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Hi Lizzette:

As far as I know low white blood cells would almost never be caused directly from WLS surgery. Normal white blood cells would be between 4000 and 10,000 per microliter of blood. Low white blood cells below 2500 per microliter of blood can be caused by some of the following:

1. Serious infection some where in the body
2. Manufacturing of white blood cells is compromised some how (bone marrow)
3. Vitamin deficiencies – Get your doctor to check for low Vit D & Vit B ( they normally don't check these – you have to remind them and ask for them to test for Vit levels)
4. Some medications – eg antibiotics (have you had an infection recently & used antibiotics to treat it?)
5. Don't forget viral infections – have you had a bad cold or the flu lately?

There are several other reasons for low white blood cells, but usually uncommon – so for the time being it sounds like you're on the right track with the referral to an Internists. If you're seeing you GP in the next week or so, get him/her to verify that they've checked you blood levels for Vitamin deficiency.

In the mean time, with low white blood cells, you're more susceptible to infections, so stay away from sick people with colds and flues, wash your hands lots, clean and protect any cuts or abrasions you get and if you notice infection signs or symptoms, go to a clinic or you doctor right away.

Ron