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Nickel allergy and surgical staples

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

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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.

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.

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

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.

  • 7 months later...

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.

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

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

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.

  • 2 months later...
  • Author

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!

  • 11 months later...

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

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.

  • 8 months later...

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.

  • 1 year later...

"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.

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