Medical Alert Bracelet

I was wondering if anyone has a medical alert bracelet. I have heard that is a good idea to wear one after RNY. If you have one, where did you buy it and what do you have written on it.
Just trying to get some things straightened out before my surgery.........Thanks, Kim

Kim - I posted the same question on my blog recently (http://bariatricbabe.blogspot.com/2009/04/medical-id-bracelets.html)

Most people who answered me said that yes, they think it's a good idea to wear one. I ended up finding one I really liked - http://bariatricbabe.blogspot.com/2009/04/medical-alert-bracelet.html) so I got it. I had "No NG Tube & No NSAIDS" put on mine with my name.

I have a very good friend who had WLS and her husband is an EMT and he said he suggests it, so that was enough for me! HTH

Liza

OK, here's a different spin.  This issue has been debated over and over on the lapband board.  While a lot of people have them, or support them, an equal number have raised the issue of whether it really matters if your life is in jeopardy.  If an NG tube has be to inserted to save your life, and you have a bracelet that says you you've had WLS and not to, does that mean health care providers should heed the bracelet?  It's an interesting moral question, if you ask me, and I don't know which way I'm going to go.

Interesting.  I had surgery and excited to get rid of my medical ID bracelet.   Ok, maybe I'm not with it.  But could someone tell me why it is not a good idea to have an NG tube or NSAIDS (I don't remember what that is).  I thought everything would be pretty much normal.  They could tell I had the RNY by xrays.  But if it is important for the EMT's to know this, I would want them to know.   
Eldy

Blind NG can be dangerous because they can punture your pouch... no NSAIDS for RNY patients because they can cause ulcers.

I do not buy into the med ID thing.  If I am going to die, they will do whtever they have to do to keep me alive (i hope!) 

As for the NSAIDS - if I am not concious I will not be swallowing anything and one time is not going to kill you.  If you need them, you will get them and ask to be sent home with an ulcer medication once you are awake.

Thanks.  I didn't think the NG tube would go that far.  I thought it went into the lungs.  And I forgot that NSAIDS were aspirin.  I agree.  In an emergency, it won't kill you.  I guess, the best thing to do is ask the doctors what they think would be best.  I used to wear a bracelet due to diabetes and ALL THE MEDS i took.   Now i feel free.  Whee !  But it is really about how comfortable you are.  If wearing the bracelet gives you peace of mind, then it is worth it. 

 I will not comment on whether you should or should not have an ID bracelet,  Laurens Hope is another source for Medical ID bracelets that gives you lots of options for the "look" you may want.  I have several different ones to coordinate with my outfits... As a women I wanted something that I found beautiful so I would wear it.  This site gave me the options I was looking for.  

Best of luck with your journey!
Cynthia

I thought it was a good idea, so I did get one. I think the ER Dept. or a physician should know should you be in a car wreck with abdominal injuries and cannot tell them or any other type of emergency situation when you are incapacitated.

I no longer need mine because my band was removed.  I am willing to give it up. I paid $70.00 for it. I can post a picture. It is a stylish bracelet we can negotiate a price.

Just let me know
Nancy

Mine says no blind ng tube ..no nsaids that way if I need an ng tube they will realize my inside have been re- routed
cindy

Kim ~ Hello there.  It was recommended that I get one.  When I checked in with the EMT's here in Warwick, they said it wasn't necessary for what they might need to do but could be very key for ED Staff.  Like was mentioned previously -- there's a danger your pouch could be punctured if a blind NG is placed and the staff doesn't know your insides have been reworked.
Mine has this info on it -- post-op RNY GB, no blind NG's and my ICE (in case of emergency) phone  number.                                                                             
The other service the Warwick EMT's told me about is:   http://www.er-card.com/.
Hope this info helps and all is well.
~ Sandy