Can't believe I don't know this. Giving blood post-op?

Cleopatra_Nik
on 5/29/12 4:12 am - Baltimore, MD

I am four years out but in the past I'd refrained from giving blood because...???

(I don't know why...I just did! But nobody ever told me NOT to give blood.)

Is there any good reason I should not give blood? Or should I check with my doctor? I have AB- so they are always after my blood and there is a drive coming up so I figured I'd finally put this question to rest in my head.

RNY Gastric Bypass 1-8-08 350/327/200 (HW/SW/CW). I spend most of my time playing with my food over at Bariatric Foodie - check me out!

poet_kelly
on 5/29/12 4:13 am - OH

RNY on 11/04/08

I've heard different opinions on this. My personal opinion is that if you've had labs done recently and know you're levels are all good, there's no reason not to give blood.

Kelly

Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR. If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor. Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me. If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her. Check out my blog.

Cleopatra_Nik
on 5/29/12 4:22 am - Baltimore, MD

RNY on 01/08/08

My D levels always sit low but I've been taking the amp'd up supply (50,000 additional IU per week). Other than that all other levels are good.

RNY Gastric Bypass 1-8-08 350/327/200 (HW/SW/CW). I spend most of my time playing with my food over at Bariatric Foodie - check me out!

wendydettmer
on 5/29/12 4:13 am - Rochester, NY

RNY on 12/22/11

i've heard different opinions. my doc said if i'm anemic then no, otherwise after a year then it should be fine

Follow my vegan transition at www.bariatricvegan.com
HW:288 CW:146.4 GW: 140 RNY: 12/22/11

Laura in Texas
on 5/29/12 4:18 am

RNY on 09/17/08

I've always wondered, too!! And I do give blood. They check iron levels before you donate. I also think of it as a free iron check

Laura in Texas

53 years old; 5'7" tall; HW: 339 (BMI=53); GW: 140 CW: 170 (BMI=27)

RNY: 09-17-08 Dr. Garth Davis

brachioplasty: 12-18-09 Dr. Wainwright; lbl/bl: 06-28-11 Dr. LoMonaco

"May your choices reflect your hopes and not your fears."

Cleopatra_Nik
on 5/29/12 4:21 am - Baltimore, MD

RNY on 01/08/08

LOL. Well there is that too...

RNY Gastric Bypass 1-8-08 350/327/200 (HW/SW/CW). I spend most of my time playing with my food over at Bariatric Foodie - check me out!

hedrider
on 5/29/12 4:40 am - Midlothian, TX

RNY on 03/29/10

They only check your H&H, not your iron levels. You should really know both before trying to give blood.

Heather
Since 2008 my team has raised over $42,000 to fight breast cancer.

Cleopatra_Nik
on 5/29/12 5:08 am - Baltimore, MD

RNY on 01/08/08

Our Red Cross always checks our iron. And I've been turned away (which really seemed to pain them) when my levels weren't up to snuff.

RNY Gastric Bypass 1-8-08 350/327/200 (HW/SW/CW). I spend most of my time playing with my food over at Bariatric Foodie - check me out!

PMarie
on 5/29/12 4:29 am - Bloomington, MN

RNY on 08/20/08

Blood centers will check your hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, not iron. If your H and H are above limits, you are cleared to donate.

jujubee4224
on 5/29/12 4:34 am

RNY on 04/09/12

I was told before surgery that I should not donate blood after my RNY. Maybe that changes after we achieve maintenance and are able to eat more calories.

Can't believe I don't know this. Giving blood post-op?

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Can't believe I don't know this. Giving blood post-op?