COULD WE DISCUSS?

Could we please discuss the need for medical alert bracelets? Not one of four Dr.s I consulted ever mentioned this prior or after surgery. I know we touched it along the way on the board but we got OT and we did not fully discussed the urgent need. What did the surgeon tell yall?? TO WEAR OR NOT WEAR-- THAT IS THE QUESTION AND WHAT SHOULD IT SAY (BESIDES MEDICATION ALLERGIES)

My surgeon never mentioned a medical alert bracelet to me. I didn't even know there was one for WLS Patients until I saw it discussed or mentioned on the boards. I know a bunch of people have them. One lady on the main board said that hers says: Bariatric Patient, No Blind NG Tube. I looked at them online and picked one out. But before I order it I want to ask my surgeon about it because he or no one on his staff has ever mentioned anything about it. I am curious to see the responses on this because if it is important that we have a bracelet surgeons should be telling their patients about it. THat is kind of scary. Melissa Taylor

This was a piece of info that I picked up somewhere along the way. My docs and nurse did not even know where to get them. I feel that the bracelets are mandatory and that no bariatric patient should leave the hospital without one - even tho I did! I ordered mine from the obestity help store, but I hear there are less expensive places to get them. DH is diabetic and his cost more, but he is also registered and a number is on his to call to download his complete medical info....In his case, that is needed! Mine says "Bariatric Surgery Patient"..."No NG tube" I am pro bracelet!!! Smooch Arlies

I was told that I needed a braclet and this is what mine says: front: my name) back: Gastri bypass surgery No NG tube w/o scope I think that anyone and everyone that has WLS should have to wear one of these. Its your life and this could save your life. IB2R 444/414/329/210? -115

Hey, I plan on ordering one for me just as soon as I get a surgery date. So, I'll have it to take to the hospital with me to wear home. However, my doctor hasn't said anything one way or the other yet. Which we may not be to that point yet. I feel that it is better to be safe than sorry. Prices vary on them. To me an average of $50.00 isn't a lot when you consider what could be the out come of not having one on in a situation of where you can't speak for yourself. ~~~~~ And if you live a pretty good piece from your WLS Dr. ~~~~~ PLEASE remember to get a copy of all your medical records about your surgery. Make several copies of them. One for you to keep at home. A set for your local family doctor. Take on vacation with you. Any distance traveling that you do, you should take a copy with you. After surgery if your having any type of internal problems, there is a chance that local doctors will send you back to whom ever did your surgery. Simply because they have no idea of what all he did inside of you durring the surgery. That is a great tip I learned at a support group meeting. Tammy

Hey Glenda dear! So glad to hear from you on the boards. I have not officially heard anything about a medical bracelet myself but will ask Dr Salemeh on the 22 of March what he thinks about it. I personally would not want to wear one but hey if it is a good thing I will. It would have to be really big and not normal sizes for me to wear it. I can't fit in a normal bracelet. My preop appt for surgery is 22 of March so I will let you know after that. Do you plan to come to Chesterfields on MArch 9th at 11:30? I would love to see you again. I am going to plan to but who knows. Talk more later. Love Jane

Jane, Obesityhelp store has them that comes up to 9 inches. I am very, very large (but getting smaller by the second!!) and it fits me with a bit of room to spare. Normally, if I get a bracelet, I usually buy an anklet for a skinny soul and wear it as a bracelet! So you can get them! Smoochers Arlies BTW Tell Dr. S that it's my happy birthday on the 22nd when you visit him!