Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Nickel allergy and surgical staples



Recommended Posts

I have a mild nickel allergy I can wear earing for a short period of time without problem but a full day forget it. If I wear my wrist watch against my skin instead of leaving it very loose I get a rash. I am a year out and never had any problems with them. I also had staples in my neck a few years ago with no problem.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't have any new information about this, except that I am 6 weeks out, and I have not had any problems with it...thankfully.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't have any new information about this, except that I am 6 weeks out, and I have not had any problems with it...thankfully.

Thanks Deborah That makes me feel much better.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a nickel allergy. The only problem I have had with this is with earrings. I can't wear most hypoallergenic earrings. I met with my surgeon on Monday for my preop. He asked me if I had any allergies, and I said no..then I immediately asked him about the staples used in the surgery, and I told him about my nickel allergy with earrings. He said the staples are made of titanium and that it wouldn't be a problem. I recently read a similar question on obesity help and learned from there, as well as other sources, that titanium staples are never made solely of titanium and there is usually nickel contained in the staples.

Does anyone here have a similar situation as mine (cheap earrings)? If so have you had problems since being sleeved?

Thanks,

Deborah

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks Deborah That makes me feel much better.

I am a surgery nurse who also has serious nickel allergies. I myself have had staples with no problems and have never seen an issue with staples, you should be fine.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am so glad that this subject and post are here for me to read and re-read. I have a nickel allergy (it usually is a result of using earring with nickel before your pierced ears are fully healed). It is helpful to see that others with nickel allergy have not had problems with the staples.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My doctor used titanium staples which is the safest metal to use (no allergic reactions). Maybe see if that's an option.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a sensitivity too, and no issues with my sleeve. Dr. uses titanium...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

From what I read Titanium staples are never solely titanium; they all have some amount of nickel content but I've had several people who have nickel allergy say they have had no issue with the staples after surgery so I am hoping for the best.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It's been awhile since I've checked back in here. I will be a year out next week, and I have had no complications whatsoever from my staples...or anything for that matter. Titanium staples are comprised of a certain amount of nickel, but I have had nothing but a wonderful year of losing weight and loving my sleeve!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I wanted to update this post as well. I have had my sleeve 13 months and have had no complications or issues so the nickel allergy I have has not been an issue with the sleeve staples. YAY

~Sue

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have major metal allergies, including nickel and gold. I even had to have a crown on my tooth replaced because I was having reactions to the metal that was under the porcelain. I was extremely concerned before I had my surgery so I bought a pair of surgical grade titanium earrings (I've had pierced ears for years but never wear earrings because of the allergy). I wore them 24/7 and had no issues, so it made me more comfortable with the decision.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am scheduled to attend a seminar March 18th. I want to get the gastric sleeve, but I had a foot surgery in 2000 that used a titanium screw in my foot. A couple days after surgery I broke out in whelps all over my body. I called the surgeon and he contacted the anestheologist. Both of them said that there was no way the reaction was due to the screw. I saw several doctors including allergists over the next few weeks and everyone told me there was no way it was from the titanium screw. I had never had any kind of reaction to jewelry or anything else that would lead me to believe that I was allergic to any kind of metals.

Well long story short, the screw had to be removed before the rash would go away. As soon as the screw was removed the rash started getting better and was gone two days later. I have researched extensively titanium allergy and gastric sleeve and can't find anyone who has had a reaction to the staples. I am just terrified that I will be the one and will have numerous complications because of it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

"Well long story short, the screw had to be removed before the rash would go away. As soon as the screw was removed the rash started getting better and was gone two days later. I have researched extensively titanium allergy and gastric sleeve and can't find anyone who has had a reaction to the staples. I am just terrified that I will be the one and will have numerous complications because of it. "

I know this is an old thread. I'm approaching RNY hopefully by the end of October and have these concerns. I also swell and break out from nickle and hypoallergenic ear rings. I had a screw about 15 years ago as part of an ankle repair that had to be removed 2 years later because it was moving aroind and enlarging the hole in my bone. I later read that this type of issue can be caused by the body rejecting the metal.

I've read of rare cases of allergy to staples, one where the woman just had a lot of random symptoms like joint aches and such.

My body seems to develop intolerances to everything if exposed long enough so I'm nervous.

I've been wearing medical grade titanuim earrings for 4 months with no issue although if I do not take my antihistamine me ears get itchy....not sure what to make of that.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×