Question:
Anyone else have this problem?

I always knew I had a magnetic personality, but this is ridiculous! Since my surgery in April, I set off those anti-shoplifting store alarms GOING INTO and coming out of stores! I've had my magnetic bracelet scanned and my cell phone, and still I set the alarms off. The only conclusion I can draw is that it's my titanium staples -- anyone else have this? Hardly life-threatening, but embarrassing -- and I'll think twice about trying to get on an airplane! Anyone else?    — Cheryl Denomy (posted on September 11, 2000)

September 11, 2000
Hi! It's true, it's your titanium. It doesn't happen at airports for me but it does happen at walgreens, target (they checked our bags last week), ulta3 and some other places I can't remember. I told the manager at walgreens I don't have a cellular or a pager and I can't put up with this, that I'm here every day practically. She said, "well it's not hurting you is it?" I replied it is a very big deal and it's embarassing. Honestly Cheryl, it's something we're going to have to live with and explain ourselves when it is necessary. I'm 99% sure it's the staples. It's more than coincidence because before surgery this never happened, just put 2+2 together. I'm sorry myself we have to deal with this, it stinks!!!
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 11, 2000
Hi...I am ashamed to admit it - but it happens to me as well. Only it only seem to happen when I go to the mall. I set off the alarms in almost EVERY jewlry store. Can you imagine. I have now not been to the mall in over 6 months. I was asked by mall security to make them aware of my presence - BEFORE I planned a trip to the mall - so they would know it was only me.
   — anitawilson

September 11, 2000
Oh My Gosh! I went into a CVS pharmacy the other day, and the alarm went off when I went in the door! Now that I've read these posts, I'll bet that's what's going on! How funny! Weird thing is, though... I haven't had them go off when I leave a store, just when I go in! Hmmmm!
   — Lisa P.

September 11, 2000
No, I doubt its your staples. I've got lots of staples inside plus a metal prosthesis in one ear and I don't set these off. Perhaps an xray is in order - maybe there's a pair of scissors left inside! Oh No!
   — Cindy H.

September 11, 2000
My nephew has had several brain surgeries due to severe, uncontrollable epilepsy. His last surgery resulted in a titanium plate to hold his skull together. He was told this is not sensitive to metal detectors in airports and has never has a problem in stores wear the detectors are magnetic. Now we're talking a big chunk of titanium not just staples. I think it maybe some kind of chemical reaction with some individuals. My surgery is the 18th., maybe I'll have to avoid the mall myself, I'll start off at Walmart ( that place drives me crazy). This could be fun!
   — Wendy W.

September 11, 2000
This happened to me pre-op, at one Barnes and Noble in particular, everytime I went into or came out of the music section. It turned out the the sensors were really sensitive and my purse had a magnatized clasp. This went on for a few weeks. Before we figured out what was making it happen, the manager said that if I could set off the alarms by force of personality alone, he wanted to party with me!
   — Sharyle L.

September 11, 2000
I have never had this happen but I may have to go back into the hospital after reading some of these responses. It really hurts when I laugh and these are some of the funniest post I have read in a while, Thanks...,Trina ...Walmart, haa haa, I love it.
   — Courtrina Amur W.

September 8, 2002
Thank you for posting this question. I thought I was going crazy when the alarms starting going off after surgery. It never happened before WLS but now it happens all the time. My family and I laugh every time and so far no one at the stores pay any attention to me. It normally happens on the way in. I know it has to be the staples because thats the only change I've had. I don't have a beeper, a phone nothing like that. I know its been two years since you posted but your question sure saved me. Thanks Donna B.
   — Donna B.