Question:
Do AGB patients need a medical alert ID as well?

Do adjustable gastric band patients need to be concerned about blind NG tubes like RNY patients? I am preparing for surgery on, March 3, 2009. A friend mentioned needing a medical alert ID. I searched this site, but all the conversations I found regarding this related to RNY patients. I will be asking my doc at my pre-op on his take, but I wanted to get the opinion of some fellow bandsters.    — lmw9674 (posted on February 13, 2009)

February 12, 2009
I'm sorry Lynn, I'm not much help here. I had an RNY on July 2nd last year but had no nasogastric tube. They did put a tube past my throat so I could breathe if the tissues there closed during surgery. It was that or a trach and I didn't want that at all. You can get medical alert bracelets for anything, even blank ones on the internet. I don't have one, but I have seen them. Dusty @};-
   — Dusty Ray Vaughn

February 13, 2009
I never heard Of that before. But that tube was the worst Thing I have ever felt. to me the tube in my nostril was worst then the surgery
   — yvettetas

February 13, 2009
YES! My husband had RNY about 6 years ago. I just had lapband on 1/29.At bootcamp they told us you should carry a card in your wallet for this reason. My husband and I were both shocked because no one had ever told us this before.If you're ever in an accident and unconscious, it's one of those things they automaticly do.
   — Virginia H.

February 14, 2009
An NG tube is inserted into the stomach to suction out contents or add enteral feedings. Since it cannot get to the stomach, someone might try to force the issue causing a perforation. Blind NG insertion would be a BAD THING.
   — Donna O.

February 14, 2009
Having an Alert Bracelet/necklace is a good idea, yes. I would never recommend only a wallet card, simply because I'm a medic and they are rarely found. Our main concern after reaching an unconscious patient is to maintain life and digging through a wallet takes away vital time. Always recommended that you wear your ID tag on your body as during the Rapid Trauma Assessment, we search every millimeter of your body for injuries and will find the tag. Best wishes to you!
   — Elizabeth J.

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