Question:
How soon can I give blood after my surgery?

I always try to give blood when the blood drive is here in my area. Its been 6 months since my surgery and I am doing well. Can we still give blood after haveing this surgery and if so how long should we wait? Thanks for any help that you can give me.    — Mary L. (posted on August 21, 2003)

August 21, 2003
hiya~ i was told by my surgeon, that we could never give blood again because of the malaborption of iron, it takes our body too long to replenish itself however i've heard differently from other people's surgeons. i'd recommend asking your own surgeon. good luck, kate ps this is for the roux-en-y surgery,i don't know about other procedures.
   — jkb

August 21, 2003
I Give Plasma instead, there is a real need for that too, and you don't lose your red blood cells.
   — Sonja H.

August 21, 2003
The Red Cross will ask that you wait a year. My doc says wait a year too. I gave blood....no problem. (18 months post-op, -176lbs, starting weight 317, 5'3", open RNY distal)
   — Oldsoul

August 21, 2003
I am nine months post op and had the exact same question so I called the surgeon's office. He said that it would be no problem. I gave blood and was just fine. 276/165/140
   — charlotte W.

August 21, 2003
I'm 6 weeks post op and donated yesterday! The Red Cross representatives were aware of my surgery and accepted me without any problems. They had to spin my iron because it didn't sink in the allowable time. It was a 40 which I was told was very good, they don't except anything lower than a 38. I haven't even introduced vegetables back into my diet but was told my iron is so good because I eat cream of wheat every morning and it's loaded with iron. Happy donating!
   — Shelly R.