Question:
I would like to ask any Fire Fighter, Police man/woman, or EMS worker who has been

at least 2 years post op how they find the time to eat properly when they are on shift. Please any suggestions or support would be very much appreciated. The eating and drinking while I'm on shift is what I am worried about. I don't want to ruin the tool they will be giving me. Your assistance is very much appreciated!    — EmtEeyore (posted on October 13, 2007)

October 13, 2007
I work the State prison and I'll be 4 months RNY post-op Monday, Oct. 15th. Down 80 lbs. Getting enough protein and fluids is a challenge. I transport inmates which means I'm totally responsible for a totally helpless individual wearing shackles and cuffs. I have possession of their property. I'm also wearing alot of State equipment, radio, keys, CPR supplies, gloves, and a gun, not to mention the very cumbersome bullet proof vest. We hardly ever get breaks. Breaks where I can kick back, open the insulated lunch bag, and relax without a felon present, are pretty much nil. I'm sure you can relate to that. I carry a six pack size lunch bag (Wal-mart) where I include at least three bottles of liquid; water, no-calorie drinks, etc. I pack it around one of those freezer blocks to keep things cold. I pack cheeses, meats, protein bars, nuts, and maybe even a cup of left over soup. I make my own soups and chilis and freeze that last leftover serving in a leak-proof container. Pop it into the freezer. Finding a microwave on transport is the hardest thing and even if you find one, you may not be in the position to eat while responsible for another being, but I try to be optimistic. Some days I just don't get my regular fluid intake or protein in for that 8-12 hour shift and have to double up on my off duty time. Hauling humans around in restraints needs to be my first and foremost focus while on the job but I do get a cold drink now and then while on the job. Preparation is the essential key. Fix everything the evening before so you won't be caught running out of time in the rush the next morning. Stock up on things you can take from home. I've given up on vending machines and the sugar laden stuff in hospitals, court houses and institutions. Someone needs to invent an insulated holster for a bottle of water for my duty belt. Necessity is the seed of invention. Good luck with your future surgery. Hope this helped alittle.
   — Anna C.

October 14, 2007
I am really glad you asked this question! I am 3 weeks post-op RNY and I am an ER nurse and worried about going back to 12 hr shifts where you rarely get a break to go to the bathroom let alone eat or drink. I will be watching this post for some good helpful hints I hope! Thanks for asking it!
   — Tomi D.

October 14, 2007
It is a good thing you are thinking about this, I hope for you better luck than myself and others at the company I work for have had. The inability to eat healthy meals at regular intervals, drink lots of fluids while on the run with little or no opportunity to go to the bathroom, bieng around all the bad influences of others eating patters at work, I could go on and on. It is a bigger battle in my opinion than pre op. I personally work 24 hour shifts in a busy EMS system Kelly rotation and the sleep deprivation/life style attatched to this career is HORRID on the metabolism. Several of our Paramedics and many nurses at the hospital have had procedures done- I have no doubt they watch everything I eat and talk just as much shit about me as I have listen to them say about all the other post wls people. You gain a pound or put something not so healthy in your mouth the hawks are lurking, so watch out. If I could do it over - I would not have disclosed my interest or participation in wls. Not telling a lie about it but not going out of my way to be putting my self out there for the hawks to prey on for the backstabbing they do. Some of us are about 5 years post op and it has decreased over time but they still claim we are the reason for increased premium costs as the company hasn't put a exclusion on the group yet. Good luck.
   — rgreathouse

October 15, 2007
Great job thinking ahead!!! I'm not in the fields you listed so I apologize if I don't answer your question. But there are 2 things I eat that are small and don't require refrigeration: south beach diet high protein cereal bars (low-fat/cals and 10g of protein...very yummy and always goes down well...i recommend cinnamon raisin and peanut butter) and IDS protein's liquid whey protein bullets (vitamin world and www.bariatriceating.com carry them, grape and fruit punch are good, orange is yucky). The bullets are kinda pricey but have 42g of protein - I drink half in AM and rest at night. Doc recommends them and It really helps me. It's non-breakable plastic and doesn't need a cooler but does taste better cold. With proper planning, I think you'll be able to work out a schedule that will allow you to eat/drink what you need. I hope you get some more responses and get the answers you need. Best wishes!!! ~Sarah in VA
   — platypus