Question for my fellow nurses (or anyone on 12 hr shifts).

[fjsinc]

How did you cope with the pre op diet when working on the wards? I work a 12.5 hr shift on a combined stroke unit. I've felt so ill at work when trying a vlcd before.

 

[piglet8]

I felt rotten the first couple of days but once in ketosis i was fine with it, maybe try to plan the first three or so days when you are off. Make sure you drink lots of fluid.

 

[pandora]

i was fine untill 2 days pre op when i dumped my bp , went home & rested & was ok again for my last shift . i only do 7.5 hr shifts

 

[Thump]

Maybe you can have extra calories in the form of pure protein? Then you could stay in ketosis but have enough energy for the long shift? You should call up your provider and ask to talk to a dietician. You're definitely not working "normal" hours so you need more energy than most people, I would imagine.

 

[fjsinc]

Thanks for the tips guys

 

[kitkatkate]

I kept my eggs for when I felt tired (starving) . I think it depends on your pre op diet though and I had lots of green veg to fill up on also ,

good luck on your journey

Kate xx

 

[xxpigsgalorexx]

I work in Occ Health - hopefully ur Trust has someone like me who u can get advice from! If not ask for a phased return when u first go back. Once ur phased return is completed initially see if they will let u split ur shifts so u do not get too tired. I would also think about taking about 6 weeks (minimum) off work as stroke wards tend to be 'heavy' and u are having major abdominal surgery x x

 

[fjsinc]

I considered going down again to the OH debt for an informal chat about the pre op diet (I did go down and ask about abdo surgery recovery). But honestly, I have been so put off my the nurse practioner their that I've shied away. She told me when I started that I wasnt suitable for the job, because of my weight. She said that I wouldnt cope with 12.5 hour shifts. Well, I've been doing them for 6 years, lol.

 

[Paula Garner]

I considered going down again to the OH debt for an informal chat about the pre op diet (I did go down and ask about abdo surgery recovery). But honestly, I have been so put off my the nurse practioner their that I've shied away. She told me when I started that I wasnt suitable for the job, because of my weight. She said that I wouldnt cope with 12.5 hour shifts. Well, I've been doing them for 6 years, lol.

Omg, she sounds like a right horrible cow. I was wondering about this too. I work in a stroke rehab team in the community. Although my shifts aren't as long as yours, it's heavy physical work.

 

[xxpigsgalorexx]

I am the Manager of my OH department! I am sorry u have not had a positive experience of your own service. I am always striving to market my speciality and it is upseting when I hear of negative experiences! Good luck with your op x x

 

[hails80]

I'm so glad I found this thread!

I also work 12.5hr shifts on a paeds general ward. I've looked at my rota and I am going to be on nights for the 3 weeks before my surgery. Not sure if this is a good or bad thing really, will just have to see how I go!

 

[dottydalmation]

I'm do 14 hour days on maternity , after day 3 was ok, told sister in charge I was on milk and so I had a series of short breaks throughout to have milk , jelly or my salty drink. Nights are ok, got one more to do then off till my op on 17th! But they all said I felt unwell to let them know.