Nurses As Bariatric Patients

[RJ'S/beginning 5,357]

I am having surgery where I work because many of my coworkers that have had the sleeve spoke very highly of the surgeon. I am not concerned about privacy because I work on maternity so no one on the bariatric floor knows me. However, I'm not really telling any coworkers except the ones that have had the sleeve.

I am currently doing my 2 week preop diet which is basically just 1200 calories/day, then liquids for the last 2 days and it's really hard working 12 hour nights. There is constantly food around from patients and coworkers, especially on night shift because we have limited cafeteria hours. I'm really nervous about coming to work after surgery, even though I know that I won't jeopardize the integrity of my sleeve by eating things that I shouldn't.

Also, one of the reasons that I am having this surgery is because I am starting a nurse practitioner program in January and I don't want to feel like a hypocrite when I advise my patients on making healthy lifestyle choices. I am really excited, but also increasingly nervous as my date looms on 11/25.

Your patients will respect you more and listen to you because you will have gone through it....Hypocrite! I don't think so..There is nothing more frustrating then having someone council you that has never felt the frustration of being obese....I think you are going to be great at it!!!

[LynRN 294]

Thank you, RJ.

[SoccerMomma73 1,867]

I have patients come to me specifically because they know I won't look at them and blow off their complaints or concerns because they're obese...they truly appreciate that I've stood in their shoes. And if I ever lose that compassion, it's time for me to move on.

[kidrn72 85]

We nurses are care takers and tend to put ourselves last. I know many healthcare workers who have had Bariatric surg to improve their health. I know for me with working crazy hours taking care of patients and my family I left no time to care for me. I had WLS to take back control of my health. Now I put myself first so that I ca better care for others.

[goldilox 30]

I have always been obese, long before I became a nurse over 12 years ago. I too found it interesting the number of RN's on here. I have researched WLS for probably 8 years now. I had friends that had the band, lost initially then gained even more back. There were 3 people from my home town that passed away from long term complications from bypass. The sleeve intrigued me over two years ago, then my sister, who is a PA, had the sleeve done in March.

I have tried many diets with my co-workers over the years and like many others, I lost, only to gain even more. I do believe the long hours, wonderful Snacks from families, and stress all contribute to our obesity problem as a profession.

[MtAirygirl 15]

Aaliyanah, my surgery date is December 9, I'm excited and extremely nervous. But I am glad I found this website and as added plus so many nurses like me. I have very little support at home, so keep the positive energy coming.

[marfar7 1,528]

If u look at a group of nurses, isn't it weird that most of them r overweight or obese? It's like a respiratory therapist that smokes.

In my former life, I was a nurse (back injury now prevents it). I would say at least 75% of my co workers were overweight or obese. And many of them smoked too.

Thats too bad that we as a group cannot figure out how to educate the general population how to be healthy...

[marfar7 1,528]

"Also, one of the reasons that I am having this surgery is because I am starting a nurse practitioner program in January and I don't want to feel like a hypocrite when I advise my patients on making healthy lifestyle choices. I am really excited, but also increasingly nervous as my date looms on 11/25. "

When I was in college, I majored in nutrition (to become an RD). I was the fattest 1 in my 50 person program. I felt like a hypocrite. I even decided against going into any type of weightloss-type major, choosing public nutrition cuz I figured no one would take the advice of a fat dietitian. I know exactly how u feel.

I never did graduate (still have 4 classes left for my BS in nutrition) and never took any classes that have to do with weight. Believe it or not, the majority of classes that RD's take have nothing to do with weightloss.

[#hashTag# 1]

Another nurse here. Unfortunately I also was overweight / obese prior to my nursing years..but since starting nursing I have found the stress and hours only make my problem worse The hectic hours & back to back shifts do not help with trying to lower my weight. Like many other nurses I'll skip lunch and always skip Breakfast then when it came to 4 PM id eat absolute crap because I was absolutely tired and starving! Now I'm 2 years into my nursing and I've realised that I need to put me first.. I had a moment where I've realised that I need to take care of myself instead of letting work control my life... Looking forward to the new me

[Branmuffin 190]

Has anyone else noticed how many users on this site have "nurse" or "RN" in our usernames? Ehy do you think that is?

When I was in the hospital having my sleeve done the doctor told me that tons of medical professionals of every kind we're having it done because they had a 250$ copayment locally and that was it total cost. Everyone is scared that insurance will be changing soon and put higher cost on the surgery.

[Leepers 1,195]

I'm an RN and I work in a huge heart hospital in the Cath Lab. I see every day what will happen to me if if don't do something about my obesity. I have a strong family history of heart disease and that is a path I would like to avoid. The only other people I know who've had the band are RN's who have NOT lost the weight. They wouldn't come out and admit they didn't do what they were supposed to do. So, yes, I think being nurse doesn't allow you to ignore the painful fact that you are obese and unhealthy. You have those people every day as patients. You see the path you are headed down. I do think that's maybe why a lot of nurses choose WLS.

[unbesleevable1 420]

Nurses are caretakers. Which is ironic, because we often forget to care for ourselves.

Nurses also tend to lose their identities in their profession and family roles. Meaning that identifying as a nurse becomes part of who they are, not what they do.

[LynRN 294]

<p>Nurses also tend to lose their identities in their profession and family roles. Meaning that identifying as a nurse becomes part of who they are, not what they do. </p>

I think there is something to that. Being a nurse is absolutely part of who I am. I can't turn that off when I clock out at the end of my shift.

Great insight, Everyone!

[cprince1975 62]

I am also a nurse. I think years of poor eating habits contribute to the number of us here. I know in last 6 shifts I've worked, we've only gotten a lunch break twice. You just eat what you find! I know y'all can relate

[SoniaRenota 10]

I agree most of the bariatric patients that I have met have been RNs. So sad.....we need to do better about caring for ourselves. I am a Labor and Delivery Nurse and hate being heavier than my pregnant patients. No more.....I'm now 65# less than before! Size 14 to Size 2! Glad I did it!