after WLS can you be a Truck Driver?

I hope after WLS my sleep apnea will go away and I will be able to drive. After WLS  can you get your CDL, pass a U.S. DOT physical examination ? Does anyone know of any Truck Drivers who had WLS?

We have a couple of drivers in our Yahoo support group and I dont think they have had any problems with it.  I know one is a cross country driver, but not sure about the other one. Darlene

I don't think it's a problem, I read somewhere can't remember where this driver had had the surgery and was trucking coast to coast.   I'm not a driver but it might be a good idea to get a medical alert ID in-case of an emergency. My doctor told me to never let someone who was not a biriatric surgeon mess with my innards.

You should be able to pass the DOT physical within a few months to a year post-op. The surgery itself won't prohibit you from getting your CDL. Once the co-morbidities start to dissapear, and most of all of them should within a few months of surgery, you should be able to get your liscense. Plus, you do not need to disclose to any potential new employer that you've had WLS.

I forgot to tell you that WLS is not necessarily a cure for sleep apnea. I have a friend who was never obese and know several WLS patients that still use CPAP due to apnea. If your apnea is the obstructive type then it may or may not be cured by the weight loss. If your apnea is the central type, it doesn't matter how much weight you lose, that is more a neurological issue.

FAT G - Hello.  First thing that came to mind is :  YOU can do whatever it is you want! lol I hope your sleep apnea does get cured. My roommate's did.  So hopefully, you will see it disappear after losing a good amount of weight. BUT you are gonna have to change your name. From FATG to SKINNY G....

Hi G, I know your sleep apnea will be better after surgery.  As for the truck driving...I'm not sure about that...just listen to your  body and you will know what you can do. -Alyssa

Hey ...G, (you must change your name)        My husband has a CDL, because he use to drive a truck over the road and has sleep apnea.  He is a mechanic now for Ajax Turner the Budweiser company here in Nashville and needs it for his current position at times as well.  Therefore, I read your post to him and asked his opinion, he said as long as it is controlled it is not an issue, but if you are a diabetic and insulin dependant you can't hold a CDL or have any other medical conditions that keep you from holding any type if DL, otherwise, he did not see why you should not be able to obtain your CDL and drive.  As far as your weight goes, you can be any weight and drive as long as you are able to physically do the job.  I will say this, being a OTR truck driver is very demanding and will limit your ability to excersise and be with your family, therefore think long and hard before you decide to do long haul, local may be a better option, especially in the beginning!!!  Good Luck, now think about a new screen name!! Shelia

Thanks everyone...

I do feel better now that I know that I do have some options.

With being so out of shape and unable go to the restroom just any where I’ve been unable to travel far from home in the past few years and just thought after I lose the bulk, being on the road would be one way to make some needed income and travel around and see the US .

Fat G, As a trained Safety Director in the trucking business, I can assure you that having the WLS will in no way affect your being able to get your CDL.  You just have to pass the DOT Physical.  If you have diabetes or high blood pressure issues, those will have to be in the normal range, which shouldn't be a problem after WLS.  One thing I will caution you on is that it is VERY hard to eat healthy on the road.  I don't have any drivers at my company that have had the WLS as far as I know, but there have been a couple that have come in to trip lease or broker that have had it and said they are doing fine!  Best of luck to you on your journey!