Question:
Am I supose to wear identification stating that I have had WLS for an emergancy?

   — taryncarrol (posted on October 16, 2001)

October 16, 2001
Hi there, my surgeon didn't think it was necessary. He said if I was worried he would issue me a medical alert card for my purse. I did however purchase a med alert necklace. Mine twists open with a little phamlet that you can fill in. I included my allergies, contact phone numbers, and the fact that I had RNY gastric bypass and to use a childs ng tube.
   — KimBo36

October 16, 2001
My doctor said I didn't need to have one, but I plan on ordering one. Its a scary thought to be in an accident or something and not to be able to tell the EMTs about my condition. If there's a bracelet on, they'll see it since they always go there to place an IV. I wouldn't want all that I went through to be wasted because someone blindly placed an NG tube. Good luck and contact me if I can be of any help
   — Kelley S.

March 6, 2004
Personally, the thought of wearing a medical alert id never entered my mind. I had always told my husband if something ever happened to be sure he told doctors that I had bariatric surgery. Apparently, he never realized the severity of it. I also never really thought, although only my mother and husband in my family knows I had the surgery and 2 very close friends, I have never told anyone about the surgery. I have although made 100% sure it is marked on all my charts, my hospital charts have a large neon sticker on the front same as if I had an allergy to medicine. Recently I was found unconscious, even though my husband did not think to tell them, my mother did tell the EMS I had stomach surgery, she couldn't remember what to tell them. However they in turn forgot to relay the information to the ER when they took me there. An NG tube was placed blindly, you could say I'm a walking miracle they did not do major damage, as far as we know I am now being treated for a very large ulcer and am going to have to bear with it until it heals. I go to see my surgeon this week because of this (she is at a hospital over an hour away, I only go there for that purpose). However I now see the need, I assumed the main family members that would be present in an emergency would tell and one did, or that it would be seen on my medical chart, however neither one helped, it was placed blindly. Knowing it could have killed me, caused severe damage or ruptered my pouch, I consider a blessing from God, that I did not have severe damage that would require surgery to correct. At least at this point, I know I am going to have to have a couple of scopes until they make sure everything is back to normal (I hate those). So if you think you don't need one, think again. Like I said it never really crossed my mind until something happened.
   — Michele K.