hi there..

i am a law enforcement officer...although i'm 32, i've been a police officer for 11 years. I unfortunately have fallen vicitm to the late eating, midnight shift, really screwed up sleeping patterns, many job related injuries and have gone from 160 in the academy to 250...thats 90 pounds in 11 yrs. I'm hoping to have my surgery in late July, early August that way I won't be bulging out of the uniforms, and my boobs don't make me look like i'm wearing my kevlar vest and more importantly MY HEALTH will be better...Anways, if there's anyone out there that wants to chat, let me know. I know being in law enforcement its hard to admit we have a problem, but when the badge is gone, we're just like everyone else. I'm not ashamed anymore, and I'm doing something about it now...so whether your a fellow po or dispatcher...we're one big family...lets chat... Mady

Mady, Hope I'm not too late in posting a reply. I had no idea they had message boards this neat on this web site. I'm not a LEO, but I can honestly appreciate the job y'all do! I have been a dispatcher for almost 9 years, and I understand how because of the job your health goes down the tubes and your weight goes up. When I started, I weighed 220 pounds (I've always been the chubby girl) - when I had my gastric by-pass over a year ago, I weighed 285. So in 8 years I gained 65 pounds, not a good thing for someone as short as I am. Having the surgery was the best thing I have ever done for myself, it's just amazing how it changes your life - and there really aren't enough words to describe how you'll feel. I'm estatic your surgery is coming to a near. And I know exactly how you feel as it gets closer. It is going to be hard at first, but once you start to see the rewards you'll realize it is all worth it. If you ever need to chat, I'll try to reply. And I agree 100% with you, we're one big family and we need to stick together and support each other!

hi there sandy, your email was nice...I can't wait to experience being on the other side...so i can be healthy once again....go back out on the street, and live life to its fullest. If you need anything i'm here to chat as well, well, i'll talk to you soon, have to go to an attorneys office now...long story take care and be safe

Hi folks, I feel part of this group as I am retired, Law enforcement, and can relate so well! Another thing that happens to us, after retirement, no more high energy days, we get down and we eat. I think I lived on excitement for years, and food, but my weight has increased since retirement. Always around, so email if you want to chat. Marla 8/3/04 RNY

HI MY 19 YR OLD DAUGHTER IS A DISPATCHER 7P-7A SHE IS LOOKING INTO GOING TO CSI COLLAGE THING AT FMU TODAY. SHE IS ONLY 19 BUT HAS GAINED ALOT OF WEIGHT IN THE 2 YRS SHE HAS BEEN IN THIS BUILDING FIRST YR WORKING FOR HUD THEN A YR DISPATCHING. HOW DO I TALK HER INTO NOT HAVING TO HAVE WLS IN THE FUTURE? SHE WORKS AND SLEEPS AND EATS GETS UP 1 HR BEFORE WORK EA DAY AND ALL THIS SITTING AND SLEEPING IS LITERLY KILLING HER. SHE IS GOING TO DRIVE ME TO MEXICO IN OCTOBER FOR MY WLS. SHE EVEN GETS A FREE GYM MEMBERSHIP FROM THE CITY AND WONT USE IT BECAUSE SHE IS SLEEPING?? WHATS A MOM TO DO??? WISH I HAD SOMEONE ON MY CASE WHEN I WAS 19 NOW IM 36!