I read an article today about Bariatric patients wearing medical alert bracelets. Most said something along the lines of:

Jane Doe

Gastric bypass

no NG tube

No NSAIDS/no sugar

Anyone heard of this? Is it common? Do you wear one?

Nope.

I have seen it discussed on the forums, but I don't wear one and my bariatric program never suggested it.

I do have an In Case of emergency screen saver on my phone. My phone is password locked, but you can see 3 emergency numbers and basic data I entered:

My name, city, Gastric sleeve Dec 2001, NKA, DOB XX/XX/xxxx

If you are not diabetic, why would you say no sugar?

I have seen it discussed on the forums, but I don't wear one and my bariatric program never suggested it.

I do have an In Case of emergency screen saver on my phone. My phone is password locked, but you can see 3 emergency numbers and basic data I entered:

My name, city, Gastric sleeve Dec 2001, NKA, DOB XX/XX/xxxx

If you are not diabetic, why would you say no sugar?

not sure on the sugar thing actually, I just saw multiple that said it. The phone screen saver is a smart idea

That's odd because you can place a NG tube, the only time you wouldn't want to would be within the first 6 weeks of healing due to the staple line but after that it's not going to cause a problem. No sugar is off too because sugar isn't going to hurt you, not any amount that would be needed during an emergency and NSAIDs aren't preferred but in an emergency situation it wouldn't kill you either. Maybe that's for a brand new patient who's stomach haven't healed?

Yeah, idk. I was thinking the same thing. When I Googled and found a handful of sites about it, I assumed that it must be somewhat common... but I've never heard of this before.

Yes, I wear one. It says GASTRIC SLEEVE - NO NG On the inside flip there is a paper that gives emergency contact s, my primary doctor's phone number and preferred hospital. Since I have already had a stroke and have balance issues. I also wear a life alert pendant and fall detector.

I don't wear an ID bracelet, but I have a medical alert notice on my driver's license. Then behind my driver's license I have a card that lists my allergies and that I had sleeve surgery.

I got medical alert dog tags

I wear one that says "Gastric Bypass, No NSAIDS, No Sugar, No Blind NG Tube" Having dealt with medical emergencies before, I want anyone who is dealing with an emergency concerning me, if I can't answer questions, to know as much about me as possible in just a few words. I don't know how much sugar it would take to cause me to have an episode of dumping. I do know that during an emergency is not the time to find out. Chances are, it could cause confusion in trying to make a diagnosis. I don't want to take a chance with the NSAIDS. Why risk the bleeding that they might cause? As for the no blind NG tube, I have read stories by people who have had their pouch ruptured by medical personnel who were expecting a normal sized stomach. Call me paranoid, but I'm not willing to take any chances. I'd rather wear a medic alert bracelet and not risk having more problems caused by medical personnel who don't know about the change in my anatomy! My surgeon's office didn't say to wear one, but when they noticed that I wore a bracelet, said that they were glad I had one.

Ok from my paramedic sister--

You can do an NG tube just not a BLIND NG tube, it needs to be guided by ultrasound imaging because the stomach isn't as expected.

BUT she also says there is no reason she can think of that emergency personnel would have to do an NG tube in the field. It's for feeding, feeding is rarely needed in order to stabilize a patent in an emergency situation.

Also, yeah no NSAIDS long term bc it can irritate the stomach/cause ulcers/whatever, but again it's not poison or life threatening if it's given. And again, if they are giving pain relievers in the field it ain't NSAIDS, it's something a tad stronger.

Sugar? Again not life threatening, in fact I have sugar by choice on occasion, yes even real refined sugar. May threaten my weight but not my life.

Medic alert bracelets are to help EMERGENCY personnel in life threatening situations. In my surgeons opinion, my paramedic sisters opinion and my opinion bariatric patients don't need one.

But hey, I don't think it can hurt, but it may take a few minutes of the paramedics attention away from me when I need it most to read that they can't put in a feeding tube or give me Advil. I don't wear one.

I work in an ER. NG tubes are NOT just for feeding. They are also used to empty the stomach. If someone comes in with suspected overdose or something like that, they will be getting an NG to get the stuff out of their stomach. There are many other Emergency reasons for NGs

I had to get a bracelet for another health reason. they asked me questions about my medical history and the VSG came up, they suggested it also be on the bracelet. It just says "VSG/Gastrectomy" along with my other medical info.

They give you SUGAR in emergency situations?

If so, I need a medical alert bracelet that says DARK chocolate, PLEASE!

I wear one become I have severe allergies that can lead to anaphylaxis. Since there is a possibility of being intubated if I have a bad attack, I upgraded my medical alert bracelet. A few years back I had an attack, went to the ER and was intubated & placed in a medically induced coma. Now I don't want to take any chances. I also carry a wallet card as well.

I wear one too that just indicates Gastric Bypass, the surgery date and Dr Office #. I also have some allergies to antibiotics and a bleeding disorder discovered pre-op. My Dr Office said it was good to have but they don't mention having one.