Today the family and I went to the mall to do a little shopping, the Red Cross was there doing a blood drive. I walked passed at first afraid to ask if I would be able to after having surgery. When I walked by again, by this time i have eaten and was feeling brave, so I stopped and asked if I could talk to the doctor to ask her a few questions. I told the doctor i had vsg and ask if i was able to still donate? She asked first if it has been more than 6 months (check) and if i was feeling fine (check)! Five minutes later the doctor nurse pulls me back to check my vitals and to ask 100 questions. First she ask me my name, then the dreaded question, my weight, but this time I didn't lie! Haha. Then she checks my temperature, normal, then my pulse, it was like 96! I was a bit nervous because while I was waiting I literally saw a guy go into convulsions, but that's besides the point! Haha! Then the fun part! She uses the SMALL blood pressure cuff to check my BP and then my BP was an AMAZING 102 over 70. If she wasn't a doctor, I would have made her do it again! Haha. The grand finale, I was able to give blood without any problems! No convulsions for this lady!

I try to donate blood as often as I can. In October of 2009, I tried to donate and was turned away. They took my BP and it was in the 165/125 range. I had never had High Blood pressure and was advised to see my Dr ASAP. I did, he put me on medication, I was able to keep it in the 140/90 range still a little high. Had to have my meds changed due to a persistent cough. Got that taken care of but the little guy in my pants wasn't as happy as he should be. It was at that Dr visit I asked about WLS. My doctor said he not only thought it was a good idea but recommended it. Needles to say every time I have my BP taken now it is in the 117/73 range no more meds. If it wasn't for blood donation, I quite possibly would have had a stroke or heart attack and not be here today.

Great for you both. I haven't donated in awhile because I always have my kids with me and I don't feel like yelling at them while trying to donate. Good that they caught your HTN and that WLS is working for you. Congrats.

I try to donate blood as often as I can. In October of 2009, I tried to donate and was turned away. They took my BP and it was in the 165/125 range. I had never had High Blood pressure and was advised to see my Dr ASAP. I did, he put me on medication, I was able to keep it in the 140/90 range still a little high. Had to have my meds changed due to a persistent cough. Got that taken care of but the little guy in my pants wasn't as happy as he should be. It was at that Dr visit I asked about WLS. My doctor said he not only thought it was a good idea but recommended it. Needles to say every time I have my BP taken now it is in the 117/73 range no more meds. If it wasn't for blood donation, I quite possibly would have had a stroke or heart attack and not be here today.