Iron deficiency?

 Hello everyone -

It seems like years since I have posted or followed this board,  but it seems like everyone is getting on very well.  I had RNY surgery in May 2006.  I have gained 20 lbs back over the years (not to bad), and things have been going very well until recently.  I had my blood drawn for back surgery in December and it was determined that my iron levels are extremely low, and I am suffering from iron deficiency anemia.  My doctor put me on iron supplements because she thinks I am not absorbing properly because of the surgery.  I also have to take extra vitamin C, when I take the supplements.  I haven't really felt much better since taking the pills.  I have to have another blood draw in 2 months.  If the doesn't see improvement I have to have a occult blood stool sample done.

Has anyone else had problem with anemia?  Other then taking supplements and eating iron rich foods, what else can I do?  I really don't want to have to do the stool sample business.

Thanks!
Josh

Hi Josh,
I have low iron, and was actually receiving IV iron. Now I take Vitron C every day per MD's orders. Along with the supplements, you can eat iron-rich foods, such as:

• Red meat
• Egg yolks
• Dark, leafy greens (spinach, collards)
• Dried fruit (prunes, raisins)
• Iron-enriched cereals and grains (check the labels)
• Mollusks (oysters, clams, scallops)
• Turkey or chicken giblets
• Beans, lentils, chick peas and soybeans
• Liver
• Artichokes

Good luc****ep us posted.

Bulldog AKA Leda

Thanks for the food ideas.  I defenately need to eat more iron rich foods.

I am having problems with anemia also.  I had RNY surgery in June 2007.  I lost 170 lbs and have re-gained 10.    My 3 year labs had low iron ferritin 24.  First I was told to double my iron intact and be retested in 3 months.  Then my iron had gone down more ferritin 16.  Had  my iron  doubled again.  I now take  250 mg ferronyl iron from Vitron-C   I also take with extra Vit C .  I just had labs drawn again and will get results soon.  If my numbers are still going down I will need to get an iron infusion.

What are your numbers?  What type of iron are you taking? ferronyl is better absorbed the ferrous sulfate.  

I have never heard of Ferronyl or Vitron-C.  Are these both over the counter? 

My doctor put me on Ferrous Sulfate 3 time a day.  The perscription says 325 mg, but that seems like alot, doesn't it?

My Iron level is 36.  Normal range is 40-150 ug/DL. 

My Ferritin is 9.  Normal range is 20-400 ug/ML.

What is an iron infusion?  Did they test you to determine if you have blood in your stool?

 Heres my 2 cents..

.Doctors are doctors and not nutritionist and really have no clue on vitamins and supplements.  If I went on doctors advice for my vitamins I would be in deep crap.

Ferrous Irons are Basically worthless, especially for levels as low as yours.

I would look into Carbonyl Iron (same as ferronyl),  Heme Iron. or Poly (polysacceride) Iron , or a blend of poly/ heme iron to get your numbers up.  You may also want to check into an iron infusion.

Jeff

Throw out the ferrous sulfate as we don't absorb that type of iron. Visit Vitalady at www.vitalady.com and ask her what she recommends for you. You also can find her on the main OH board.

I've also had this issue.  My Dr had me taking the same thing as you are and it wasn't helping much at all.  Someone suggested I try ferrous gluconate instead of the sulphate and my numbers have actually come up quite a bit.  I do get it over the counter at the pharmacy.  I am now taking 2 324 mg tablets daily.   I do also take vitamin C with it just for an extra added boost.  

Contact your bariatric surgeons office and talk to them about the proper iron and where to buy it.  An iron infusion is an IV form of iron given when you numbers get low.    good luck