medic alert?

Have you guys seen those medic alert necklaces for ppl who have had gastric bypass? It says something on the back like- Gastric Bypass, no NG tube without scope. First of all, does anyone have one and if not does anyone think they are a good idea? And second of all what the heck does no NG tube without scope mean anyway? My mother saw these on ebay and insists I need one. What do you guys think?

The purpoe of the medic a lert bracelets or necklaces is to inform a medical personnel that you had gastric bypass surgery in case you are in need of a feeding tube. A regular feeding tube cannot be inserted into you because you do not have a full size stomach. You can get the bracelets at laurenshope.com Yes, we all should have one. Marie

Kristine, Hun you have email... Debra P

I have an email address, yes, did you want it?

I sent it through this site hun so you should have it.... Debra P

Hello! There will be debate over this, it truly is a personal choice. Ask your surgeon what he recommends, mine did not. I do not wear one, quite frankly the pretty jewlery type ones probably won't be recognized as a medical alert (speaking as a nurse who worked in the ER), I can say it is probably wise to have some form of info in case u can not communicate your medical history/meds, a laminated card for your wallet etc. Truthfully the no blind scope is in relation to early postop when a aggressive NG tube or scope might perforate the new pouch/stoma, this is before it matures/heals, so by 6 mo your probably ok. Do what feels right for you, remember as we grow as a populations items specially for us will grow as well. Not to say this is bad but to say U HAVE TO HAVE ONE is not true IMHO! People have been having WLS/GBP since the 50's did everyone have a medica alert? I think not....But many err on the side of safety in the rare even they find themselves nonresponsive and in need of a NGtube....Possible I suppose, probably not really. But as with anything if you are the 1 in a million then it matters right!? Take Care, Jamie 100cm proximal Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh Albany, NY 320(preop)/163 (lowest)/174 (current) 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery) Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King www.albanyplasticsurgeons.com http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/jamiecatlady5/ "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"

I agree, personal choice. I have one (a bracelet from Lauren's hope), it says Gastric Bypass and my name on it. I suppose in hind sight I should have had them put "no NG tube without scope" on it as well, but my assumption is (silly as it may be) medical personel will know that without having to be told that. I think it's just another good safety precaution for us to take especially in that first year. Renee

yes i have one and i where it everyday, someday it will save your life.