I'm going to my 1st group information seminar this week. I have been very excited about having this surgery. Now my brain is working overtime thinking about the possibility of fuiture problems. I'm probably one of the older people to have this surgery (I'll be 67 in Sept and will probably have the surgery in August), but the thought of getting rid of my diabetes and insulin, cholesterol and BP meds and my C-Pap machine for sleep apnea. I already had a stroke 8 years ago and don't want another one! OK, I'm a worrier, so here's my question. What happens if, at some future time, after you get banded, you are hospitalized? How do they handle the food? What if you can't tell them about the band? Do you wear a medical bracelet? If anybody knows the answers to these questions, I'd appreciate hearing from you so that I can stop thinking about it and just look forward to a happy and healthy future!! Thanks! Lynne

You can wear a medical ID bracelet. I have one that says Adjustable Gastric Band w/Abdominal Port, No Blind N/G. That way they know what the lump is on my abdomen, and they know to be careful if inserting a naso-gastric tube.

As to the food, why would it be a problem? If you are in a coma, you won't be able to eat, if you aren't, you control what you put in your mouth and how much you eat. I don't see it as much of an issue. Last time someone I knew was in the hospital, she got to choose what foods she was given each day.

Your surgeon should provide you with a permanent card, that says where you had the surgery, and who your surgeon is. It is a Bariatric Surgery Card.

If your Surgeon says he doesn't see a need for it I would question that. You can always get a bracelet.

The Hospital,,, say you break something and are admitted. You tell them that you have the band, and are on a High Protein, Low Carb. Diet. You need at least 60G of protein a day.

I went in for Knee replacement, and they gave me shrimp cocktail, Steak, and some other things to pick from. Now you will learn how much you can only eat, so that won't be a problem.

Take notes at your seminar and learn what you have wrote on the paper.

Good Health to you, Shirley.

Thank you cocoabean and Shirley for your replies. They were very helpful. I'm keeping a folder full of advice and questions for the dr.

Lynne