Medic Alert

Have you guys gotten medic alert bracelets/jewellery? At my NP appointment, the nurse mentioned that I should look into it if I'm approved for surgery, but I looked at the website and it's more expensive then I thought.  Obviously, I can set aside money for it if need be, but I wanted to see what you all have done in this area first.

I personally, don't have a medicalert bracelet. I do, on the other hand, have a written paper (it's labelled " ICE info (In Case of Emergency)") I have it with my health card with all my info.

Many people have a bracelet. Others don't 

I never thought of that!  I may be stealing your idea once I'm approved for surgery.

There's been a lot of debate about this over the years!

Some people do get them, I chose not to for a few reasons. My issue with them is what is listed - if people simply listed life-threatening diseases/conditions/allergies, I highly support wearing it for safety. But the things they are listing as "no this and that" could potentially put them in danger - "no NSAIDS" is the biggest one (if I need an NSAID to save my life due to cardiac arrest or stroke or whatever else, yes please DO give me NSAIDS, I'd rather deal with the remote possibility of an ulcer, thank you), "no sugar" is another (give me sugar if it will save my life, I couldn't care less if I've cut sugar out of my diet), "no blind NG tube" (the possibility of them needing to do that in an emergency is slim to none and the ends of the tubing are rounded and highly unlikely to rip/tear anything - it goes to your gut, not opening your airway), etc. If someone merely wants to list their surgery on it I don't see the harm, but I also don't see the necessity in that case either.

I'm surprised someone at your centre is actually suggesting it to be honest.

Wow, this is really helpful.  Thanks so much.

You are most welcome! :)

Hi adaptation.  I went through TWH and I was told a few times to get a medic alert bracelet.  I did get one, but not medic alert as I find them pricey as they now have a monthly maintenance fee or a steep yearly membership fee.

I got one via a pamphlet in the pharmacy called Universal Medical.  It was I think $60 or so, as a one time payment.  I just had engraved on it "Roux-En-Y gastric bypass February 2015 and Asthma" as those are my only health concerns.  Like Karen mentioned, I didn't put "no NSAIDS" or anything like that as in a life threatening situation if an NSAID would save my life I would want them to give it to me.

http://canada.universalmedicalid.com/ is the website to Universal Medical.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

Thanks a bunch!  I'll check the website out.

Hi there - I haven't had my surgery yet, but one of my close friend's had hers in December 2014.  She purchased a bracelet from Shoppers for cheap and took it to an engraver (a kiosk in the mall) and they did it for $17.

I am personally on the fence about what to engrave.  Most hospitals/EMS have little idea how to treat a patient who has had WLS.  They don't understand our limits when it comes to sugar etc.  I may put the clinic I went through and their phone number as well as the date of the procedure.  I may need a dog tag LOL.

Thanks for the input.

I see your surgeon appointment is soon! You must be excited.