Giving blood

[Eve30]

Hi- I was wondering if anyone has given blood post op and if its ok? Had appointment and forgot to ask! I called the blood donor numner and they weren't sure so thought I would find out if anyone is a blood donor and has given since op and how long after- thanks

 

[Fading Grace]

Here's something that a doctor said but I'm not sure so best bet is to investigate more

"Usually, before you donate blood, they do a little screen for anemia. However, this screen only really tells them if your circulating blood is OK - not whether your storage is good (which at 2 years post op it may not be). This screen also doesn't tell you how your B12 or folate stores are. You need good iron stores to make new cells after you donate blood - and healthy levels of some of these other nutrients as well.

While I have not seen anything formal suggesting that gastric bypass patients should not give blood, I am beginning to think it may not be a good idea.

I think I am going to also pose this questions to some other experts to hear their opinions and experience.

In Health,

Dr. Jacques

I guess if you can get your blood tested and the results are good then maybe it will be Ok. I'd also like to give blood now that I've lost weight so I will be investigating this myself at some point

 

[Gnomes]

Other than having to wait 6 months after your op, assuming your iron levels are fine, then yes please give!

I'm had no problems at all giving

 

[Eve30]

Ok I had a sleeve not bypass so thought maybe iron levels aren't affected as much and my last blood tests were all ok so would love to start again

 

[dottydalmation]

My surgeon said that they would not be keen to accept my blood anymore due to the malabsorption of vits etc.