Question:
has anyone giving their own blood incase it's needed? should i do so?

please respond to me [email protected] thanks    — tondra W. (posted on November 29, 2001)

November 29, 2001
I did and although the Dr ordered 2 units I could only give one as my hemoglobin was low. I did not need the blood so it was discarded. I do think that was a waste but if I had surgery again I would donate again. I am Type O neg and there is always a high need for that blood type. since I am unable to donate for others I think that donating for myself at least prevents a drain on the community blood supply and preserves the O neg for others who need it. I have been told that there is usually very little bleeding with the gastric bypass and that it is a very clean operation. Kathy
   — kathleen S.

November 30, 2001
I think you should look into it. I had to get a transfusion while in the hospital and it really ups your medical bills. (I was self-pay) If you donate the blood then you won't be charged for it. I had to have two units transfused because of low hemoglobin i think it was
   — Jennifer H.

November 30, 2001
Prior to my surgery, I asked about this. My surgeon ensured me that I wouldn't need a transfusion...no one does for this type of surgery. Wrong! I had a gastric bleed and needed 4 units of packed cells! Granted...they wouldn't have banked 4 units of my blood....so I would have needed stored blood anyway. But, I think anyone having should bank some of their own blood. I
   — [Anonymous]

December 2, 2001
If possible, yes, donate your own blood. I considered doing this before surgery, but, "never got around to it". I figured I was overreacting! I did run into some complications and needed a blood tranfusion. Better safe than sorry. Good Luck to you!
   — Donna S.

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