You Have Such a Pretty Face

An Amazon #1 Best Seller

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?

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

I struggled with my weight from an early age. Always self-conscious of my body, I endured the taunts of my classmates, rejections from boys, and painful nicknames such as “Richter” and “Tree Trunk Legs.” A natural athlete and a high-school cheerleader, I attempted to remain positive as well as physically- and socially-active, but my weight constantly thwarted my efforts to achieve the fulfillment I craved so desperately. 

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

I knew it was time for a change.

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

I lead the reader through my entire weight-loss journey in vivid detail. The reader will follow me as I cope with the early stages of recovery, where even the simplest tasks such as walking to and from the bathroom became nearly impossible struggles. Readers will journey with me as I work my way back to wellness, cry with me as I wrestle with the barrage of emotions that come with rapid weight loss, and rejoice with me as I begin to realize my goal of physical and emotional wellness.

Available in paperback, electronic, and audio formats. Purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble or at your favorite bookstore.

Before and After Pictures

Praise for You Have Such a Pretty Face

“I am in love with your book!! Thank you so much for sharing it with me.  I can’t wait to read more and to give it to my clients…You are a healing force in this world.”  – Leslee Vogal-Fredrickson, Director and Counselor, The Institute for Wholeness, Sedona, AZ

“I loved it!!! I loved that it was deeply personal and I got a sense of the authors deepest and truest feelings. What I love even more is even though I myself haven’t gone through weight loss there are numerous parallels that can be interpreted to fit into my own story. Words of encouragement and triumph that I can lean on as I try to “adult” ( bc adulting is hard work and I hate it!!) The pictures really give others an in-depth look into her life and validate her struggles. I cried ( a lot) partly bc I don’t like seeing or knowing others are hurting but bc there’s been way to many times I have had those same feelings or experiences. This book Isn’t just about weight loss or for people on their own weight loss journey, although this is absolutely still a book for them, it’s a book for anyone going through any issue affecting them.”   – Jessica Warren

“Have you ever had rough spots in your life? Felt like you weren’t good enough? You Have Such a Pretty Face is an amazing inspirational read for all of us less than perfect people. Kelley Gunter has overcome amazing hurdles and this book chronicles her journey. I cried through the first couple chapters, although I haven’t experienced the same tribulations she has, I reflected on my own journey. Her wicked sense of humor balances out the hard times. I laughed as much as I cried. This book is a must read. Although geared toward people dealing with weight loss and the decision on how to move forward with treatment, it transcends to all of us. I’m determined to follow her outlook and be more positive in my life, to be more sensitive to others. If Kelley can overcome, we all can, and she wants to help us do it! Do yourself a favor, pick up this book. And then buy one for a friend.”   – Casey Wente

“How do you “walk a mile in someone’s shoes”? Read her memoir! Our outside packages come in all shapes, colors, and sizes, but it’s our gifts on the inside that makes us uniquely special. Kelley is the total package. Her intelligent wit, desire to love unconditionally, and amazing perseverance in spite of the pain, is brought to life in her debut memoir for anyone that is looking for hope. I can testify that Kelley is not just another pretty face.”  – Amy E Kelley