person to becoming famous for her own talents; from an insecure, troubled childhood to a more well-adjusted but still insecure adulthood.

As a woman who has been at the same weight as Carnie at her heaviest, I can certainly relate to a lot of what she has to say. But her life experience is as different as can be from my own. I cannot imagine being in the spotlight and having my weight on public display. It’s bad enough being discriminated against for your weight and I can’t imagine the added burden of constant public ridicule and I admire Carnie’s strength in getting through it. Where she stood up to people like Howard Stern, I would have broken down in tears. I hear Carnie’s bitterness, though, seeping through the pages. She seems to be a kind, loving soul but the repetitive language and constant complaining speaks volumes. Not that I blame her, mind you, but it’s obvious she carries a lot of pain.

Reading about Carnie’s life was fascinating and I like her honest and informal way of writing. I learned a lot about weight loss surgery and Carnie did lose a lot of weight (although, years after the book was written, she did gain a potion of it back) and looks so happy in all the pictures. I’m not convinced, however, that weight loss surgery is the way to go. In the end, you still have to maintain your weight like everyone else, through diet and exercise.

This is a very good overview of GPS if you are thinking of having it. But be aware it covers Carly's life which at times was wild.