Question:
Can I donate a kidney as a post-op?

I am 1 year post-op RNY. My mom is in kidney failure and I wanted to give her one of my kidneys but I am not sure if a doctor would do it since I am a gastric bypass patient. Does anyone know if it can be done or not? I don't want to say anything to her and then not be able to do it. Thanks for your help.    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on May 20, 2003)

May 20, 2003
This would be a good question to ask your surgeon or even your mom's surgeon.
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 20, 2003
congrats on your fabulous weight loss stacie!!! im very sorry to hear about your mom's kidney problem. my husband is also suffering from chronic kidney failure, so i know how you feel. you are to be commended for wanting to give her one of your kidneys. if i were you, i would do 2 things. first i would contact the surgeon who did your rny & ask him if it would be safe for you to donate the kidney. second, i would get in touch with your mom's renal specialist, tell him/her what you want to do & that you are a post op wls patient, & you want his/her opinion on whether you are an acceptable donor. if you get the go ahead from them, bear in mind that your mom may refuse to take your kidney & you should not be hurt or insulted by her refusal. she may feel the way my husband & i feel...our children have their own family & if one of them were to give their dad a kidney, they would be unable to donate a kidney to one of their own children should the need arise. i wish you & your mother the very best of luck & health.
   — sheryl titone

May 21, 2003
Thank you for the responses. I will talk to my doctor. Thank you for the advice coming from a mom's point of view. I hadn't even thought about her refusing me. But she is a strong minded woman and that is probaby what she would do. Thank you, I have alot to think about.
   — [Deactivated Member]