male only Firefighters (or any public safety) thread

[LVMSfireman 6]

Are there any firefighters or EMT's or Police Officers who had the sleeve done? I am and I was wondering about the after effects and working out. In our line of work we need to be extremely physically fit (strength and cardio wise). Has or is anyone having problems? Any advice or anything at all i should know or y'all can tell me? I want to make sure I am able to get into the gym and get my lungs and body ready for a career as a firefighter.

[lisacaron 5,075]

@@LVMSfireman my husband is a Fire Fighter and instructor as well. He had the lapband in 2013, and was able to get back to work in under a month. He had several key hole incisions that needed full healing before he was able to return to work. Depending on the way your surgery is performed and what your Dr. advises you should be able to get back to work with out issue. In fact you will probably be feeling more energetic when you do get back to work!

I wish you all the best!

[LVMSfireman 6]

How was it for him getting into the gyms an working out getting back on the job?

[lisacaron 5,075]

@@LVMSfireman He was pretty good about getting back into the gym. Once the abdominal muscles heal you are good to go. Take it easy the first few days out, building up to where you were in lifting and your all set.

You will see soon after you start to heal that your energy levels are high and you will be feeling great and ready to get back to life full force. Just take it easy so you don't back slide and then need more down time.

My husband has been through a few major surgeries over the years including total hip replacement and has been able to get back to work without any issues. He lost the weight so he could have the hip work done and he's feeling like he's 15 years younger.

If you have any joint pain or stiffness, my suggestion is to join a gym that has a pool and start with the pool work to keep the impact off your joints as you lose weight things will change and you'll probably be running before you know it.

[Ryan TN 348]

20 year firefighter/paramedic here. I was sleeved in October of 2015. I am down about 90 pounds or so. I took 6 weeks off from work, I'm glad I did. I had a hiatal hernia repaired as well, which increased my lifting restrictions from 4 weeks to 6 weeks. I walked alot during those 6 weeks, which helped. But I still struggled for a couple weeks when I went back honestly. It wasn't a lifting thing so much as it was a strength and energy thing. I lost alot of strength and it took a couple weeks of working out to get some of that back.

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[jj7481 363]

Paramedic for 12.5 yrs on a busy urban fire department. I was back to work after bypass in 2 1/2 wks without restriction. Lifting was my big concern but my doc only had a two wk, 10 lb restriction. Been back a month and a half with no issues. Biggest problem is keeping on diet with all the station food.

[LVMSfireman 6]

Thank you guys! That helps. I am now 1 week post op and trying to figure this out

[Ryan TN 348]

Best of luck to you!

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[Bellalover 43]

Just got sleeved Monday. If you could have had 8 weeks before going back to full duty would you have chosen that? Curious. I am definitely nervous about going back to eating at the station too. Any advice?

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[LVMSfireman 6]

I agree with the station eating part

Just got sleeved Monday. If you could have had 8 weeks before going back to full duty would you have chosen that? Curious. I am definitely nervous about going back to eating at the station too. Any advice?


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[jj7481 363]

Just got sleeved Monday. If you could have had 8 weeks before going back to full duty would you have chosen that? Curious. I am definitely nervous about going back to eating at the station too. Any advice?

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8 weeks would have made me go insane. I enjoy going to work and 2 wks was even a stretch for me.

Eating at the station is all about communication. You don't have to tell them what surgery you had done, but make sure they know what requests you have. Most stations will accommodate in getting either alternatives, or something just for you. There are a lot of guys who have diet restrictions where I work (either due to body building competitions, gluten free, etc) and the crews are good and sticking to their requests.

[Ryan TN 348]

Best thing would be to opt out of station meals altogether for a few weeks. Your plan probably wouldnt allow for it anyways. Make your own portion sized meals. I was still on soft/pureed food when i went back.

[jj7481 363]

Best thing would be to opt out of station meals altogether for a few weeks. Your plan probably wouldnt allow for it anyways. Make your own portion sized meals. I was still on soft/pureed food when i went back.

That's what I did for the first 6 wks back. Portioned out my meals the night before, or morning of. I don't always get in on shack, but when I do I just make requests (or don't eat the carbs). You can still measure out what you're eating at the station to stick with your diet.

[Bellalover 43]

Thanks everyone! I am hoping to be in on some meals and just ask for lean Protein and veggies when other people cook. When I cook it will be easy. So 6 weeks is plenty of time?

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[Ryan TN 348]

It will be close, maybe before, maybe a week after. It just depends on how you feel.

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