Do we need to wear the "No NG Tube" bracelet when we're post-op?

Hi! I'm still pre-op and doing my research. I noticed in the Store link on this web site, they sell a medical alert bracelet with "Bariatric Surgery Patient - No NG Tube" stamped on the back. Are any DE post-ops wearing this or something similar? Is it something that we all need to be wearing (opinions welcome)? You can tell I'm new because I had to go and look-up what a "NG Tube" was (it's a Nasogastric Tube for those who don't know). Apparently, if you're in an emergency (think car accident), the emergency room staff may insert the NG Tube. A Nasogastric (NG) Tube is a flexible plastic tube that goes through the patient's mouth or nose into the stomach. It is designed to remove stomach contents or provide a route to give medication or food to a patient who cannot swallow. If post-ops can't have a NG Tube inserted, what do hospitals do instead?

Cassandra, We had a topic on that very question not too long ago, but long enough that it is hard to run across just by skimming the message board so I thought I would put a link here for you to check out! As for my opinion on wearing it ... as a former EMT-P (Emergency Medical Tech - (Paramedic)- I would highly recommend that everyone have one. But as a friend and fellow/fella bypass patient, I refuse to leave home without mine. And if anyone else in my family had bypass, I would insist that they wear theirs. I have seen some discussion on the main board where there are people AND doctors that do not believe we need to wear one. Obviously the end decision is yours. I believe that Dr Irgau/Dr Wynn recommend wearing them. I know for certain that they used to hand out wallet cards at your pre-surgery visit stating exactly what operation and how to deal with it in the event of an emergency. Not sure if they still do that though. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/state-forums/DE/postdetail/7896.html?vc=0 Now your questions on what do hospitals do ... you can still receive a NG Tube, but they need to place it with something to show how it is being placed. IE : No blind NG Tube. It is my understanding that the thought is in an emergency situation, someone may assume that you have a "normal" stomach and insert the NG tube and penetrate the stomach wall. Which could be quite a serious complication. Best wishes! Tammy

Hi, I was one of those anti-medical bracelet types. I don't think they are 'me' not quite my type of fashion statement ya know??? BUT, I do have one, and wear it every day, it's not the prettiest, but I feel safer with it. I make sure I put it on before I go for an early morning walk before I get showered for the day.. in case something happens to me on the road. Mine says, gastic bypass patient, no ng tube, no nsaid. ( no anti-imflamatory meds). Hope this helps. T

Welcome Cassandra. I have a Medical alert necklace. Looks like a small dogtag in silver. I have my name, Dr's name and phone number and No NG tube & No NSAID's on mine. I wouldn't leave home without it either. An NG tube could puncture your new pouch. I think they might consider using a child's NG tube, which is much shorter, at least that was mentioned at the meetings at PMRI. Hope this info helps. Elissa

Hi Cassandra, I wear mine all the time. I never take it off. Mine says: Gastric Bypass No NG Tube No NSAIDS I didn't bother with a phone number for the doc because those thing seem to be ever changing. My bracelet was a bit more expensive ( about $80.00 ) But I got what I think is a very pretty one from www.laurenshope.com I have recieved many compliments on it and several were really surprised to find out that it's a medic alert. I have a relative who makes custom jewlery and soon I'm going to pick out a new bracelet so that I can change it when I want. I tend to like things that are girly so it's worth it to me to invest in something that I feel could potentially save my life sometime! Linda