Donating blood

[Berry78 4,259]

I had to cancel my donation because it was too close to my surgery date.

Does anyone know if/when I can donate again in the future? Didn't know if bariatric patients have contraindications for donating...

[joycey100 95]

Some patients after gastric bypass will suffer from Iron deficiency anemia and may require Iron supplementation. If you suffer from this, it would not be a good idea to donate blood. If your blood levels are normal it is not a problem to donate . Hope this helps ?

[joycey100 95]

This is what I also found on a over forums I donated blood for the first time post op at about 6 months out. My Iron was fine. But donating made me more tired than usual. If you do it, I would wait until you are several months post op... and then stay really well hydrated and eat a good meal beforehand

[Berry78 4,259]

Great! Thanks guys. I definitely plan on waiting 6 months or a year to make sure I'm healthy. My Iron normally runs a bit borderline low, so I'll pay extra attention to that.

[Vinasu 621]

I was told never to donate again since we always walk the razor's edge with Iron. Check with your doctor.

[ChantelleR90 1]

I've been a donor since 2007. Here in Canada your hemoglobin has to be 125. I used to attend the clinic every 56 days as that was the mandated time between donations. My hemoglobin hovered around 125... sometimes I'd be rejected for 124... and it currently is 125.

I am telling you all of this for a reason... while your finger prick Iron may be good there is a good chance as a regular donor your ferritin stores are not. Canadian blood services has noticed a decline in ferritin in female donors and has since changed wait time to 84 days instead of 56.

I am one of those people... while I assumed my iron was okay because my finger prick test said so I was horribly mistaken. I have since been told never to donate again.... which breaks my heart as an O- donor. My ferritin is in my boots... and I have been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. (People have died from anemia.... just saying)

What happens to keep that finger prick test looking good is your body goes and takes iron from your stores... when this store depletes you end up anemic....


Less than 24 months ago my ferritin levels were ideal... perfect even. Today they are low to the point of anemia.


Please be careful!

HW - 475
CW - 450
Surgery Date - Feb 13th 2017

[Berry78 4,259]

Oh wow, I had no idea! I'll not make any plans for the forseeable future. I also am an O donor, so it is a shame. I'll try to get my hubby to take my place

[ChantelleR90 1]

Oh wow, I had no idea! I'll not make any plans for the forseeable future. I also am an O donor, so it is a shame. I'll try to get my hubby to take my place

I'm not just talking out of my butt either unfortunately.... I am a health care professional. It's pretty scary stuff

HW - 475
SW - 423
CW - 401.8
Surgery Date - Feb 13th 2017

[Berry78 4,259]

No, I believe you. I could tell you seemed knowlegable. Did I give in too quickly?

[Berry78 4,259]

I should add, my husband has never donated, so to get him to do so would be a challenge/win.

[kimtay 0]

I donated blood for the first time since gastric sleeve one year out last week. My hgb was 13.5 and all Iron labs normal so I was cleared to donate. All went well during the donation but it's been one week, and I've been nauseous and run down since. My standing SBP was 96 today and my ears were burning. I've had episodes of being really cold and hot all week. I'm probably really dehydrated but I've never had this happen before surgery. Makes me nervous to donate again.


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