Question:
Metal Allergy: Are any metal materials left in my body after an RNY?

As far as I know, my body reacts badly to most metals (except gold). Does the RNY bypass involve leaving metal "staples" in my body after surgery? If so, does anyone know what they are typically made of? Are there alternate options for other materials such as gold or plastic? I'm switching to a new insurance company in Jan and it appears they tend to approve this surgery. I'm thrilled and I have a consultation schedule for January. I'm hoping NOT to be told that this allergy means I'm not a candidate for the surgery!! Help!    — Peg J. (posted on December 14, 2002)

December 14, 2002
At our latest post op meeting, my surgeon Dr. Emma Patterson showed us clips from actual RNY surgery and YES staples are used. They are made of titanium which DOES NOT set off metal detectors, or effect MRI's or other diagnostic tests. Whether you will react to it as an allergen I don't know. Hopefully someone else here will have more information. Best wishes.. ~Peace!
   — Joscelin

December 14, 2002
The staples are titantium. People who cannot wear metal jewelry tolerate these very well. Dr Oh is my doc, too!
   — vitalady

December 14, 2002
The high purity titanium doesnt appear to react to anyone. But do choose a surgeon who transects so you cant get a staple line disruption. As to airport metal detectors. As they are adjusted today the archway type dont notice our staples. But the hand held wands can. Of course those hand helds go off from metalic ink in candy bar wrappers. No it wasnt me carrying the candy bar:) When the wand beeped at my belly I told them I had staplies and pulled up my shirt. Dont worry about airport security, its not a big issue.
   — bob-haller

December 15, 2002
I have the same metal allergy as you, and I have not had a problem with the staples at all. 5 months post op.
   — Darlene P.

December 16, 2002
The surgeon that done my WLS told me that the metal "staples" used in the Lap RNY for me were made of titanium because it is less likely to corrode.
   — yourdivaness