Question:
Seeking Those Who Have Changed Careers After WLS

I am enrolled in a 4 year college with 6 classes remaining and is racking my brain for a career to change my life. So, it seems, everything in my life has changed and that area is crying out to me as well. Please share with me what you all are doing now, and how you broke into your post-op fields. I am a customer service specialist at the time obtaining a degree in English. I have considered (before going to law school) Have Not A Clue Now!!!    — Diana D. (posted on July 23, 2003)

July 23, 2003
Dear Diana, I hear you loud and clear. I have a degree and I'm not even using it. In fact, I have an In home business, that has really nothing to do with my degree. You may change your mind several times about "what you want to be when you grow up". I have found that I have a stronger interest in returning to school to further my education. I would just rely on that gut feeling. That is God directing you.
   — Patra R.

July 23, 2003
As a vocational counselor, I have a couple of suggestions for you. One: see your college career placement counselor NOW. There are many areas someone with a degree in English can obtain employment. They can help you sort out your choices. You want to focus on your abilities, aptitudes, values, interests, temperments, physical capabilities and desired work environment and standard of living. Having a career counselor will help you better sort out these issues. In the mean time, read Studs Turkel's book "Working". It may open your world of possibilities... Good Luck!~
   — merri B.

July 23, 2003
Well, my career changed drastically after WLS and reaching goal. I had been in Automotive Dealership and Real Estate Management for years. My WLS experience was less than desireable. My surgeon was wonderful but there was absolutely no pre-op education, no support group and less than nothing as far as post op follow-up education, support etc. My hospital experience was almost unbelievable. I came away from the experience like most people briefly do asking myself "What in the world have I done to myself?" As I slowly recovered and began to see the results of WLS I started to get excited. I spent countless hours educating myself about post op nutrition, the procedure itself and every other thing associated with WLS. Then, after months of educating myself I started a support group. I knew, in my heart, that working with WLS patients was my passion and my mission. Eventually I was hired as the Bariatric Surgery Program Coordinator at a hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. I host 3 support groups and do alot of volunteer work with WLS patients. I also speak nationally about starting comprehensive bariatric programs and teach sensitivity training for caregivers of morbidly obese patients. It's been a dream come true and incredibly rewarding. Seems like a long way from being in real estate management. Not everyone who has WLS wants to actually work in the field. The majority of patients lose weight and move on in their lives which is great too. I'd say ask yourself "If I could do anything in the world what would it be?". When you figure out the answer to that question then you'll know what to pursue. You can do anything - the sky's the limit! Best wishes to you!!
   — ronascott

July 23, 2003
I have the same sort of feelings. My dad was a cop and although I probably don't want to actually be a cop, the fact that I won't be limited like I am currently is mind boggling. I won't have to have a sit-down job - I won't have to take jobs with limited public contact - I won't have to get a "brainy" job because my body won't be my enemy any more. It is so freeing! If you check with the school counselors they have tests (some brief, some very indepth) that you can take to tell you what your hidden talents are, or to help you identify "types" of jobs that you enjoy. I'm sure its free, so good luck!
   — bethybb

July 23, 2003
Hi there I am in the nursing field and considering going into law enforcement now. I am not sure what your interests are....but I know for a fact the FBI actually recruits people with english and accounting degrees...they look for people with you background...perhaps you should think totally outside the box and go to one of their employment seminars??? Good luck to you. Wendi
   — lovemonterey

July 23, 2003
I did start working on starting my own business before the surgery, however my current career is great. Currently I am an executive in an International field. I have 4 kids in college & the suggestion I made to them was to make sure that whatever they decide to do, make sure it has International career components as well. The world is getting smaller & with US companies sending jobs overseas, it's a good idea to be internationally minded (you can always base yourself in the US). Obese people do not travel well in most of the world, I know I have tried. But after WLS the whole world becomes open to you. :-) If you like the idea of living globally, you could teach Engish in American schools overseas for a year or more. Your family gets to go with you. Also a State Dept job might be fun.
   — M B.

July 24, 2003
hi there I stayed in the U.S.P.S. but I had been a distrabution clerk for 4 years and just a few months ago I switched over to be a city carrier.I am very happy with my decsion and I make more money now,also I walk an average od 10-17 miles a day so I get paid to excersize...what could be better than that? If I can help in any way please feel free to e-mail me god bless,Beth
   — kevinnbeth