Question:
Has anyone been refused wls because they wouldn't accept blood or blood products?

   — Cynthia B. (posted on August 29, 1999)

August 29, 1999
It is my understanding that this surgery doesn't require any transfusions. That there is little blood lose during this procedure. Therefore, I don't think you should have a problem regarding not accepting blood or blood products. Good luck
   — bperrin

August 29, 1999
If you will not accept blood or blood products of someone else's, what about banking your own blood prior to surgery? This is a practice that is very common today and if you talk to the hospital there should not be a problem. Good Luck
   — Mary Anne M.

August 29, 1999
Cynthia: The subject of this question is (I assume) religious based. No where in the Bible does God say that we cannot receive blood from another person. He does, metaphorically, say that there is life in the blood, referring to his own blood shed for each one of us. He also states that we should not drink blood because, basically, it's not a liquid for drinking. If you had a friend who was dying and your blood matched hers, wouldn't you give her a pint of your blood. God says, no greater love is that than when a brother/sister lays down his/her life for another. What greater sacrifice can one make than giving their blood for another. It is not a sin to give blood; it is just a belief not to give blood. If you need WLS surgery to save your life or at least make it more productive for 30-40 years longer; then you need to possibly change your mind. The tests on blood today are extensive. If you still hold to your belief, then give two pints of your own blood to be held for your own transfusion if need be. God be with you in your decision. Your sister on the other side. Alyce Klingler Postop 6/28/99 50# lost
   — Alyce K.

August 30, 1999
I am a Jehovah's Witness, and do not accept blood. There was no problem with my surgeon. There is minimal blood loss. Are you a witness too? Contact me
   — Kyle C.

September 7, 1999
I will not take blood for religious reasons, and it was no problem. I signed the usual forms releasing the hospital/doctors from liability and everything went fine. email me if you like [email protected]
   — Stephanie S.

September 17, 2000
TO MY KNOWLEDGE THAT ISN'T REASON ENOUGH TO BE DENIED THE WLS. WHY NOT DO AS I DO. I HAVE AB POSITIVE BLOOD. IT'S RARE AND NEVER KEPT ON HAND IN HOSPITALS. USUALLY HOSPITALS WON'T ACCEPT MY DONATING FOR OTHERS. I GO IN ONCE A WEEK FOR 3 WEEKS AND DONATE MY OWN BLOOD. ASK YOUR DOCTOR.
   — SANDI S.

September 18, 2000
hi - yes, my first doctor refused me the day before surgery for not accepting a blood transfusion .. it was discouraging, but my insurance company said that there were plenty surgeons out there, and one would do my surgery bloodless. Dr. Waits performed my surgery and told me not to worry about blood at all as he doesnt believe it is needed in surgery, so he was happy to operate on me!! He told me post op that i only lost after approx 4.5 hours surgery only 2 tablespoons of blood. If u have a good surgeon, you wont need blood at all since this isnt a bloody surgery!!! oh, and i had surgery on friday, was discharged on monday and went to my theocratic school and service meeting that THURSDAY !!! - u will do fine!!
   — Vanessa B.