I was wondering if there is a card that says "I am a lapband patient" or something like that, and we could show it at restaurants, so we can order small portions or child plates or whatever? I was especially thinking of buffets...I'd like to have what I want, but it seems silly to pay a high price when I know I will only eat a very small amount. Anyone ever get a card, like a medical alert, or anything like that?

Cindy

My doctor gave me two cards that were provided by Inamed. It is a patient id card and had my doctors name and number on the back. The front says that this person has an AGB implanted around the stomach to assist in weight loss. Cautions should be taken when perscribing potentially ulcerogenic meds or performing any gastric or abdominal procedure. Maximum fill volume is 4cc. This person can eat only small portions of food at a time (half a cup or 3-4 ounces).

If you have an Inamed band, then I would think your doctor should also have these cards to provide to you.

Take care,

Oh my that is a good idea! They should have that and give it to all lapband patients. Good idea

My doctor gave me two cards that were provided by Inamed. It is a patient id card and had my doctors name and number on the back. The front says that this person has an AGB implanted around the stomach to assist in weight loss. Cautions should be taken when perscribing potentially ulcerogenic meds or performing any gastric or abdominal procedure. Maximum fill volume is 4cc. This person can eat only small portions of food at a time (half a cup or 3-4 ounces).

If you have an Inamed band, then I would think your doctor should also have these cards to provide to you.

Take care,

Thanks for the info ! I will have to check that out !!! do you know if the port will cause the alarm to go off in the airport????

Hey, you're right...I did get a couple of cards like that in my packet at the seminar! I think I'll get them laminated, so they hold up longer. Has anyone tried using them at a restaurant?

Thanks everyone!

Cindy

I have one that was made up from the new start program and it says im a lapband patient and to please allow child portions or smaller portions. It also has a 1-800 number on it just in case i am in a accident and they need more information on the band.

Yup, me too. Dr gave me two cards with Dr's name and number and all the info for me to carry in my wallet.

Just pulled out the laminated ID card that Dr. Ortiz gave me. It has my photo, name and his contact info on the front. On the back it says "this person has an INAMED adjustable gastric band implanted around the stomach to assist in weight loss. Caution should be taken when prescribing potentially unlcerogenic medications or performing any gastric or abdominal prodecures. Restauranteer: Please note this patient should be authorized to order from the kids menu, sampler or only appetizers. Band size 10cm/Maximum fill volume 4cc. Caution: Fills should be performed by authorized personnel only.

It also lists his name and phone# for questions.

If your doctor did not give you something like this, I would encourage you to print this out and bring it on your next fill. I keep this card next to my drivers license in case of emergency. (and hey, when the police think we are using fake ID since we no longer look like our license photo we can show them the card!)

I have the same card as Barbara from Dr. Ortiz

So, how does it go when you show it to the wiater/waitress? Are the restaurants very willing to make adjustments in portions or price? Any stories? And thanks for all the great feedback...I love learning here!

Cindy

I got a card as well - but Ive never had to show anyone for ordering smaller food portions. Usually the restaurant takes my word about having wls.

My mom had the regular gastric bypass a few years ago. Her surgeon gave her a card to carry stating the procedure she had done, her surgeons name and # and that she can only consume small/child size portions. She has used it on several hundred occasions and has never complained to me about anyone not accepting it.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=6942&highlight=medic+alert

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=992&highlight=medic+alert

Here are tow threads about medic alert bracelets that you all might find interesting. They have links, etc. and some great comments.

BTW, I received an Inamed card from Dr Kuri with band info and his name and phone number for emergency contact if needed. Keep it in my wallet next to my Drivers Lisence. But read the medic alert threads, interesting!!

As for restaurants, I like to take home leftovers so a full portion is fine with me...I just make a few meals out of it! I have considered using my Band ID card at the buffet at the beach when we go. An adult buffet is usually $25! Now THAT'S when I'd be interested in "pulling rank" with my band. There is NO WAY I could eat $25 bucks worth of food at a buffet!

That's fantastic! I know I'm in lap band boot camp, but I like to think of the days ahead when I can enjoy some solid food, and I even though I do not often eat out, I enjoy it when I get the chance! I have a friend with celiac disease, and we've found the restaurants to be really agreeable about helping her order.

I am only on soft food, but I showed my card and they only charged me $2.50 for the child's cost buffet. I will pull rank anytime

I have traveled and it did not set off the airport alarms - they do say that the wand might catch it. My Dr. told me that it is titanium?? in the port, so it shouldn't set off most metal detectors -

If you go to obesityhelp.com you can print out restaurant cards. It't under quick links on the bottom of the page.

I also would rather take home leftovers, so I have never used my card.

I carry information about my band in my wallet but I also wear a mecical ID bracelet. If you are in a accident, the paramedics will not look in your wallet unless directed there by a ID bracelet.

Hope this helps.