medical bracelet

lvmy2grls
on 7/1/11 6:49 am - NC
 A friend of mine asked me if I needed to wear a medical bracelet now since I have the lap band.  I was surprised that she even mentioned such a thing, but it got me thinking... "Should I wear one??"
I am a month out from getting my band, so I feel like I am still learning all about my band.  
What do you think??  Do you wear a medical bracelet?  
Just call me the ponderer!
Michele
CScott0925
on 7/1/11 6:54 am, edited 7/1/11 6:54 am
Michele,



I had surgery two days ago, but have been pondering the same questions. In reality, first reponders are going to pick you up and get you to an ER, where they may or may not take notice of the bracelet. But on the other hand, it is better to be safe than sorry, right? I am also conflicted, but based on what my surgeon says on the 6th, I will post again.

Carrie
    
Kate -True Brit
on 7/1/11 7:07 am - UK
In general it is what you feel comfortable doing. But there is not usually seen to be a major medical advantage.

If you are so traumatised you cannot communicate, no paramedic is going to worry about damaging the tissue round the band if a tube needs to be inserted to drain abdominal blood. In any case, a well inserted tube would go through as it is small and the end is rigid. Better alive and bruised than dead with an intact band.

I have read of people putting no NASAIDs on bracelets . But no-one is going to try that if you are unconscious!

Many bandsters just carry a small card with their surgeon's contact details. I carry one with a picture and a brief description in several languages as I travel a lot in foreign parts and don't always speak the language. For example, I showed it when in an emergency in Vietnam.

Kate

Highest 290, Banded - 248   Lowest 139 (too thin!). Comfort zone 155-165.

Happily banded since May 2006.  Regain of 28lbs 2013-14.  ALL GONE!

But some has returned! Up to 175, argh! Off we go again,

   

kathkeb
on 7/1/11 7:23 am
No, I don't.

However, I did take a copy of my Realize Band Registration card, and I taped it to the back of my Driver's License.  It has by Band Serial number, and my surgeon's phone number on it.
I also put my husband's number on it.

I figure that anyone administering life support to me is going to look there before they will look for jewelry.

We should have no issues with life-saving procedures ---- later on, if we needed an NG tube for feeding, they might want to know that there is a band in there --- by that time, my family should be able to speak for me.

If I were going to get one, I would have it say "Gastric Band -- No Blind NG"

Kath

  
MurphysMom
on 7/1/11 7:26 am - CA
Yes, I do.  I feel it's better to be sure people know as much as they can about your body if you are in a medical emergency.  They have really pretty ones at Lauren's Hope.
  One day at a time, and one meal at a time, and I WILL reach my goal!  
abandster
on 7/1/11 11:58 am
Good idea, Kath....to make a copy of the band info and put it on the back of your license. 

When I was banded, I did wear a medical bracelet.  It had my surgeon's name and phone number on it and was engraved with "no blind tubing - laproscopic banding".

But I agree that its what you feel comfortable with.  If you're in the ER, you can't always tell the attending what they need to know.

LaWanda
lvmy2grls
on 7/3/11 6:43 am - NC
Thanks girls! I truly appreciate your input. You know you never like to think of tragedy happening, but my friends question really got me thinking.

Kath~I love your idea!

Hope your holiday weekend is going well!
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