POST SURGERY BLOODWORK

I had my surgery three years ago but continue to have bloodwork done about every 4 months to ensure that everything is under control. The latest tests showed that my white blood count was a bit lower than the low range displayed on the lab report and my red blood count was a bit under too. My doctor had me take another test on Friday and I am waiting for the results. Okay, I admit that I stopped taking my multi-vitamins for 6 months but does that have anything to do with it? Please write me if anyone out there experienced this dilema. This time could have been a lab error but the tests 6 months before that were on the low side too but not out of the range. Thanks!!!!!!!!

Don't panic!! First as a fellow WLS patient and support group leader, I say PLEASE get ack on your vitamin/supplement regimen. I have had too many members in my group end up in the hospital for non-compliance and it's not fun. And secondly, as a nursing student, don't concentrate to much on the lab values with the blood cell count - let your doctor do their job and figure out the cause. That stuff is rarely WLS-related. Just get back to taking those VITAMINS!!! They are far too important to ignore!... ~ Monica

A low RBC count could indicate anemia, low b-12 or low folate and those things can be related to WLS!

Of ocurse you can pull up those values individually. My point, however was that this could in fact be WLS related.

Thanks Monica. Can you recommend a good multi-vitamin. I was taking the chewable Flintstones which is probably not a good source at this stage of my post-op. THanks. Shirley

Hi again, Your vits depend on which surgery you had. RNY and DS'ers need bariatric-formulated supplements since these surgeries have a malabsorptive component. Lap-Band and sleeve patients can take a good adult-formulated multi, calcium, and iron supplement. I use Building Blocks vitamins (I had RNY). You can get more information on the BB brand and also vitamin research relating to weight loss surgery at http://www.bbvitamins.com. Other brands include Vista Vitamins and Bariatric Advantage, but I do not have experience with them. HTH, Kristen

Shirley- There is a good resource on-line to help you understand lab tests. At this site you will find detailed descriptions of the various tests and what the results mean. http://www.labtestsonline.org/index.html Good for you for trying to at least get a frame of reference prior to speaking with your doctor. Oft times doing a little research will give you clue as to what the doc is talking about and give you the opportunity to ask better questions -- to get more detailed answers. One thing I have learned after a couple of years on OH is that we are our own best advocates and sometimes we do have to do some of the leg work ourselves. Red

Hi Shirley, White blood cells help fight infection in your body. A normal white blood cell count ranges from 4,500 to 10,000 cells per microliter of blood. A mild decrease in white blood cells below 4,500 cells per microliter doesn't necessarily indicate a serious illness. Some antibiotics also can cause a low count, as does missing out on certain vitamins (like folate). Sometimes the cause of a low white blood cell count can't be determined (idiopathic). Don't sweat it, but *do* take your vits everyday. Try the Google Calendar feature for emailed reminders to your desktop or cellphone. http://www.google.com/intl/en/googlecalendar/tour.html HTH, Kristen