Firefighter considering VSG surgery

[jlem525 1]

I am a full time Firefighter for the past 12 years. I have struggled with my weight my entire life and feel that it's well beyond the time that I should have done something about it. Not only do I work my Fire dept job, I also work Part time as a FF/Paramedic at another Fire Dept and part time in an ER as a Paramedic. My average work week is 90-110 hours. My concerns are that of hydration and sustenance. As I understand it, Post Op you are limited to 8oz portions of foods and Water at a time. During an incident, there are times that I'm drinking 2-3 12oz bottles of water or potentially going 6-8 hours with out the chance of eating or drinking water. Where as I know that I need to do something drastic to become healthy, honestly, this idea scares the hell out of me as to the potential complications and my circumstances. Any input from those in the field who have done this?

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

You are not limited on the amount of fluids you can consume. You can drink a gallon of Water a day post-op if you want to. You can't gulp water down, you have to take sips all the time. The more you drink, the more you can drink, think of it as exercise for your sleeve. You won't be able to drink 16 ounces of water in a minute, but you can in an hour. The longer you can take off work, the better for you.

As far as not being able to eat for 6-8 hours, as long as you eat the other times you should be fine. Post-op you won't be hungry anyway. So going without eating won't be an issues. What might be an issue is 6-8 with no fluids, early on if you are having issues getting your fluids in.

Also everyone is different, in how they heal and how their sleeve reacts.

In your position I would be more concerned about being able to consume enough calories to support your physical activity level. You might have to supplement with a lot of Protein Shakes for longer than most people and your calorie needs are going to be higher than the average sleever.

[NWJill 119]

I think this is something I would discuss with a surgeon or a nutritionist who works with WLS clients. Some people have an easier time then others with fluids post-op. Given your jobs I think you face some unique issues that would have to be evaluated. I would think you may end up with a longer post surgery recovery time at minimum. I know for me, I do pretty good with fluids now about 3 months post but I don't think I could even do 1 12oz bottle of Water at once.

[clasheljac2 9]

I am a full time Firefighter for the past 12 years. I have struggled with my weight my entire life and feel that it's well beyond the time that I should have done something about it. Not only do I work my Fire dept job, I also work Part time as a FF/Paramedic at another Fire Dept and part time in an ER as a Paramedic. My average work week is 90-110 hours. My concerns are that of hydration and sustenance. As I understand it, Post Op you are limited to 8oz portions of foods and  Water at a time. During an incident, there are times that I'm drinking 2-3 12oz bottles of Water or potentially going 6-8 hours with out the chance of eating or drinking water. Where as I know that I need to do something drastic to become healthy, honestly, this idea scares the hell out of me as to the potential complications and my circumstances. Any input from those in the field who have done this?

Yes have the surgery! Before it you will have to lose a little weight to show your commitment and to shrink your liver. Then going in you will be afraid and after uncomfortable. That lasts about 4 months then you can eat anywhere and swallow easily. Then you need to establish an exercise program and think differently about food. This will be easy because you will feel more confident and assertive. Then your weight will disappear and you will join the average size people in society and attain your potential.
I was afraid but now I am so happy to be myself and not constantly thinking about food . I realize that this was the smartest decision that I ever made !!!!!!!