I am 2 today!!!!!!!!!

Hey guys. I am so happy that I have come so far. I was at my gastrenterologist because I am anemic and I had a colonoscopy and a endoscope done yesterday and she told me that my pouch is beautiful and it is still tiny and hasn't stretched, as far as my anemia they will send me to a hematologist but the news about my pouch not being stretched was wonderful. How is everyone else doing after 2 years? What can you do now that you couldn't do 3 years ago? I can walk around without feeling like I am going to die, I can run, I can jump, I fit into a size 8, I can wash clothes and finish in the same day cause I don't feel too tired, most importantly I can play with my children, we dance and I don't get exhausted. Happy 2 year anniversary, no Happy 2 year birthday to all of you. Love Annette.

Annette, Happy Anniversary to you too. You are doing GREAT!!!! Hope they can get your anemia under control quickly. Any idea what is causing it? Mary

The anemia is caused by my body not absorbing the iron. I called my surgeon's office and I was told that if I were to get iron intravenously, then I would begin to absorb after my hemoglobin levels go up but they are six hours away from where I live and for me to travel that far would be a hardship right now. That is my only regret is not getting my surgery done closer to home. But they did a wonderful job and I love them for it. I will keep you all updated. Right now I am taking Sloe Fe Iron tablets and they supposedly stay around in your system longer, and I am still taking my Centrum chewables. Each of the pills I take I take 2 tablets, twice daily. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Love Ya. Annette.

I don't know that all who get iron infusions are later able to absorb their iron, I know many from a Yahoo grad group who have to have the infusions on a routine basis. I have my doubts that a slow FE iron tablet would do you much good because of your altered anatomy. We pass things through too quickly and as a rule do not get benefit from timed or slow release products. One iron that I might suggest is Tender Iron (Iron Carbonyl) from Vitalady.com as many post-ops have had excellent luck with it bringing up their iron numbers. I had a ferritin of 12 and have been on that with successful results. I started off taking 300 mg daily (2 divided doses) with vitamin C for best absorption. I assume that you know that iron has to be kept separate from just about everything except C in order to be absorbed. I take one of my doses in the middle of the night and the other first thing in the morning. No calcium within two hours of iron, plus several others things that are not compatible. Is it possible to see a hematologist locally so that you can get treatment faster and be on the road to feeling better much sooner? Sandy

Thanks Sandy, you're the best!!! Mary

Annette, Sandy is a very dear friend of mine. She is extremely knowledgeable and when I saw your post earlier, I sent her the direct link to it. I'm so glad she posted to you. I trust her information as I know she truly had done a great deal of research. Hope you find answers soon along with solutions that will work for you. Hugs, Mary

Thanks Mary and Sandy. I am appreciate the information. That is why I post because I know that people who care will help out when I need it. Thanks again. Annette

Actually, my wife also had issues with iron absorption, and they put her on Niferex, which is OTC, except that you have to ASK for it and they keep it behind the pharmacy counter because it's toxic to kids at that level. The "generic" for Niferex or version that's cheaper (because it's OTC it's not covered by many prescription plans, but MIGHT be covered under a Healthcare Flexible spending plan) is also available at Vitalady, same page as the tender Iron, but about 1/2 the price that I remember Niferex being - Each capsule contains 150mg elemental iron (polysaccharide). Generic for Niferex® This iron is only recommended for someone who is distally bypassed or is known to be anemic. (right from her page). Runs about 23 dollars a bottle and my wife is supposed to take 2 per day, but has helped her out.. I would check with a doc or hematologist, but again, this is supposed to be easier on your system than a lot of the other ferrous compounds.. Best of luck with the iron issues... ...Nick

Thanks I am going to look into it. I am going to print this thread out and take it to the hematologist to see what they suggest they want to begin with. Thanks again. Annette.

I am two too! Two years ago today I went into surgery weighing 331 lbs with diabetes, sleep apneia, and congestive heart failure. Today I weigh 151 lbs, no diabetes or apneia or CHF. I do have problems with potassium deficiencies, anemia, and am suffering the effects of renal insufficiency (not due to the surgery -- due to the diabetes) but those are minor annoyances in light of the freedom I experience by virtue of the WLS. Congratulations on your success.