Hey guys... any Firemen?

Hello all... I am a former bandster (5 years) that has had some bad complications and had to have the band removed.  I have gained a lot of weight back and my surgeon is preparing me for switching to bypass.  I talked to him about a question I had, basically about hard working jobs after healing...  I am a volunteer firefighter, I do a lot of heavy lifting, a lot of crawling, a lot of hard work... it is a very important part of my life that I cannot lose.  I can't find many guys in my field who have had the surgery to talk to, so I am hoping you guys may have a clue...  I guess it is really not much different then weight lifting in the long run, but this is a concern I have.  Anyone out there do strenuous jobs or anything similar post-surgery? 

I spoke to my doctor about it, he said that I just have to make sure to heal properly and I should be fine... but a doctor's word only takes you so far, it is nice to hear from other people.  So, has anyone had any problems with their staples or anything due to heavy work?

Thanks!
Anthony

Anthony,

I am a full time Paramedic and a volunteer firefighter.  I was back to work with no limitations after four weeks.  It was the best thing i have ever done.  I have had no issues with lifting patients that are over 500 pounds.  I have carried hose up several flights of stairs with an air pack on and have not had any issues.  Every aspect of my life has improved since having this surgery....personal, professional, family...everything is better.  It is hard work having this surgery and following my doctors plan;  but it is absolutely the best decision i have ever made and i would do it again in a heartbeat. 

Rob

Thanks Rob, that is good to hear.  It is especially tough for me right now, when I joined our department I was around 230lbs... now back over 300... I am to the point where I can't get anything done.  I am looking forward to the surgery, but like I said, jus thoped for some reassurance from those who already did it that it doesn't effect heavy lifting and such...

Sorry that I can not help you on this, but I am pretty sure there is another guy on here who used to post. He was able to realize his dream of becoming a fireman after surgery. My memory is a bit fuzzy he may have had to stop being one some time before due to weight but I am only remembering bits and pieces. Point is that he is one now and he seems to be very happy.

Hope he sees this but if he does not this is to just let you know there are others. Sorry I can not remember his name. His avatar had him in his Fireman hat and/or jacket I think. Maybe someone else will remember his name and you can PM him.

 If you're already doing a lot of strenous stuff now, you'll probably have a big advantage. There is a fitness and strength base that you can carry with you and that can improve exponentially as you lose weight. Just hit the exercise on the extreme end of the scale after your doctor gives you the go ahead. A mixture is better. I did weights and sprinting 5 or more days a week along with one day of swimming my first two years post-op and then I switched to P90X (DVD series) along with Yoga for 90 minutes in a 105 degree room (Bikram Yoga, done 52 sessions in the last four months) and I feel like I could carry about 10 people out of a burning building, then go back for more.
There is no limit to what you can do:





Good Luck and Happy Holidays,

Dave

 Our Fireman Bob is a fellow FF ..  (volunteer, too, I think) ..  I can't remember his full username ..   (anyone?)    Hopefully he'll chime in here soon ..   (someone ring the bell!  )  

Volunteer fireman, and  volunteer EMT-B waiting to do the cert test for an -I. Started both post RNY...

 Figure, we have to be at least as mobile and buff as these old guys (well Obama is about the same age as me):

You'll be able to go back...and you'll be better at it. 

Good luck!

I always had a dream of being a firefighter. This was made possible only after RNY.  I've been a volunteer going on 2 years now and couldn't be happier. I'm planning on starting EMT class soon, and am in college to be a nurse.  Having the surgery doesn't limit you, it opens more doors!