Anemic and have iron questions.

Thank you for caring enough to click on this topic, whether you have the same questions I have or you have some suggestions to leave. I appreciate your concern.

I am nearly 10 months out, up to now all my blood tests have been normal. I had a regular routine physical yesterday, so that called for some blood tests. At the doctor's office, I was told I was anemic, and I need to start an iron supplement. Truthfully, I haven't used any iron pills up to now, due to bad experiences. I would get quite constipated and softening pills just didn't seem to help.

So I am asking for your help. What in your experience worked for you to up your iron levels and if needed, what product works best, if things get "stopped up" in the end.

Thank you for any of your help!

I really can't help you with what supplements to take Michelle as I don't absorb iron orally at all. I have always been anemic though to varying degrees.  WLS did not bring on the problem it just made the problem worse. 

My iron issues have been somewhat under control now that I have periodic iron infusions.  This will be something I will probably have to do the rest of my life as it was finally determined that I am probably missing whatever it is in my body that makes the iron cling to the red blood cells.  Before WLS I was able to absorb enough to keep me borderline anemic.  In other words sometimes my iron might have been higher then at other times.  Since WLS, nothing I do other then getting that lovely needle stuck in my arm for a few hours ever few months works.

So as to what to take to counteract the supplements, I always used a combination of a fiber tablet of some sort and Colace.  It's the only thing that worked on me.

Stephanie

Thank you, Stephanie! I actually asked my doctor, if I would need infusions, because you came to mind. She said it wasn't that severe yet. I hope not to get to that point. I'm sorry that you need the infusions. I know how frustrating that must be.
She had also mentioned a fiber tablet and colace. But, I thought she was wrong, cause fiber can just compound the problem, right? I am going to try to change my iron to a different kind and see if that helps.
Thank you for your helpful advice!

Stef...Try taking additional copper.  Some people that have had similar experiences to your started increasing thier copper and claim that this has helped.

I've done that as well as starting taking probiotics.

just a suggestion.

I was anemic. I take twice the dosage of Celebreates Iron daily. Have had no issues with constipation and my iron levels are now perfect.

Toni

My surgeon told me to get some miralax and take it everyday. He also said he thinks I have a small ulcer and gave me some medication to take and if I am not better in a month to call him. I hope it works.

I also know don't take iron when you take calcium because they cancel each other out. I take my iron right before bed.

I also know Steph is the expert on iron!

Hugs to you!

Oh Elizabeth, I am so sorry that he thinks you have a ulcer. That is no fun, and nothing to take lightly with our small pouches. I really hope the medication works, too. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, my friend.

I am going to have to start with some sort of pill regimin to get all the pills in that I need, and take them in a way that they don't cancel each other out. Becky was also telling me about miralax. I think I am going to try to change the iron that I take and see if that helps.

Take care of yourself, love!
huge hugs, much support, & friendship always,

I hope the Miralax helps. It sure isn't fun to be full of you know what! LOL Good Luck with the iron. He thinks the ulcer is new so hopefully it will heal fast!

Hi MIchelle,

I had constant problem with my iron level being too low for around 9 months after surgery. It was too the point where I was constantly tired and sometimes dizzy. I started doing extra iron supplements, I use the chewable Bariatric Advantage passion fruit flavor. I was horribly constipated and still have that challenge, but finally my last blood test revealed I am not longer anemic, just barely, but I am in the normal range now. It took many months of extra supplements.

For the constipation, adding a bowl of oatmeal daily has really made a great difference. I eat a pack of Quaker Oats instant weight control at breakfast. 

Good luck in battling the iron demons!!

MsBlues

Hi MsBlues,

Thank you for your input. I really appreciate you taking the time out to answer me. I am glad that your lastest blood test say that you are within the normal range now. I am looking for a good supplement to take. I think I will add the oatmeal to my morning routine, maybe add a little protein to it.

How are you doing? How is your mom and husband?
Huge hugs to you!