Question:
Has anyone heard that donating blood every 6 wks post-op may be harmful?

I am 3 months post-op and lost 50 lbs so far, feel great, no complications, but I consider myself a "slow loser." Wondering if there is a correlation between donating blood and slow weight loss.    — Judith H. (posted on June 26, 2002)

June 26, 2002
I don't know if there is any correlation between blood donation and slow weight loss, but my doctor and other surgeons I know say that after having gastric bypass one should NEVER donate blood. Bypass patients can become anemic extremely easy. Just thought I would pass this information along. Congrats on your weigt loss. 50 lbs is great!!-Tracey
   — Tracey W.

June 26, 2002
I too was told NEVER to donate blood again. Congrats on your loss.
   — Patty_Butler

June 26, 2002
I have also heard not to donate blood because of possible anemia. I am 5 weeks post op and just got back from my annual gynecologist exam. I found out my iron was low (they said this was common after surgery).
   — sheltie

June 26, 2002
My DOC told me NOT to ever donate blood again.
   — Connie M.

June 27, 2002
I donate blood every 2 months - and the off month I donate platlets. I have never had a problem with my iron levels, even pre-op. I just double up on my flintstones 2 days before and after, just in case. Then again, I did this pre-op. I failed the iron test once (my fault, they called me to do an emergency donation and I hadn't taken my vites recently - like at all). 6 weeks is probably too early - but 3 months should be ok. My doc was surprised I do it, but it is a good way for me to do something good, and monitor my iron and calcium level (when you donate l=platelets they give you an anti-coagulant that binds to calcium, if your levels are low your nose gets tingley)
   — M. A. B.