Do ppl need to be aware that we are banded in case of emergencies?

I noticed when purchasing a medic alert bracelet for my daughter who suffers from Asthma that you can have 'Lapband /no NG tube without scope" or "Gastric By pass/no NG tube with out Scope" engraved into a medic alert bracelet. Is it necessary?

Has anyone come across a medical situation where the EMS needs to be aware of our Bands? Very curious as to what do you's think?

Shell

I havent heard of it. But it doesnt sound like a bad idea... I'll have to ask my doc....

Thanks...

I wear one "just in case". My doctor never said anything about it, but if it can keep someone from causing me stomach problems or causing problems with my band, it's worth it.

I found some great ID bracelets at www.laurenshope.com. I ended up finding a gold bracelet there and then bought a gold charm from another place so it would not "look" like medical ID jewelry.

It is a personal decision, apparently some physicians recommend them and some don't mention it. :cursing:

I asked my doc at my last appt and he didn't feel there was a need for one so guess I'll save the money.

I was told I had to have one. The EMT's need to know that you have a band, because if they insert a nasogastric tube into your body to administer meds or something like that without knowing it could puncture your stomach pouch and cause some major problems.

In fact the back of my bracelet reads: Gastric Lap-Band w/ abdominal mediport no ng w/o scope.

My advice is to get one even if your doctor tells you you don't need it, just in case. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Edited May 20, 200917 yr by TheB

I was given a card to keep in my wallet (next to my driver's license) that says I have a lap band and gives my surgeon's contact information.

I also carry my Lapband Card with my surgeons info on it. Along with my Red Cross card that states my blood type.

I got one from Fashionable Medical Identification Jewelry & Medical ID Bracelets

The way I see it it doesn't hurt to have it.

One quick look at my wrist and they know my medical issues. Time is of the essence in an energency.

I bought one just in case. I have noticed it has come in handy eating out, get discounts, and i have my dr names and number on mine and i have needed his number a few times.....they arent too expensive....

I'm not in the medical field but if I am so bad that I need a tube down my throat then the last thing I want them to worry about is my band and I never really understood the reason for the lapband cards, I figure it was my choice to eat out, why take money out of a restaurants pocket... Again just my opinion, if it works for you great.

Hope everyone is having a nice holiday.

jujuvee, it's not the bands integrity that they are worried about, it's puncturing your stomach. I've always been permitted to order off the kids menu so never needed the card that the surgeon provided me.

That said, I don't have a medical ID but I've often thought of getting one.