Interesting ...

Thursday during my appointment with the psychologist he pointed out to me that a certain percent of the patients he sees for WLS (something like 4% of them) are Dispatchers of some sort. I thought that was an interesting fact that I'd share with you all! ~Dannielle~ Pre-Op -6lbs 911 Dispatcher

Hi Dannielle, There are a lot of people where I work that have had WLS. I think the job contributes greatly to obesity. Considering the crazy schedules we work, and the high stress level it is no wonder a lot of us seek out food....the wrong types of food. Heck, the only places open on the midnight shift are greasy-spoon diners, and fast food places. Good luck on your WLS journey!!! Keep posting on the Dispatchers Board....we need more activity here! How long have you been dispatching? For me, it's going on 18 years...eeeek!!!! cheers! Paula

The job can effect your weight for sure! I am one of 5 dispatchers in a center of 40 that has had some form of surgery (lap band for me)....thats a pretty high percentage! I also think we have a great chance to get the surgery because, in general, we have decent insurance.....I'm very excited that I found this page, and as you can tell by my lack of picture, Im new here! The idea of having people that understand more of my life than my weight is going to be a great tool I hope!! Jenn

Hi Jenn, I'm a LapBander too!! (Well, almost....10/24 surgery day) It is great to have other dispatchers out there we can share info with. I think we have a really unique job....moments of adreneline(sp) rush and never know what will happen next. How is the support from others in your dispatch center? Mine is mixed...some people are really supportive while others are quite judgemental (emphasis on the "mental" part of that..LOL) I work in a large dispatch center, so it's a little easier to avoid the negative people. As for my friends on the other end of the radio, they are so supportive!! Keep us posted on your journey!!!! Paula

Paula! I didn't even notice that I replied to your post on your surgery date! Congratulations - you're over the hump now! I can't wait to hear how you are doing. Dina

That is very interesting, Dannielle! It doesn't surprise me though. I see an awful lot of dispatchers who start out normal who end up quite heavy over a short period of time. Dina