i have been a regular, monhly platelet donor for about 3 years (they like my a-negative blood). i've been doing the low-carb thing since aug 07 and lost 46 pounds by the time i was banded in feb 08. i've lost 41 more since then.

just recently, (april and then again in june) i've not been able to donate because of a low pulse (44 and 48 bpm where the minimum is 50).

has anyone else encountered issues with their blood pressure, Iron levels, or pulse when donating blood or blood products?

Are you taking any blood pressure medication? Maybe you don't need it anymore........

no, i take no medication.

I had problems with low iron pre-banding several times in a row. Took a while but I came around. Never heard of a problem with low pulse rate. Hmm. I was also banded in Feb '08 lost about the same amount.

I'm excited come August I'll be able to donate again! (my Dr wanted me to wait 6 months after surgery).

I do platelets and/or whole blood donations, and while I was having low Iron issues pre-banding, I've been so focused on my Protein intake (and now eat red meat more often than before) that I'm acing the iron part now! No problems at all for me -- did double platelets last week.

Your pulse does sound pretty low. Have you mentioned that to your doctor?