Nurses with Lap Band

[NurseyPoo7]

Does anyone have the lap band? I was banded almost 2 months ago and with lap band we are supposed to eat small, frequent meals and take 30 minutes to eat each meal. Unfortunately, I have found this does not mesh well with nursing.

I work 12 hour shifts (which usually end up closer to 13) and only get one 30 minute break. There's also a no food or drink at the nurse's station rule. I have found it difficult to be able to eat the way I am supposed to and also find the only time I get to drink something is during my break when I'm eating (which is also another lap band no-no).

I talked to my supervisor the other day and she suggested I needed a dr note to say I need frequent meal breaks for medical reasons. Some of the staff on my unit had been abusing breaks (e.g. going into the break room to eat their breakfast when the patient's meals had been delivered and no one available to feed the patient), so there was a rule about no breaks between 7a-11a. Because of the potential for backlash from other staff, this is why it was suggested I need a dr note.

Just wondering if anyone has any advice for me.

[Prettyladie]

I have lapband. I was banded on March 17, 2010. For me during a 12 hour shifts, I'm usually not hungry. What I've found is most helpful, is to keep graham crackers, or something similar in my scrub pockets. I grab a shake, not like a protein type shake, but like a SHAKE lol, one from McDonalds or some place, chocoloate, strawberry. It seems very filling and I'm usually not hungry. I take a late lunch. I don't know if you can do that or not, but this usually works for me. I'm what you call a "grazer". I don't eat the recommended 6 small meals or whatever, I just snack all day. I'm sure on your down time, you can find a way to eat a cracker or two. Any other questions just let me know. Good luck :)

[Prettyladie]

Also, when I'm talking about the shake, that's in the morning. So my "breakfast". I had to quickly figure out what I could and cant eat. It's hard to retrain your mind. Thinking oh okay I can eat this burger....but really you cant. Not in 30 mins especially. So I would start with Mashed potatoes on lunch, with a little gravy. Think filling, and not quantity. I am NO physician of course, but heck my physician isn't banded either. You know what I'm saying. Lol. So when it comes down to eating, think filling. Essentially that is what it's about. Because you will lose weight regardless of what you eat because your body just cannot consume as much food as you use to.

[Flo., BSN, RN]

I had to change the way I eat to make it work. So instead of the 6 small meals I end up having one real lunch and protein shakes every 3 hrs. Sometimes I have protein bars but the shakes are faster and easier. It might be good to keep some in your locker in case you get too tight to eat at work, which happens to me if i get super stressed. The band just closes right up.

You should get a MD note saying that you have to drink at the nursing station. I can't imagine that you are getting enough fluids in. Good Luck!!

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

just another example of how nurses are treated like crap. Do we see any other professions tell their workers-"no, you cant eat today, sorry?' " sorry , no bathroom break for you, no lunch break, no grabbing a quick sip or meal bar?"

I'm beginning to wonder why anyone is a nurse at all. no respect whatsoever.

Sorry op your employer also doesnt give a crap that you have a band.

[littleneoRN]

What kind of place only offers a 30 minute break in a 12 hour shift? We get 1 hour and 15 minutes worth of breaks in that time period.

[Prettyladie]

Our hospital only gives a 30 minute lunch break as well.

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

That "no break" rule sounds unlawful to me. What if you have to go to the bathroom during that time? I carry food with me and eat it when I can, sometimes I'll grab a bite while walking down the hall. We get breaks but they aren't always when I need to eat.

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

ok I will explain the " how do you not get a break " notion. Most places run short as it is,they dont have separate staff to take your assignment so you can go have "lunch" . our charge nurse usually does charge and carries a patient load. All the other nurses have their pt load. Now you are asking one of them to watch your pt load and theirs????while they are running around like chickens with their heads cut off? One- they arent going to be able to watch your people safely- plain and simple. but who is responsible for your patients?? YOU are. I doubt the court of law could care less if you were "at lunch" because in essence your people were being(not) watched by some other nurse who is already overwhelmed. This is why no one get any breaks. Unlawful? sure- is anyone going to do anything about it? NO.

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

oh to keep on track with op- maybe home care would allow for you to have breaks between client assignments? just a thought.

[Erikadawn RN]

I have been banded for almost 4 years, and yes I often fall back into eating crazy things. I would get the doctors note, and I always had atkin shakes in my bag, sugar free oatmeal and lean cuisines. It works for me.

[AZMOMO2]

Great thread, since I am getting banded in Feb, I did kinda wonder. Although as nurses were are pretty dang resourceful when we need to be, so there is always a way to do what needs to be done.