Some Fat People Actually Work

[roundisashape 712]

So i have a rant that isn't about the new board - though I'm finding that frustrating too!

My PCP is great about accommodating people who have things to do. They're always open one day over the weekend and two late nights each week, and the doctors split the time so they're not giving up their lives to work alternate hours all the time either. It works out well for everyone.

Everyone else involved in the surgery process? Not so much. It's feels like they assume that if we're fat enough to need surgery, we're too fat to work or have anything else to do. Mandatory pre-op support group? Have to leave work early. Weight management classes? i have to take 1/2 day to make it to those. Surgeon visit? Can't get anything that isn't in the middle of the day. Nutritionist? Still need to leave early. Fortunately I have some flexibility to be able to take my time in 1/2 day increments and be able to leave early from time to time, but there are some people who don't have that luxury who would be completely cut out of the opportunity to have surgery because of it.

I really want this done and over with, but if the sleeve fairy showed up and offered me surgery before the end of the year, I wouldn't have enough time off left to do it.

[gmanbat 5,889]

It seems work schedules are not a primary concern among those of the medical community. Their work schedule is.

I guess the load would be lopsided to before 8 and after 5 if they catered to predominant to times when folks are off of work.

[roundisashape 712]

True - but still frustrating!

[SueRN 50]

I feel your pain. I'm a night shift nurse and this process has been exhausting. Finished all the pre approval "homework",Got my surgery date and mistakenly thought there were no more hoops to jump through, WRONG! Worked all night Monday and straight to the clinic for three appointments, fitness eval, bone density, and mental preparedness. Not home till 8 pm, exhausted and mentally drained. Have three more appointments today, surgeon, anesthesia, and NUT, of course all spaced out to be an all day affair, endoscopy the next day, which at least involves sleep, then done for the week just in time to go back to work for the weekend. Have no idea how peeps with normal M-F work schedules manage it all.

[luckyme2g 35]

I completely understand. I work 8-5 and it is amazing that I have even been able to get as far as I have without using all of my time. But now there is no way I will have enough sick time to cover the surgery so I need to save vacation. Sick time was all used at other appointments.

[roundisashape 712]

Oooohhhh, Sue, night shift? Part of me misses it because I could get so much more done, but I also remember spending several years in a fog because I never, ever got enough sleep. Hopefully you'll be able to catch up on your rest while you recuperate!

Lucky, that's pretty much where I am. Trying to squeeze in as much of the preliminary stuff as I can before the end of the year so I can take time for the surgery next year. Confident it will all be worth it, though!

[SueRN 50]

Yep, night shift is great for the flexible schedule to get things done. I've not used any vacation throughout the process so will get 4 weeks post op. But the price you pay is chronic exhaustion for lack of sleep. Totally get the chronic fog reference . I was days for a few years before relocating and it is amazing how good it feels. I'm sorry Lucky you have to wait for vacation to build up again but at least you have a plan and will get there.