Can we donate blood?

Has anyone been advised whether we can or can't donate blood? I'm almost 2 years post-op and I would like to start donating again. It's something I did before surgery.

I have an appointment with my GP next week and will check with her but I was curious if anyone here had been told anything.

if your iron levels are ok, i don't see a problem with it. THere's the usual restriction with regard to waiting six months after surgery, but other than that, i can't see why it wouldnt be ok

I am also interested in this....can you post after seeing your doctor? To share what they thought? Thanks!

Will do!

That was one of the questions I "asked my surgeon"! He said the same as Monica.. as long as your iron levels are good :) There is no problem!

Hi,

I called Canadian Blood Services a few months ago to ask about banking my own blood for surgery.  I then asked if it would be possible to donate after the surger.  The Nurse checked their list and said that weight loss surgery doesn't automatically disqualify a donor, but we'd have to meet all the same requirements - iron, blood pressure, etc.  She added that getting clearance from your doctor would be a good first step.

Even if your iron levels are good, consider the fact that RNY'ers don't absorb iron well.  If you donate regularly, you will put pressure on that supply.  Given our poor absorption it may be difficult to replace that supply.   Also, consider if you are still getting your period, that will be another source of iron loss monthly.  

I have given blood regularly since I was 16 years old.  I made the decision not to continue donating as, although my levels were still in the normal range, They dropped significantly over the 2 years since surgery despite iron tabs.  I will wait another couple of years to see where I level off at.

I would be interested to know what your doctor says as well.

Andrea.

I donated last month with no problems 😄

If your hemoglobin is normal they'll let you donate, but as a previous poster said you'll then start to deplete your iron stores if you keep donating.  Many people run borderline iron stores after surgery, so donating isn't easy for them.

If you're interested in donating somewhat regularly, you need to get your ferritin checked to make sure that you aren't out of iron stores.

I just got back my one year labs and the Nurse Partitioner cleared me to donate.