Question:
I was told that we are not to be intubated after WLS,

reason being that our stomachs could be punctured. What problems could this cause in case of an accident or health emergency? What are the options?    — Barbara W. (posted on October 25, 2000)

October 25, 2000
When people are intubated, which is having a breathing tube placed down your trachea into your lungs, there is a risk of going down your esophagus into your stomach. The force could rupture your staple line. You should be sure that health care providers know you have a stapled stomach. Unfortunately,intubation is often done in emergencies, so a medic alert bracelet is a good idea. Having a nasogastric tube is also not ok. However, intubation can be safely done with what is called direct visualization, where a scope is used so that the physician can see where the tubes are going before they hit a critical area!
   — [Anonymous]

October 25, 2000
Intubation is the act of placing a breathing tube (endotracheal tube) through the nose or mouth into the windpipe or trachea. The purpose is to provide oxygen or anesthesia to a patient who is unable to breathe adequately on his own. Countless patients are intubated on a daily basis without problems. Although a tube can be mistakenly placed into the esophagus while attempting intubation, the tube is never long enough to reach the surgical site in the stomach. Disruption of the staple line in this manner would not be possible. Placing a nasogastric tube (tube through the nose or mouth into the stomach) for suction or drainage of stomach contents, could however possibly pose an increased risk for RNY patients in the early post-op stages. Therefore, it is important that your medical records include complete information about the surgery (operative record, diagrams of the surgery and your "new" anatomy) and that family members/caregivers know to provide information to medical personnel in an emergent situation.
   — Diana T.

October 26, 2000
Barbara, I understand your concerns! Being pre-op, I'm trying to research all areas of risk & complication. I have heard from many post-op patients that they carry a Medical Alert card in their wallets and many even wear Medical Alert bracelets so that in the event of an emergency, medical aide personnel will know that there are some procedures that need to be avoided. I know that after I have surgery this is certainly something I am going to do. After all, I am having surgery to LIVE!!!
   — Laura B.

October 26, 2000
Hi Barbara, When you are intubated, the tube goes into your lung or airway, not your esophagus or stomach. You are possibly talking about a nasogastric (NG) tube that is inserted through your nose into the stomach. That could cause a problem with our pouches. Hope this helps!
   — Laura P.

October 28, 2000
I have also heard that an NG tube could be dangerous. I also had this surgery to live healthier and longer so I am not taking any chances at all. I ordered a 10K medic alert bracelet. It is the only way it wont turn my wrist green and since I am going to wear it the rest of my life...why not get a nice one that will last. I bought mine online from a sight that had so many choices. Its called Gwen's Jewelry and Gifts, INC. Email address is [email protected]. I did alot of running around trying to find gold medic jewelry and found nothing. Her prices are really the cheapest I found. My bracelet showed it was 316. but when you check it out it takes off 40%. Anyway, be safe and protect yourself. Cindy
   — Cindy S.