When I was growing up, my mother made sure I knew of a couple important things
I could always give that cost nothing and give a lot to others...
One, was to never miss a chance to VOTE.
The other was to donate Blood at The Red Cross whenever possible.
I've always followed her lead and felt a wonderful sense of fulfillment by
doing both without fail. That is, until about 3 yrs post-WLS. It seems
my stores of iron finally depleted at that time and I became ineligible to
give blood. Since then, I've struggled to raise my levels to acceptable.
Yesterday, I had my first visit with my new GP and she laid down the law.
Thought you all might be interested to hear what she had to say. She said,
"NO MORE! You are no longer a viable blood donor. EVEN if somehow, you
are able to elevate you blood count to an acceptable level, you will not likely
recover the loss after giving blood, even if you only give only twice a year.
Send them a check. You've done your time." As a muti-gallon donor, it
breaks my heart in some ways but I guess it's something I need to let go of.
I'm sure there are others of you who are up against the same problem.
What she says makes sense and I really doubt that my iron levels will ever
return to normal regardless of taking it w/ vit C... isolated from calcium... etc.
So, there you have it. Unfortunately, WLS moves in all too mysterious ways at times.
Anyone else had to let go of donating blood?

Uh Yeah, Mickeefynn. Geez girl, haven't you heard the expression, "can't get blood from a turnip!?" I used to give blood all the time--had too much, even though I've always been anemic. I'm o negative (the universal giver, doncha know), but now, well...I need all the iron I've got. Can't share what you don't have.

IF I get the hysterectomy (or go through menopause next month, whichever comes first) and IF I start getting the iron infusions (hematologist still hasn't called--it's been 3 weeks), and IF I can get my iron levels up, and make 'em stay up, I"ll let you know straight away.

Everyone has made me so optimistic about the iron infusions. I really have my fingers crossed. As to oral supplements, I like Bariatric Advantage chewables the best. I can almost feel my cells soaking up the iron as I suck on those.

Well here's to the infusions! I anxiously await the results!
I'm off to buy the Bariatric Advantage iron... couldn't hurt. Thanks for the tip!
(and have a great trip)

I have never been able to give blood. I was born with iron deficiency anemia. However, my grandmother taught me just as you were taught so when the need arises, I organize blood drives for people who have leukemia. You would be amazed how much money this saves them and their families. The blood is stored at their hospital in their name for when they need it. Donors don't have to have the same blood type as the recipient because it all goes to a central location and they get 'vouchers' and will receive their type when needed. Ain't technology grand????

I am glad that you brought this subject up because I was just always assuming that since I had had a transfusion that I would no longer be eligible but (after a lovely google search and the red cross website) it seems that if you wait a year and as long as the transfusion was done in the states you are eligible still. My iron levels are fine and the only times that they have been low were due to a bleeding stoma and a D&C after a miscarriage. My levels even recovered relatively quickly after the transfusion so I should be good to go. So now I know that I can donate after I am done feeding the parasite :o) Can only support one person at a time.

smooches xx

Good for you Angie! You take care of that li'l one for now!