Blood Donation After Gastric Bypass: Risks & Considerations

Question
I RECENTLY GAVE BLOOD AND I PASSED OUT TWICE ABOUT 5 HOURS AFTER, I HAD GASTRIC BYPASS IN 2002, I WAS ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL AND MY CARDIOLOGIST DID A BUNCH OF TEST TO MAKE SURE IT WASN'T MY HEART WHICH IT WASN'T.  I WAS TOLD I SHOULD NOT GIVE BLOOD BECAUSE MY HEMOGLOBIN WAS VERY LOW AND I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH DEHYDRATION. PREVIOUSLY I WAS TURN AWAY FROM DONATING BECAUSE MY IRON WAS OFF BY A COUPLE OF POINTS, DO YOU THINK I SHOULD TAKE SUBLINGUAL B12 DAILY ?

Answer
Jackie,

Since any one of a number of nutrients could be involved, I would strongly suggest that you go see your doctor and have at least an iron panel with ferritin, a B12 and folate level tested.  If it's been a while, they might also add copper and B1.

It is always best to know before you treat.  If you had low B12, but also low folate, for example, you could create a further imbalance by treating one and not the other.

I hope this helps,

In health,

Dr. Jacques