Question:
What should be written on our bracelets?

I believe it is really important for us to wear medic alert bracelets so that no scoping is done that would undo or hurt the rny and stomach stapling surgery. but i don't know how to word the information. I want to know what to say specifically that warns doctors not to "scope" because I don't have a regular stomach and intestinal situation. Thanks.    — Donna M. (posted on September 27, 1999)

September 27, 1999
My Doctor gave me a card to carry which reads . Emergercy Response Card Attention Medical Personnel ___________________________ This person has had Gastrointestinal Surgery. It is very important that Dr ________________ be contacted before any gastrointestinal examination is performed or medications administered. CALL this telephone for Immediate Response _________________________________--
   — Patricia B.

September 27, 1999
I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INFO ON THIS ALSO, I DO HAVE AN ID CARD FROM MY SURGEON THAT IDENTIFIES THE SURGERY I HAD, HAS A DIAGRAM OF WHAT MY INSIDES LOOK LIKE AND ALSO QUALIFIES ME FOR "kiddie meals" AT RESTURANTS.
   — robin C.

September 27, 1999
On the back of my Medic Alert bracelet it reads: "DO NOT PLACE N/G TUBE BLINDLY, USE ENDOSCOPE"
   — Linda O.

September 27, 1999
I've worn a medic alert bracelet for several years due to other medical problems, so I didn't have much room to dedicate to my wls. My bracelet reads: "Gastrojejunostomy, use scope to place NG tube . . ." So one could simply put: "Gastric bypass, do not place NG tube without scope" (if you have the room); I've seen this a few times.
   — Zoe S.

September 27, 1999
Firstly, I am registered with Medic Alert. Once registered, you can have a paragraph or so listed with them. Then, my necklace medallion (gotten from Medic Alert) lists my medica alert #, their phone number, and says distal gastric bypass, as well as the meds we cannot take. I also have a wrist band that I got at Sears for about $15. It pops open and there's room for a folded paper that lists all of the above, plus my doctor's ph #, and more detail. Not only am I afraid of some accidental scope, I am far more afraid of being in a car accident and having some ER doc UNDO ME! GADZOOKS! I wear ONE Of them at ALLLLLL times, no matter how formal. And I never leave the yard without my seat belt on, so afraid am I of being undone by the unsuspecting and unknowing. Don't be put off by the price of medic alert emblems from them! They are real gold and/or silver, but you CAN get stuff for way less! Medic Alert: 800-432-5378
   — vitalady

September 27, 1999
Mine just says "Gastric Bypass". My sister the nurse told me that that's enough to make them aware of it.
   — Margie V.