Vertical Gastric Sleeve for future nurse?

GilaRRT · Dec 15, 2009

You need to read the TOS. We cannot give out medical advice, talk with your provider about this. Good luck.

Coffee Nurse, BSN, RN · Dec 15, 2009

Doesn't sound like the OP is asking for medical advice, more for personal experience from people who might've been there, done that. I do agree, though, that you should definitely consult your HCP as well before making any decisions.

Blackheartednurse · Dec 15, 2009

I dont have this kind of problem but good luck to you!!

LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN · Dec 15, 2009

I am a overweight future nurse and I am considering having the Vertical Gastric Sleeve operation done to help me with my obesity.
I have done the whole weight watchers, medical weight loss path and nothing has seemed to help me. I will loose about 20-30 lbs and then put it all back on plus more! I am hitting and BMI of 40 right now and I am becoming very concerned about my health and my future in the health care industry!
I am also worried about becoming a nurse with a weight issue. I feel as if I will be looked down upon once in my future job due to being fat! Any advice or thoughts would be welcomed!
Thanks!

I am also like you, an overweight future nurse and am worried about being looked down upon. I am interested in hearing others responses. Before nursing school I had joined a gym and was working out about 45 min a day and had dropped about 20lbs senice nursing school I have gained it all back and then some. As nurses we are supposed to educate our patients and I am worried I wont be taken seriously until I lose weight.

fortunato · Dec 15, 2009

Yeah - sorry I wasn't more clear. I wasn't really looking for medical advice...more as personal experience. I guess my reason for positing this is really to hear some feedback on unhealthy nurses in nursing! Is there a stigma that if you are round you can't do your job right? Has anyone had to deal with this?

Also - if you or a loved on has had a VGS done let me know! Thanks in advance!

shanyone · Dec 15, 2009

Well, I certainly understand your concerns about being overweight in nursing. It's really hard on your body if you're overweight and nursing is already tough on a person's body. I've only been about 40 pounds overweight and I used a very restricted diet and exercise (lifting real weights and cardio) to lose it. Good luck losing the weight (no matter what you decide to do to lose it). I don't know about being looked down upon though....most of the nurses (heck, most of the adult population) is overweight. Not sure where you live/work, but in NW Ohio, many of the staff in the hospitals is overweight including doctors, nurses, housekeeping, etc.

MedSurgeMess · Dec 15, 2009

I had the gastric sleeve 9/30/09, and haven't lost great amount yet, only 30 lbs, BUT I'm off all but 1 med. I used to be on 26 different meds + various vitamins. I feel so much better. Just waiting to get off the last med and CPAP. I feel stronger and more energetic. And hopefully I will be an inspiration to my patients. Talk to your PCP and a surgeon to help make the decision that's right for you. Bariatric surgery is a big step, and not every type of surgery is right for everyone. Try http://www.obesityhelp.com and educate yourself about the possibilities out there. Good luck with what you decide. And remember, it is very life altering, so think about it very seriously before doing it!

SueBeeRN · Dec 15, 2009

Hi Fortunato!! I had the vertical sleeve gastrectomy in May, 2009 and have (so far) went from 275 lbs to 160. In my opinion, it's a whole lot easier to do this job (12+ hours straight on your feet) at a normal BMI level.

I, too, have tried Weight Watchers, Jenny, Atkins, etc etc..only to be disappointed in yet another failed weight loss attempt. I suffered from depression, HTN, high cholesterol and pre-diabetes. I'll be the first to admit, I did a bunch of soul searching before going through this drastic surgery. When doing research, I was a little scared of the gastric bypass, and didn't like all the complications of the lap-band. I found the VSG and was totally sold. I got the surgery and have not regretted it for a second!! I'll tell you, if anyone says 'weight loss surgery is the easy way'- I will totally argue. It is not easy having to watch everything you eat for the rest of your days. Food-related holidays (ie: Thanksgiving) just don't hold the same appeal. You really can only eat a few bites of whatever and then feel like you have a bowling ball in your stomach!! It's really weird- especially if you are used to eating muliple plates full of food!! Anyway, You HAVE get in all your protein (70+ grams/day) and all your water every day no matter what. There are days where I have to drink a protein drink before I go to bed!!

I have to take vitamins every day, but I am off all my HTN and high cholesterol meds. I have also been able to cut way back on the depression meds. My MD could not be happier with my results. I have more energy now than I sometimes know what to do with- so I've started exercising- UGH!!

I totally could ramble on for days- but please feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions I could answer for you....

SueBee

fortunato · Dec 16, 2009

OH GOSH you are a wealth of knowledge! Thank you for replying! Yes! Tons of questions!

Are there foods you just can't eat anymore? like sugary stuff, nuts, or carbonated beverages? I know this is different for each person - just curious.

How are you dealing with the food holiday...ie Thanksgiving...do you just have a bit of what you like then move on? Is it sad for you?

I am an emotional eater, did you have the same problem? Has this calmed down just due to the fact you can't eat till you burst anymore?

Do you think there is a too young age to get this done at? (I am 26) Just your opinion of course!

2 of you have mentioned how life altering this surgery is. I get that - but in what aspect for you? life altering because you can't eat what you want anymore, or life altering because you feel like you will never be the same in a way?

Did you have any hair lose? I have read this might happen....

Sorry I could go on and on! Thank you so much for the insight! :)