Medical Alert Tattoo

 Consider reading my blog.  My last post is on this very idea.   After 6 years of reading and learning, my thoughts differ.  I told hubby NOT to get one.    I bought one initially too.. The more I read, the more I think it is not necessary.   Read and if nothing else it will make you consider carefully WHAT you put on your bracelet...

This is a very dangerous idea. You DO NOT need a medic alert bracelet after RNY and TWH does not recommend getting one. Having information like "No NSAIDs" and "No Sugars" is dangerous and could cost you your life in an emergency. It should never, ever be put onto a bracelet. If you go into a hypoglycaemic coma, or have a stroke, it is important for you to be given life saving medication that emergency responders might hesitate to do if there is this information on your bracelet. Also - the idea of an NG tube bursting your stomach is a myth and there is no reason to mention this on a bracelet. There is NO REASON AT ALL why a medic alert bracelet, or tattoo, is neccesary. Please reconsider!

I HEARTILY agree with Pat (it does happen! Imagine that. lol)

 My take on this braclet idea is that it's fine to let people know about it but they have to have all the options to treat you so no restrictions. Just let them know you are RNY or whatever and let their own knowledge go to work.

I see that there are a lot of different kinds making them look like something other than a medic alert tag. This seems like a bad idea to me. It's an alert and being such it should stand out. It shouldn't look like jewlery. 

As for a tattoo, it's a nice idea but the problem as already posted, is that there is no standard for it. No one automatically looks for medical tattoos on a patient. 

When it comes to content, I would say that the kiss method is the right method. You don't want a lot of stuff that can change tattooed on to your skin. Simply the alert sign and a number to call to get all the correct and current information about your medical condition. You could get a number that goes directly to an answering machine with all the details of your drug list, allergies and other important medical information along with an emergency contact number of the person you want them to call in the event of.

If you want a tattoo, get something beautiful to memorialize your changes and the wonderful things along the way. Thats what I think I will eventually do. But for now, I think maybe a braclet with a phone number will suffice.

I think Medic Alert bracelets for any WLS is a huge waste of money. There is nothing that can be done to us if unconscious that would harm us. In my 45 years on this earth I have never been brought to ER unable to speak or have someone with me that knows all about my medical needs.

I would never get it as a tattoo as things change as we age and will you add to it and have them stroke things out should the need happen? I have been allergic to something for 18 years that required a bracelet and as of last week I am no longer allergic so I would look cute had it been on a tattoo asking them to stroke it out. Get a tag for your key chain or shoe if you can't wear one. I still wouldn't put anything on it about WLS just other health issues.

I bet if you were to ask those of us more than 3 years out if we wear one, you would see a huge percentage of NO.

Just my 2 cents but save the ink for something else far more meaningful.

Hi Heidi,

A tattoo has obvious drawbacks you have no doubt thought about, not the least of which is that you may change Drs or the Dr may change their number.

There are medical ID systems that do not use metal bracelets - please check out our new ID system that uses plastic tags and labels for your belongings  www.guardian-call.com inexpensive and most reliable because 1) you can alwyas have ID with you and 2) your info is always up to date.

My apologies for posting about a commercial product - Heidi deserves to know about the options available on the market before making a permanent and unnecessary change to her body.