Donating blood?

I am an A+ donor, which makes me quite valuable (to someone other than my DH and 2 DS's) so I get calls all the time also.  I donate on average once every 3 months and I have just started donating platelets (called aphoresis).  You can donate platelets even if your iron numbers are low, because the blood bank or blood center gives the whole blood back to you.  They actually only take the platelets.  Its kind of cool, takes about 1 hour for a bag ( I generally donate 2) and I am helping out. But the other posters are correct.  Be sure that your labs are current and that you don't have anemia or any other problems.  I have been deferred twice due to a low hemoglobin number (under 12 in women isn't good) but the blood bank gave me some information about how iron binds to your cells and which foods help in that process or hinder the process.  I started following this "meal plan" if you will and I haven't struggles with anemia in the last year.  Before this, I was chronically anemic.  I even needed 2 pints while in surgery for the RNY. So, the bottom line is donate if you can! Enjoy your Saturday!! Anjanette

Thanks to everyone for their replies.  I'm scheduled for bloodwork in connection with annual follow-up with my surgeon.  If everything looks good, I'll call the Red Cross and find out where I can donate.  I appreciate the suggestion about taking a card with the information about all my supplements - that never would have occurred to me!   Thanks again for all the response - I truly appreciate it Kellie

They will test your iron prior to drawing blood.  I just tried to donate and my iron was only 11.5 and had to be 12.5 to be able to give blood.  I think as long as you meet the blood bank's criteria, you should be fine.  They are pretty conservative. Wanda