Question:
Give plasma a few weeks before surgery OK or Not?

Do you think it's ok when your a few weeks before surgery to give plasma?    — Julie H. (posted on June 24, 2007)

June 24, 2007
This question is definetely for surgeon to answer. You need to be in the best shape possible right before WLS.
   — bob-haller

June 24, 2007
your surgeon needs to answer this question, but in my opion although blood and plasma replenish themselves very quickly i wouldn't, because you need all you can get for surgery and it may increase some of the risks involved with the surgery. hope this helps, holly
   — RNlvnCARSON

June 24, 2007
Julie, you need to check with your surgeon, but I would think no. You need all your blood and properties for your surgery, and the last thing you need is your own body playing catch up when you need those things most. Don't do that to yourself on purpose. Probably 6 weeks out before surgery is ok, but I wouldn't think "a few" to me means 2. Take care. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

June 25, 2007
Unless your surgeon says otherwise, I do not see why not. You replace the volume in a few hours and it is safe to donate plasma every 2 weeks. So unless you have some underlying problem, go for it. It is a great way to help other people.
   — nursenut

June 25, 2007
I agree check with your doctor first. I am 2 years out and I am a blood doner. I have donated whole blood 2 or 3 times since my surgery. I also have donated Plateletts. I have Oneg. blood and there is always a need for it. I have since learned that it is okay to donate the Platletts as often as I want but my Doctor doesn't want me to donate whole blood anymore. My ferinin( iron stores ) levels are way too low and even with taking all the iron I can each day I can't get it up high enough to please the doctor. He said giving he platletts does not dismish the level but whole blood does...not sure what happens when you give just plasma. Ask so you don't risk any complications...getting your fernin level up is hard to do.
   — jpcal