I haven't had my RNY yet, (scheduled for July 1st). I am the cook and baker of the family and I have been thinking about what could happen (dumping) if I absentmindedly taste things while cooking...or worse...baking. I was thinking maybe a cheap box of ear-looped dust masks from the drug store might be the answer to prevent this. Any thoughts? Also, I was wondering if there is a card or bracelet indicating you are a WLS patient in case of emergency (for EMT's) or to show at eateries so maybe you can be charged less for a smaller portion. And lastly, don't you think your local gyms or YMCA's should offer WLS folks a discount? Just sayin.

The mask could work for you.

My surgeon has a card he gives patients to be able to order kids meals or a senior discount due to surgery.

I carry that with me when we go out.

Now onto getting medical alert necklace or bracelet just like a diabetic would wear. They are available from the same companies just put on there your info.

Good luck with your surgery.

I do 90% of the cooking in our house, but the absolute fear of dumping syndrome is always at the forefront of my thoughts, so I don't have to worry about absent-mindedly tasting anything!

Most surgeons give their patients a card that you can show to restaurants when you go out to eat. The one I have also has a bit of emergency info on it.

You can order a medic-alert type bracelet with any info you need to include on it. Those are pretty helpful in an emergency situation.

I do 90% of the cooking in our house, but the absolute fear of dumping syndrome is always at the forefront of my thoughts, so I don't have to worry about absent-mindedly tasting anything!

Most surgeons give their patients a card that you can show to restaurants when you go out to eat. The one I have also has a bit of emergency info on it.

You can order a medic-alert type bracelet with any info you need to include on it. Those are pretty helpful in an emergency situation.

I was afraid of dumping too. After a year I still didn't know if I would dump because I was too afraid to try anything they warned me against. But a few days ago I ate some maple baked Beans - I didn't eat much but it must have had just enough sugar in it - and I dumped. The experience was as bad as they say it is. I have mixed feelings about it. I'm more fearful of dumping again. But I'm happy to know it can happen and fear of it happening again w/help keep me on track. :-)

Thanks for the comments, and terry1118, I am sorry to hear about your dumping episode. If it is anything like a bad diabetic reaction, I have a pretty good idea. I believe it will remain my deepest fear about this surgery. However, I guess it is also what helps keep us in check. =)

I haven't had my RNY yet, (scheduled for July 1st). I am the cook and baker of the family and I have been thinking about what could happen (dumping) if I absentmindedly taste things while cooking...or worse...baking. I was thinking maybe a cheap box of ear-looped dust masks from the drug store might be the answer to prevent this. Any thoughts? Also, I was wondering if there is a card or bracelet indicating you are a WLS patient in case of emergency (for EMT's) or to show at eateries so maybe you can be charged less for a smaller portion. And lastly, don't you think your local gyms or YMCA's should offer WLS folks a discount? Just sayin.

Steve there are lots of sites for medical bracelets. I ordered mine yesterday. http://www.americanmedical-id.com has some pretty simple ones. and this site has some very fashionable ones. http://www.laurenshope.com

I put:

my full name

Gastric bypass 6/4814 (date of surgery)

No Blind NG Tube

No NSAIDS/ No Sugars

Dr. Smith 555-555-5555

I was worried about the EMT's not looking at them but my nephew is an EMT and they are trained to always check out the jewelry. that made me feel better.

Sorry if this is stupid question - but I am new to all of this ( have not had the surgery yet) - why would you need a medic bracelet?

Well, Roostertail2, I was concerned that in case of an emergency, things could get worse if EMT or any medical personal did not know, and lets say, pumped your stomach or gave you any thing that is going to make you vomit. Even dosages might be different. I worked 15 years in a major hospital, and I guess that is what made me think of it.

What about CT scans and such? With having staples doesnt this mean you couldnt have one in the future? Wonder how that would work if something happened that caused you to need one?

I can see your point -

OH....I wasn't even thinking about staples! Sorry. My RNY will be done with dissolving sutures, but you are right that is a very important point. I have since found out that many surgeons do issue cards so WLS patients can pay less for smaller portions. Yay!

Edited June 19, 201412 yr by Steviefan1

On my bracelet I have no lavage/no gavage.

We are rewired and emergency staff needs to know not pump our stomachs or feed our stomachs like they would normal people. Lauren's hope bracelets are nicer but pricey when you add the costs up but I figured it is a one time deal.