Question:
Has anyone that is allergic to latex had the wls?

I am allergic to latex. I've had two bad experiences with latex in the past year with my dentist. The second time they did not realize that some of their mouth equipment was made of latex. To give you a picture of what I look like, think of daffy duck with a bad rash all over his mouth. I'm nervous about the hospital being latex free when I have surgery.    — Whitney S. (posted on November 14, 2003)

November 14, 2003
I am not allergic but when I had surgery there was a patient that was allergic and they just posted that on the door and the nurses and doctors took special precaution. Talk to you doctor about your allergy when you choose one or if you already have and I am sure that they can make arrangements. Good Luck
   — horserider0146

November 14, 2003
I would talk to your surgeon especially regarding the NG tube and any drainage (JP Drains) you may have... those may be made of latex. Also the hospital you plan on having surgery in, take a tour of the floor you will be on and get to know the nurses. They will probably show you all the alternatives they have and maybe that will ease your mind. Also the canula (oxygen thingie that hooks around the ears and in your nose) may be latex too. Surely they have non-latex stuff.
   — danabky

November 14, 2003
I am very allergic to latex, and I am now 3 months post-op. I had a open rny, and I just told everybody that I was allergic, and had no problems, they put a sign over my bed that said "allergic to latex" so if I was unable to inform someone, they could see the sign, it was in my chart and on the hospital door. Hospitals seem to have this problem alot with patients.
   — cindy

November 14, 2003
Just be sure to tell everyone that you come in contact with that you have a latex allergy. I don't know where you are going for your surgery, but as a previous nurse at BTC, I know that they are a very latex-friendly hospital and, in fact, when there is a latex-allergy case the operating room is specially cleaned the night before and allowed to set overnight to prepare it for a patient with a latex allergy. Latex floats in the air, so you can never get rid of all latex. Even patients, staff, delivery people, etc. walking around in the hospital with tennis shoes on put latex in the air from the rubber on their tennis shoes. BTC also gives a few special preventative medications in pre-op when you have a latex allergy to help prevent any reaction from the latex in the air that is beyond human control. These are good questions to ask your surgeon/facility. Good luck to you!
   — Lynette B.

November 14, 2003
i am allergic also, had my open 1/2002 and anchor panni/gallbladder/heria repair 9/2003 without any complications!!!! i informed my doctor,hospital,staff, and anyone who came in contact with me, post it, be verbal, its your safety, not their's.. be over careful, believe me, its easier that way, then having a reaction..
   — stacey S.

November 14, 2003
I am not allergic to latex, but I do recall that as I was being readied for surgery, I was asked several times if I was allergic to latex, even though I had a red plastic bracelet on that listed my allergy (to Vicodin). I think hospitals are very aware that some people can be deathly allergic to latex, so they don't take chances. There are very many items they use on you - uncluding gloves - that are made of other materials besides latex, (Many tubes and drains of various types are made of silicon.) You will be fine! I would bet, as another poster stated, there is a latex free OR, and most likely sterile latex-free surgical packs.
   — koogy