Question:
Poll: Do you wear a Medic-Alert Bracelet/Necklace Tag for WLS?

I am wondering if I should wear one, and would like to know if other people are wearing them? I've heard they need to specify that we've had RNY (or other WLS) and no NG Tube insertion, no NSAIDS, (anything else, I wonder?). Thanks!    — Gina S. (posted on October 6, 2008)


October 5, 2008
I have one that I wear. A lady on the Alabama Board made it for me. I think we should wear something so that any medical professional is able to be aware of these restrictions.
   — Carmen G.

October 5, 2008
Yes, you should wear one all the time especially when leaving your home.
   — ap2008324

October 5, 2008
My doctor gave me a sticker to put on the back of my driver's license with that info.
   — jdmartin

October 6, 2008
I was just to my 2 week check up and my doctor recommended that I get one. If you are unconcious for any reason, knowing that you have had RNY, will let them know not to use that NG tube because that tube could go right through your stomach and then you will have big problems. I plan on ordering one here soon. But besides the RNY I had, I also have many medicine allergies so it will take care of a few things for me. I would definitely suggest getting one or finding another way to let medical professional know you have had this surgery.
   — bicngillette

October 6, 2008
I've gone without any info on me whatsoever for 5 years...and I am beginning to think about that bracelet more and more...Or at least having some info with my wallet! I love the sticker on the back of the drivers license idea! ( I keep a copy of my lab results in my glove box...and that is about all I do) I take my jewelry off when i work...and often go the week without it...and getting hurt on the job is a risk working in construction...so maybe I'll get a tiny ankle bracelet and have all my info put on it! Then I can leave it on all the time! Yep...I think it's a GREAT idea...It can only help you...They are not that expensive and could save your life! Or prevent injury by an unknowing MD! I think it's worth the effort to get one...If you find any that are petite and pretty...would you kindly send me a link to the site or post it for us? Thanks!
   — .Anita R.

October 6, 2008
This is what I ordered. It is a little pricey but its so cute! Its has a gastric bypass charm on it, a pair of skinny jeans! http://www.laurenshope.com/product.aspx?id=684&cat_id=54
   — Kimberlin Katayama

October 6, 2008
I was banded and my dr. gave me a card to carry in my wallet saying that i am an implant patient.
   — Laura B.

October 6, 2008
I have both a necklace and bracelet that I ordered a week or so prior to surgery. I wear the necklace when I am out exercising or running. I wear the bracelet most all of the other time. It's a good thing to have and get in the practice of wearing...you never know.
   — jammerz

October 6, 2008
I ordered one from eBay for $7.57 (that was with tax and shipping, too) ... It has my name, "RNY" and the date of my surgery, "NO NG TUBE/NO NSAIDS," my surgeon's name, "ICOE" (In Case Of Emergency) with my sister's name and phone number, and on the bottom I had her put "ORGAN DONOR." The lady I ordered this one from allows seven lines of text with 25 characters per line, so everything I needed fit perfectly on there. The username of the person I bought it from on eBay is "rafsoc," and I think what I got was well worth the money.
   — lauren_marie

October 6, 2008

   — phyllismmay

October 6, 2008
Mine says GASTRIC BYPASS, NO SUGARS NO NG TUBE. I need a new one, and will add NO NSAIDS to it.
   — Shirley D.

October 6, 2008
I asked my surgeon prior to surgery and he said I didn't need one. After surgery I asked my family doctor and she agreed...none needed. Did you ask your medical professional?
   — Caribou ME

October 6, 2008
I WEAR A BRACELET THROUGH MEDIC ID AND THEY HAVE ALL MY INFO ON THEIR SITE TOO.MINE SAYS GASTIC BYPASS.DO NOT BLINDLY PLACE N/G TUBE.DRUG ALLERGIES AND THEN A NUMBER TO CALL.
   — deb44m

October 6, 2008
Hi! I do wear one. Mine is from medical alert..mine is set up like this...front has line 1. my name,2 RNY gastric bypass, 3no bling ng tube, 4 allergies the back line 1.contact name and number2, no Nsaids or sugar3. my surgeon and number and line 4 is the name and number of the hospital it was performed at. Hope this helps! hugs, Kim
   — gpcmist

October 6, 2008
I have a link style bracelet that I got on ebay that I wear most of the time. I thought it was important for when I travel alone. It has my name on the top, and on the underside it says "RNY Gastric Bypass, No NG Tube Without Scope, See Wallet Card". I was told it is a good idea to put the See Wallet Card comment on so that it gives permission for the EMTs to go in your wallet. They say to keep the wallet card right behind yoru driver's license. This way they get all the info, but you aren't cramming it all on a bracelet making it hard to read. Also, I only wanted my name on the front - I don't want to be advertising to all who see it that I've had RNY Gastric Bypass! I also ordered a beautiful silver cuff with the medic alert logo etched in it from Sticky Jewelry. It has the same info as my link bracelet described above. It is very stylish. www.stickyj.com You can click on the link for medical IDs. They really have some nice stuff.
   — Ursie77

October 7, 2008
I have the Band and wear one my doctor told me to fill out. No NG tube WITHOUT an endoscopy, no NSAIDS, and I have a Band - also no glucose in my IV. We never heal from diabetes.
   — Barb McGraw

October 7, 2008
I have the Band and wear one my doctor told me to fill out. No NG tube WITHOUT an endoscopy, no NSAIDS, and I have a Band - also no glucose in my IV. We never heal from diabetes.
   — Barb McGraw

October 7, 2008
i don't wear a bracelet or necklace -- but i do have an index card in my wallet that says what i have wrong with me -- medications with dosage -- allergies -- and what surgeries i've had
   — RCassety

October 7, 2008
This is what I have for my diabetes. Not much room to have such a laundry list of stuff that I'm sure I'll need after surgery, but I really like it. http://www.diabetesandmore.com/A-WomensChildrens-7-Long-Stainless-Steel-Curb-Style-Bracelet-P231C99.aspx MaryB
   — mkblan

October 7, 2008
I would suggest going with the company "Medic Alert." Their bracelets have a little message (they look at your medical records and decide what's most important and should go on the bracelet), an ID#, and their phone #. In an emergency, the hospital or whomever calls medic alert via the 1800 and gives them your ID# and they will give your medical history/information over the phone/fax/email. Medic Alert will also contact whomever you have down as your emergency contact. They have bracelets ranging from $9.95 - $200.00+ depending on the material its made out of plus $35 the first year and $25 a year after that (this covers the 1800#). It's pricey but they will do it for free if you are low income. I have decided to use Medic Alert because there's no way my medical history will fit on a bracelet (lots of conditions plus meds) and though I could buy a cheap bracelet that says "see wallet card", I'm concerned about what would happen if I lost or was somehow separated from my wallet.
   — mrsidknee

October 7, 2008
My doctor said it should be worn "forever". After the bypass if they put an NG tube in, it could poke a hole in your pouch... NOT GOOD!! My ladies "Dog Tag" says no NSAIDS, No NG Tubes and No Aspirin, Gastric Bypass and the date. I also made up a little card that I carry in my wallet so if I"m ever in an accident, all my information AND the meds that I take everyday along with the protein grams that I need daily is on the card. If I can't speak for myself, my Med Alert necklace will speak for me. Good luck!
   — dazie711

November 12, 2008
I saw some designer bracelets. They were pretty, but I was worried that they looked so much like regular jewelry, that in an emergency, the medics might not check it out. Also, remember, as you lose weight, the bracelet gets loose. You will need to resize the band, or replace it as your wrist gets smaller. I have 'use endoscopy' on mine, too.
   — StarWish624




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