Are you a nurse? I am starting a support group for nurses that are contemplating, undergoing or are now 'old pro's' with their sleeves!

By way of introduction, my name is Jana & I live in the DFW area and am currently undergoing the approval process. I have been a RN for 38 years--18 years in Surgery & 18 years in Case Management & as a Manager for a major health plan carrier.

So feel free to jump on board!

My viewpoint is different from most of the others on this thread.

I'm a nurse, working in an administrative job in a small hospital. Another nurse was hired for a similar position in our hospital, and in the course of conversation he soon volunteered the information that he had the sleeve surgery. I had not heard of it, so I asked some questions, did my research and decided to start the journey. When I scheduled the time off for the surgery it just seemed natural to tell my peers on the management team the purpose of that leave. They have ALL been supportive, which has helped me tremendously. My only family - 2 sisters and 1 brother - all live hours away, and while we do keep in touch by phone and email, it's great to have supportive people whom I see every work day. Now I get to hear several times a week congratulations on how great I look and other positive stuff. I'll TAKE it!

I have no idea what if anything they say behind my back, but I'm not going to worry about it. I'm not getting any vibes to indicate they are anything other than supportive, so I have no reason to think there's any nastiness going on.

I am a nurse manager. I told only my close fellow mangers and my assistant directors. I told my CNO who is my direct report. I know my staff will figure it out but I don't want my weight to be the topic of conversation at the nurse station everyday. I think we all have enough to gossip about and give our opinion on - we don't need any other distractions. Managers are not legally allowed to ask what kind of surgery but only if you'll have restrictions. It's a very personal journey that requires good support. I have pretty tough battle armor but I still don't want to get into "how much have you lost, what do you eat, do you cheat, are you hungry, what if it doesn't work, you know so and so gained all theirs back, how much skin will you have?" That's all TMI in my opinion. Good luck to all of you! As a manager, I'd be extremely supportive of an employee who wanted to do this. I did the bedside for 14 years. I went into management partly because my obesity, being in my forties, I just didn't know how I was physically going to be able to do it. I'm down 45 (pre and post) and my knees and feet are already so much better! Best wishes for those of you just starting out!!!

Janey, thanks for sharing that. I too wish to avoid those same questions. Has anyone approached you yet about how much you've lost? Surely they've noticed? What did you say?

Yes, as a matter of fact they really started asking this week. I have told 4 fellow managers, my boss, our breast health specialist who is a friend, and another of my best friends who works in Cath lab who are overwhelmingly supportive and around me every day. People are outright asking "how much have you lost"? I told that one the correct number, but she's rail thin and has eating issues and i would rather not go there. My very favorite nurse tech, who is morbidly obese asked me what I was doing and I just said "just eating a lot less". I don't see her to want to have surg but I'd not hide it from her if she seems truly interested later. But I'd do that behind closed doors, not in front of 10 people. I had been really making a sincere effort preop (lost 28) so it's not a secret that I was working hard already. The 45 pounds has come off since last Aug. I think it's very noticeable now and it will be hard to hide. But as a boss, for my own piece of mind and my own self esteem, my weight does not need to be topic #1. Very, very few are malicious and I know I can't please everyone or be liked by everyone (not my goal) but I do have to help avoid distractions. If it was as easy as them saying "oh you look great, I'd be fine". But these women don't hold back an opinion. My Unit Sec is asking about my goal and how much I've lost. She kept on and on saying " you have to have a number goal!!?" No way are we going there. If I thought I could help someone, I'd certainly tell them but it's truly not everyone's business. I believe HIPPA laws are good! I have a ton of support from my close circle both in my personal and work life. I don't like living under a microscope any more than I already do. Compliments are wonderful but judge me by the job I do not by how I look, that goes for everyone, not just coworkers. Certainly, I'd want to help others, but just under the right conditions.

It's official, I'm booked!! April 15th is the day and I'm already getting nervous about surviving the 7 days prior of strict liquids only. Any tips to get me through this? I've decided not to tell anyone but my husband, Mom and best friend about the surgery. I work with a lot of very young, catty, judgmental nurses (sad, isn't it!?!) and don't want to have to feel the need to justify my decision.

My worry now, however, is that my Mom is going to give me away. She has decided to come along and have the surgery, too. That's fine but then she is planning on visiting my sister and family in another province before she's back on solids. I know there will be a lot of questions about her strange diet that's she's not going to be able to cover. My sister is the worst of them all for being judgmental and she's the last person I want to know. Because she lives so far away and we only see each other every few years, she wouldn't see me losing the weight and there would be no awkward avoidances of how I was doing it. I think my Mom is going to blow that for me now. I'm actually feeling a little bitter about her jumping on my bandwagon - very selfish, I know. She told me she is actually okay with being overweight but wants to get the surgery because she will be jealous if I'm skinny. So, basically, she's happy as long as I'm fat along with her. Arghh!! What a way to think about one's own daughter!!

Anyone have something they are really looking forward to as they lose their weight? For example, I am really looking forward to buying high boots from a regular shoe store. Right now, I have to special order extra wide calves and so the selection is limited.

I'm a student nurse and my surgery date is July 21st...

Anyone have something they are really looking forward to as they lose their weight? For example, I am really looking forward to buying high boots from a regular shoe store. Right now, I have to special order extra wide calves and so the selection is limited.

I'm looking forward to getting off my bp meds, being able to wear a necklace or bracelet "off the rack" and looking good in my wedding dress! Oh, and also being able to wrap a standard size towel around my body.

Hi everyone! I'm an LPN in NC. When I hit 25lbs down, I got new yoga pants and a new sports bra. When I hit 50, I got new running shoes, when I hit 75 I got a new bikini!! I have 10 left to go. Everyone at my job has been super supportive and I've been very open about my surgery and all the ups and downs! I'm 9 months out and have lost 77 lbs so far!

Hi everyone! I'm an LPN in NC. When I hit 25lbs down, I got new yoga pants and a new sports bra. When I hit 50, I got new running shoes, when I hit 75 I got a new bikini!! I have 10 left to go. Everyone at my job has been super supportive and I've been very open about my surgery and all the ups and downs! I'm 9 months out and have lost 77 lbs so far!

CONGRATULATIONS! Way to go!!!

CONGRATULATIONS! Way to go!!!

Thanks!!

I've finally got a surgery date: April 25th!

The manometry was NOT a fun test (those of you who have had it understand what I'm saying) but at least it's over with and its all over but the waiting now. I've been collecting protein shake recipes and WLS cookbooks, I think I'm ready. I'm much more excited than nervous, but I expect those two emotions to swap in the next couple of weeks, LOL

How is everyone doing?

My Unjury shakes have just arrived and I'll hit the grocery store tomorrow for the start on my pre-diet on Tuesday. Then only a week away from surgery. Excited and nervous at the same time.

Had my "last supper" tonight and it was better than usual. LOL Tomorrow it's pre-diet day ONE! Wish me luck.

Those of you who've had the surgery already. Did you have to remove your nail polish prior to surgery? I don't have any on right now (not allowed to wear it at work) but was thinking of getting a mani/pedi before I go. I'd really like to get shellac since I'll be off work for the next several weeks. It's lasts a long time but also can't be taken off easily.

Thanks,

D.

I got to leave toenail Polish on but not fingers. I'd check with preop team.

Those of you who've had the surgery already. Did you have to remove your nail polish prior to surgery? I don't have any on right now (not allowed to wear it at work) but was thinking of getting a mani/pedi before I go. I'd really like to get shellac since I'll be off work for the next several weeks. It's lasts a long time but also can't be taken off easily. Thanks, D.

The purpose of no nail Polish is so anesthesia can get your oxygen levels during surgery. When you have polish with red, purple, or blue tones it interferes with the way that the sensor detects oxygen levels in your blood. Sometimes red is ok but I wouldn't recommend it. You will be safe with a French manicure!