Medic Alert Bracelets

My surgeon made sure to tell me that I *need* to make sure to inform any future medical professionals that I have had WLS. Apparently intubation can cause problems with puncturing the pouch and such. I checked the Medic Alert site for anything they might have that I could wear in case I wasn't conscious when I went in to the ER, but they don't have any for WLS. Does anyone know of any similar notification system I can check?


Thanks (as always)!

I used to have a medit alert necklace that I wore when I was on insulin.  It was gold plated and REALLY cute.  You can have anything you want engraved on the back.  Do a google search on medic alert jewelry.  They have some really cute things that don't look like medic alert to a lay person but medical staff are trained to look for.

I went to a local jewelry store and they had a variety of medical alert bracelets which were blank.  They engraved my requested information on the bradelet.  I got a stainless steel one and it was comparably priced to those on line. On one side I have my doctor's name and phone number.  On the reverse, NO BLIND NG, RNY BYPASS. I'd give a local business a look.  Good luck.

There are a number of websites out there that offer medic bracelets.  I got mine, but of course I had to had 10k gold from www.americanmedical-id.com.  If you're looking for a nice piece of jewelry, instead of a shabby bracelet, I definitely recommend them.  I went to every jeweler in the mall near me before I bought mine, and this website was cheaper by far.

I have seen a multitude of really nice interchangeable bracelets that you can attach to a Medic Alert Tag, on eBay... along with some Medic Alert Tags as well.  People make some really nice ones. My surgeon says to have it engraved: RNY Gastric Bypass No N/G Tube Dr. ____________ 215-555-1212 (this would be Surgeon's phone number)

You can get a custom one made at most places that do engraving. Mine said "No NG tube without scope - Gastric Bypass".  I have seen similar medical alert bracelets on ebay as well.  Are you going to www.Medicalert.org a friend of mine says she got hers there.....  Debra

Is there anything short of wearing a piece of jewelry every day of our lives in case of an emergency that we can do? Put a card in our wallets? something more creative? Just asking...not trying to be obstinant. thanks! Sadie

I have also asked around about medic alert jewelry. The doc seems neutral about it, it can't hurt, but didn't feel that I must have one. My brothers and sister are all in emergency medicine (paramedics). They told me that if you are in an emergency and are unconcious that the ng feeding tube is typically not a priority. They will make sure that you are breathing first (a different type of intubation that goes into your lungs and not your stomach) and they will stabilize your other vitals (heart, brain, etc.) before worrying about feeding you with a tube. IV fluids will sustain you for a while before the ng is necessary.  It is *likely* that before they get to the ng tube, that they will be in contact with your next of kin regarding your situation. That person should be CERTAIN to mention your WLS.  A  precaution that you can take without getting the bracelet is to make sure that you have an entry in your cell phone called I.C.E. (in case of emergency) that dials your next of kin. Emergency responders are also trained to look for this.  I am not saying not to get a medic alert. I am just mentioning other options that are out there if you don't want one or don't think you'll wear it everyday I should mention that I am still on the fence myself and may get one.

Thanks for getting the opinions of the experts! What did your siblings say that they were trained to look for? Is this universal, or should we inquire at our own EMS?

The most important thing they said is to have that I.C.E. number in your phone.  I am sure that you would get differing opinions from every EMS, nurse, doc, etc (just like we do on all of our post-op instructions, right? )