Donating blood

Hello! One of my favorite things to do is donate blood, something about it makes me feel like a hero. Has anyone donated before and after weight loss surgery?? Was your experiences different than before the surgery? I know a common trend after surgery is having low iron so many people wouldn't be able to donate, but just curious

FYI, you are a hero if you donate blood. Blood donors have saved my life many times over the last nine or ten years. I am so grateful for every single drop of donated blood. So thank you, very much, for doing that.

I'll never be able to donate and never have been able to. It will be interesting to see the feedback you get.

I can no longer donate blood because of low iron, but stopped immediately after surgery. My iron count stayed good for about five years, then dropped to where I need infusions. I would suggest holding on to what iron you have after RNY.

My Bariatric team mentioned something about not being able to donate blood. It honestly depends how long youve been out of surgery and how your iron is looking. Best to ask your doctor. It could take longer for your body to recover from giving blood.

I have been a regular blood donor and continued to donate after my surgery. Practically speaking, there was zero difference before and after; Red Cross didn't even ask about my surgery. I would bring my own snack, instead of eating the cookies they provided.

At about 3 years out, I developed low iron, and my hematologist said I should stop donating.

I was, however, cleared to donate platelets, which I have also done in the past. I have type A+ blood, so they really like me to come in! If you haven't done it, look it up-- you basically chill out in a chair and watch a movie for 2 or 3 hours while you're hooked up to a machine.

Don't some places pay you for platelets? I'm o positive so they bug me often to donate.

I think it's plasma that's normally done in exchange for cash. I've only ever done platelets through the Red Cross, and they give me swag (t-shirts, coffee mugs, etc.) instead. :)

Is it sad I choose to donate at the times they are giving the t-shirts out ?

It's against federal law to pay for anything that's going to be put into another person -- blood, organs, etc. A few places pay for plasma, but only what's used for scientific research, not transfusion.

I can't donate because of my injectable RA med Humira but my hubby goes and give platelets every couple weeks. He is O negative and enjoys doing it. He says its a chance to eat snacks,watch tv and do something to help someone in need.