Your opinion on wearing a medical alert tag for lap band?

[emtstacey76]

Do you think wearing a medical alert tag for us is a good idea? Obviously I'm board and browsing ebay, i think I could deal with an anklet

http://cgi.ebay.com/LAP-BAND-Necklace-Medi...86.c0.m14.l1318

[julieburns]

Interesting thought. I couldn't open the page you posted though. I don't even wear one and I am diabetic.....don't tell anyone!!(mild type II)

[Phoenix]

I can't think of one.

A band doesn't indicate an allergy of meds, it's not likely to make me unconscious (like diabetes can), not likely to cause an irregular heartbeat....no issues with lung function or heart function...

If it's a band complication, chances are outstanding that even if I'm sliming like a slug, I can still talk. They'll do an x-ray long before a GI scope....they'll know if I can't talk.

Thinking hard...why would they pump my stomach? OD? Medic Alert not needed in that case.

If it's something like a car accident, industrial accident, stabbing or shooting...I'll be naked with notable scars...and neither blood, nor EGKs, nor chest compressions would be any big deal. Even a rib spreader would merely expose the band, but unless they're removing shrapnel or making stomach sutures...no reason (for them) to worry about it.

I dunno. I can't think of a situation where the band would be troublesome, unless there is damage to the stomach directly...and by that time, they'll know, won't they?

[emtstacey76]

If you were taken into the ER it would be good if you were unconcious and they had to put a tube down your nose into your stomach, this way they won't do it blind

[Phoenix]

Hmmmmmmmmm. Food for thought.

(why would they put a tube down my nose and into my stomach in the ER?)

[julieburns]

Even if they did tube you, you have plenty of room through your pouch and the band for the tube to pass.

[Kittycat]

My clinic provides wallet cards that provide the band info, just incase of emergency.

[Chrissyw]

I think wallet cards are the way to go. I treat people with defibrillators and or other types of cardiac implants and they do not wear alerts they all carry (or are supposed to carry) wallet cards.

Good luck

Christine

[nothereanymore]

If your surgery is performed by Dr Ortiz you are provided with a wallet card that includes needed information (including what type of band you have).

[DiamondJim]

I wear a medical I.D. bracelet since I was banded.