Went to the E.R.

Hi everyone, I had to make a trip yesterday to the E.R., I was playing with my new puppy (tea cup terrier) and went to kick a small ball down the hallway and hit the corner of the wall > breaking 2 of my toes...OOOUCH! I had them do blood work when I was there and eveything came back within normal range except the doc told me I was Anemic????? Is anyone else anemic post-op? He said it was common to be anemic for wls patients, because we cant process and sustain all the iron we need, he said it has to be watched or the levils can go so low a transfusion would be needed. I am worried now, I havnt had any complications so far and I dont want to have any, I still havn't found a doc here in Florida to take over my care since moving back from N.Y. due to ins. issues, but I will be looking for one soon. Can someone please tell me other than my one a day vitamins, right food choices , b-12 shot, calcium, what I should be taking to improve this anemia. Thanks and have a nice day Hugz Mary

Hi, Mary....Sorry about the ER trip. What vitamins are you taking? I take vitamins 4 times a day...the Optisource chewables especially formulated for bariatric patients. I also take 2 calcium lozenges (Bariatric Advantage) a day...again, formulated for bariatric patients. I have compared the composition of these vitamins to others (some people say Flintstone vitamins like you give the kids) but I find these to have much more to them. I had a calcium problem at first, but when I switched to the Bariatric Advantage, it got better. I have not needed any b-12 shots at all. I guess we are all different and what works for one may not work for another. Hope you feel better soon!!! Joanie

Hi Joanie, I am taking a womans one a day from walmart, I am on a very limited budget and really cant afford the xtra cost of special vitamins for us. I wish I could but I am raising 3 lil' girls and there making me broke!...lol The Pharmasist told me a one a day should do the trick, and recomended Nu-Iron. I will be getting some tomorrow , thanks for the advise Hugz Mary

It was great talking to you. I miss you on the boards and talking to you on the phone. Stay in touch GF

Martha as always I luv talking to you, :hug: I miss you also, Best of luck G/F. I will keep us both in my Prayers Hugz Mary

Hi Mary; I hope that the foot heals quickly. I agree with Joanie that maybe you are having trouble with the vitamins you are taking. I understand what you are saying about the cost. I have been taking "Centrum Chewables" along with calcium supplements and B12 tablets and my bloodwork, so far, has been perfect. The Centrums are one a day, but my nutritionist has me taking one in the morning and one in the evening. I don't know how the cost of the Centrums compares with what you are taking, but they are much cheaper than the bariatric supplements. Good luck. Mike

Thanks Mike, I hope all is well with you...I will look into it, have a nice day Hugz Mary

Mary, My opinion...or my nutrionists and Drs, from me. They suggest that if a wls patient can not afford vitamins formulated for bariatric patients then to be sure and take chewables as our bodies will surely absorb much more chewables than swollowed ones. I take, 4 chewable bugs bunny sugar free vitamins a day, 2-am and 2-pm, citracal (although I havent dfound that chewable, so I take 2-am and 2 -pm of those, and then b-12 (3500 mcg) sublingual two times a week. So far not one problem, even through the big healing that the abdominalplasty has been, my levels have all stayed EXCELLENT, I am below goal, and actually had quite a bit of blood lose during the abdominalplasty and that rebounded very nicely with days after my surgery. You dont want to let the levels slide, its MUCH harder to play catch up and more costly to your pocket and body than staying helathy in the first place. We all need to remember the commitment we made to get healthy and stay healthy when we chose the surgery option in the first place. This is a LIFE LONG commitment. Best wishes and please take care of yourself Mary. Your daughters are counting on you! Be well! Janelle

Thank you Janelle , I read your profile page and all I can say is your a very special person, and your doing so well, you look wondeful!!!!!!! Your are truly Blessed!!!!!! God Bless you and all your children they have one special Mom there, stay well p.s. Pass the string cheese! Hugz Mary

Mary, so sorry to hear you are having so much trouble... poor little toes~! I just had my labs done and the doc's words were "impressive" perfect protein (still do the protein drinks) and great levels with everything else. I honestly attribute it to the vitamins that I take that I have been taking since i had surgery... It is The Vitamin Shoppe Liquid Multi Orange Vanilla Flavor High Potency formula with ionic concentrace. $20.17 a large bottle and also Liqu Mins liquid vitamins (Its not vitamin shoppe brand but I got it at the vitamin shoppe) - they are online as well. Anyrate its liqu mins fast absorbin liquid formula its CAL/MAG/ZINC dietary supplement pina colada flavor with vitamin D premium calcium (tri calcium has citrate, phosphate and gluconate) magnesium and zinc complex with ionic minerals from concentrace. at any rate to make it simple the vitamin shoppe liquid multi orange vanilla flavor $20.17 a large bottle & Liuqu Mins CAL/MAG/ZINC - the calcium is $22.95 a large bottle The multi has it all iron and all that but everyones body is different especially when it comes to iron. Ive always done well with iron...but honestly I think these liquid multis are the best Good luck with everything! you can order these online as well... ...vitaminshoppe.com ((((hugs!)))) Elizabeth M