Hi everyone!

I used to donate blood and platelets on a regular basis before my surgery. How soon do you think is appropriate to wait after surgery (it's almost been 4 months), if ever? Of course I will have to read up on the Red Cross' website for their guidelines for after a surgery, but any ideas on the lap band side of things? Any of you regular donators?

I would guess that the answer to that question depends on each individual and their current health state. I would first talk to your surgeon and your PCP and get their thoughts. If they think it's ok, check with the American Red Cross or your local blood bank to see what their guidelines are.

By the way, thank you for donating! So many eligible donors don't see the need for it but, working in an ICU, I see every day how it saves lives.

I'll be interested to hear -- I like to give blood when I can. My husband is a very regular donor. Has quite the t-shirt collection! He always feels great afterward and thinks it has to do with lowering his iron levels. Plus it just feels good to help out. He is some one who has used a lot of blood bank blood in his time and it feels good to give back. Thanks for being a donor!

I donated blood 9 months after being banded and I was fine. It felt good to donate blood again.

I am not sure, but I did donate since I have had my lapband. It never occurred to me that I could not. I think the guidelines from Red Cross is like 1 year from surgery, but I am not sure. i don't think there is a problem unless your own health would forbid it. Karen..aka.kll724