Question:
What should I put on an ID braclet? And where do you get those restraunt cards?

For all of those who have one, could you please advise as to what to have put on an medical ID braclet. I had Open Rny 10/26/01. also... my surgeon doesn't offer the cards that I've heard of many patients carrying, where or how do I go about getting one for myself?? Thanks for the info...    — S. K. (posted on November 15, 2002)

November 15, 2002
I have a medic alert bracelet and it says the following: (GASTRIC BYPASS PLACE NG TUBE WITH ENDOSCOPY)! As for the restaurant card,I don't believe in them,I just make sure I go to a normal restaurant (not a buffet place) and take what I can't eat home, if I don't eat it later on ,my family always does. I don't eat out very often though.I would feel kind of stupid going into a place asking to be able to pay a childerens price.. just my opinion!!
   — bikerchic

November 15, 2002
I had my surgery at BTC and they gave me the restaurant card. I have never had to show it. Every time I have told the wait staff that I am a bariatric patient and am limited in what I can eat, they go out of their way to help me, whether it is with the children's menu or suggestions as to side dishes. When I was in the liquid stage, BOb EVan's even let me order a side of mashed potatoes with a little cheese sauce instead of gravy. Then they brought me a cup of hot water and I made my own cheesy potato soup in my bowl. It was my first meal out and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Good Luck.
   — Carol H.

November 15, 2002
I too am thinking about getting a Medical Alert bracelet... I think it is an excellent idea. I would put on the inscription something like " Gastric Bypass Patient... place NG tube via Endoscopy. As for the restaraunt card, my Dr. offers them, but I have a site that you can print one off of... then have your Dr. sign it... I would laminate it also. I will try to get it on here... if it does not work, I will email you the site. http://www.cosmos.lod.com/~trouble/card.html Hope this helps.... Sheryl
   — Sheryl W.

November 15, 2002
I got my bracelet from Laurenshope.come -- VERY expensive (over $60). You can get one for about $15 from one of the Diabetes Organizations - a "shop" at one of them online. Sorry I don't have exact address.
   — Marti R.

November 15, 2002
SK, the medic alert braclets form Laureshope.com are beautiful. YES< they do cost around $60 which is not expensive, plus, they are FAR prettier than the original metallic braclets that are out there. Remember, this surgery is a tool, use it and you will live a NORMAL, LONG, SKINNY life...that is why I am buying the prettier, more normal braclet. I don't see myself any different than anyone else, I am not disabled, I am not different, and the beautiful braclets at Laurenshope reflect that. I am getting 3, all different styles so I can mix & match with what I am wearing...With all the less food I eat and the money I have been saving on buying clothes lately, its a treat to myself.
   — heathercross

November 15, 2002
Oh, almost forgot, let me get off my soap box....This is what is on my braclet "GASTRIC BYPASS PLACE NG TUBE WITH ENDOSCOPY"
   — heathercross

November 15, 2002
Hi, I don't have a medical alert bracelet, but carry a card in my purse with my identification about sugery and DO NOT blindy place NG tube. I should have a bracelet-just have not gotten one yet. As for the card for restuarants - my doctor offers them but I did not take one. Look at most childrens menus and see what they offer - mostly fried chicken tenders, fries, burgers, corn dogs, hot dogs. I don't think those are necessarily my best choices (not to say that I don't ever eat any of those, cause I do at times). I generally share a meal with my husband or one of my kids or get a whole one and take home the rest. Looking at childrens menus it is not wonder there are so many overweight kids - after we feed them that stuff all the time! Just my 2 cents worth!
   — Pam W.

November 20, 2002
Thanks everyone for your replies..Appreicate all the great views and suggestions.. Keep on loosin'... s.k.
   — S. K.