Donating blood?

Have any of you donated blood after WLS?  I've thought about it, but am concerned because we can be prone to developing anemia.  I'd like to donate, but do not want to possibly do something that's harmful to myself.  I would appreciate any insight or information my OH buds can offer - thanks. Kellie

Hi Kellie, I was cleared by my surgeon and primary to donate, even though I have some unique iron issues.  Right now, I'm low on iron, and not donating until those levels come up again, which will be some time because I'm having a hysterectomy in May.  I really like donatingl, because I can help someone!

Thanks for the response, Jennie.  I'm due for my annual blood work in a couple weeks, followed by an annual follow-up appointment with my surgeon.  If my iron numbers look good in my bloodwork, I'll double check with him to make sure he thinks it's okay.  I'd like to be able to donate and the Red Cross comes to my office pretty regularly, so it's even convenient to do so.   Thanks again for the response!  I hope you have an easy recovery from your hysterectomy in May!!! Kellie

I think waiting until after your blood work is the way to go and exactly what I was going to suggest.

Great minds think alike, Jen!  I called my surgeon's office today and they've put in the order for my bloodwork.  I won't get the results until my appointment on May 5th, but I'm really hoping everything is good.  I'm great about taking my supplments, plus I eat a nice variety of fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy, and I feel great, so I'm hoping that the bloodwork just shows everything is a-okay.   I've seen some posts recently about other folks who are 2-3 years out that feel fine, but some of their labs are really off kilter because of the malabsorption.  I'm hoping I'm not one of them, but as a Libra I must have something to worry about, so I'll focus on this for a while...   I'll try to remember to create a post about what my doc says about donating blood after my 5/5 appointment.   Kellie

HEY KELLIE,        I HAD NEVER GIVEN BLOOD IN MY WHOLE LIFE UNTIL LAST YEAR AND DONE GREAT. MY GRANDSON WAS GONNA GET A BLOOD DROP BEANIE BABY AT HIS SCHOOL IF I GAVE LOL... SO WHATCHA GONNA DO... THIS YEAR THOUGH I WAS GONNA GET HIM A RUBBER JELLY FISH YOYO FROM HIS SCHOOL BUT DIDNT PAN OUT LIKE I WANTED. MY IRON WAS TO LOW. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD ISSUES WITH IT BEING JUST RIGHT. BUT IT IS SUCH A GREAT FEELING TO HELP OTHERS...I TOLD MY HUSBAND WHEN THE GRANDAUGHTER GOES TO SCHOOL HE IS GONNA HAVE TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE TO THEN. I CAN ONLY GIVE SO MUCH BLOOD FOR TOYS LOL.. MY DAUGHTER CANT DO IT... SHE IS A PAINTING TYPE LOL..... HUGS MARGE