Donating Blood Post-Op

[Sleeved3.29.17 19]

Can you donate blood post-op? How many months should you wait before doing so?

[Berry78 4,261]

We seem to get mixed reviews on this one. Some of us can without trouble, but you might want to run the question by your doc.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

I don't think you would be able to eat enough calories to get your strength back and not feel light headed before the 1 year mark. Maybe 9 months. It definitely shouldn't be something you try before you can eat 1200 calories a day at least, every day.

Still this is a question best reserved for your Dr.

[Diana_in_Philly 1,426]

I did at both 6 and 9 months post op, but I'm over the 3 gallon mark, lifetime, with Red Cross. I'm an O neg and get called every 6 weeks. I drank extra Water both before and after and brought my own "snack" that was Protein rather than the juice and Cookies that are usually offered. At 9 months I did packed red blood cells. Check with your team, but I think a lot of it has to do with how your body reacted to donating blood before surgery.