OK, I have my first appt. today. A consult. I know this is something that I want and need to do.

I was wondering about any other public service people out there. How long were you off for and what was your partners judgements?

There is not a single person on my Dept. who has not seen me struggle with my weight over the last 8 years, I Just need advice on how to approach the subject. As much as I have thought to keep this to myself I don't see how that is possible just due to the fact that I spend 1/3 of my life with these guys and they know me as well if not better than my immediate family. It is a trust issue and in the fire service you need that trust.

My brother is a retired fireman. I believe firemen in general are a pretty intelligent bunch. I would have some printed material to leave with them. Have your reasoning well in mind and emphasize that you will be a better fireman when it all works out. I can tell you that you will definitely have more wind and stamina. I would not come across as if you were just toying with the idea of VSG, I would talk like it is a done deal.

I had to take six weeks off work. I felt like I could have gone back to work around four weeks but my Dr. is pretty strict about not lifting more than 20 lbs the first six weeks.

As far as telling people at work I have only told my PM partner that I work with most of the time and one other good friend who works a different shift. I'm sure people at work are wondering what's up but nobody has approached me about it. On the other hand everyone is asking my parter what's up( I have lost 95 lbs since Aug. 27). I think it's pretty funny that they talk to him but not me. I work in a station with 5 others. They notice I am not eating as much but do not say anything. They probably suspect but they have not approached me about it. I do not regret having the surgery at all. It has made work so much better.

Sent from my iPhone using VST

In a tight family like firefighters, I would tell them. They do care about you and will see you change your eating habits and amounts and they can also watch your back too when in the line of fire.......If they are a nay sayer, then so what.....

I too am in similar situation. I have been a firefighter for 10 years and have struggled with my weight since being hired. I have told my crew and they have been very supportive. The surgeon's office that I have chosen stated 3 weeks off duty, with a possibility of light duty for a week or 2 maybe. Now just to wait till Jan 1 for my new insurance to go into effect, to cover my wls.

I've been a firefighter for 9 years and had my surgery on 9/18/12. Best thing I've ever done. I took exactly 4 weeks off. I probably could have gone back a little earlier but I'm glad I took the whole 4 weeks. It really helped me learn my eating habits and get into a workout routine.

I only told the Chief and my Engineer ( I'm a Lieutenant). Both have been very supportive. I did decide that if anyone was to flat out ask me I would tell them. However nobody has asked me. They have seen my drastic eating changes ( I bring my own food or else I cook healthy for everyone on shift). They see me measuring portions and reading labels. They see me tracking calories burned and Water drank. A few of them have started to work out with me- which is way more fun.

I wouldn't lie to them but say to them what you are comfortable with.

You can message me with any questions or comments!

Best wishes for an amazing journey

Side note*** I did my first ever turbo kickboxing class today! I was on cloud 9! Can't believe how great I feel!