Question:
I am allergic to metal, will I react to the internal staples?

I have reacted badly to just about every type of metal. I was wondering if I could be turned down for the surgery (open RNY) because of this problem. I don't know how the inside of my body will react to metal. Has anyone heard about this or dealt with this? Please help!    — Kelly R. (posted on March 25, 2003)

March 25, 2003
The staples are titanium and dont cause reactions, nothing to worry about.
   — bob-haller

March 25, 2003
Hi! I have the same problem with metals. Had Lap RNY 11-8-02 and no problems. You won't either!
   — Mona R.

March 26, 2003
I'm also allergic to metals and I have had no problems with the staples, either inside or out. I can't wear anything except real gold. So you shouldn't worry, you'll be fine.
   — wiggie34

March 27, 2003
When it is something this important, please ignore people who share opinion rather than fact. Most surgeons use titanium, some use stainless steel, there are titanium alloys, too. Titanium is NOT hypo-allergenic, it is less subject to corrosion and generally better tolerated by MOST individuals. If you are severely sensitive to metals, do your own research. Consider pre-op testing. Look at these sites; going from least scientific to most technical: http://www.schiwara.de/english/pdf/Melisa-261001-Engl.pdf http://www.medinfo.dist.unige.it/adhestop/nuova_pagina_2.htm http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11422680&dopt=Abstract http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11180773&dopt=Abstract http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8166499&dopt=Abstract
   — miserable U.

March 27, 2003
The no reaction to titanium is from my surgeon. It is not a issue according to him.
   — bob-haller