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"Not Afraid to Give" NSV



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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!

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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.

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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.

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    • LeighaTR

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    • Doughgurl

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      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

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      3. Doughgurl

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      · 0 replies
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    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

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      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
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      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

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