Labs, almost 1 year out

Everything was looking good till the nurse got to my iron levels. Apparently it is low at 28 and I have to take additional iron supplement that is a prescription.

Also, problem with liver enzymes and cholesterol, so taking a low dose Lipitor for next month to see if it improves cholesterol without causing further issues with the liver.

I have been taking all my vitamins faithfully, but still ended up with low iron. Anyone have ideas on foods rich in iron (except meat, can't eat alot of that).

I found this Top 10 Foods Rich in Iron:

·  clams, cooked, 3 oz (23.8 mg) 
·  tofu, 1/2 cup firm (13.2 mg) 
·  raisin bran, ready-to-eat, 3/4 cup (4.5 mg) 
·  sirloin steak, cooked, 3 oz (2.9 mg) 
·  shrimp, cooked, 3 oz (2.6 mg) 
·  black beans, boiled, 1/2 cup (1.8 mg) 
·  chickpeas, canned, 1/2 cup (1.6 mg) 
·  turkey breast, 3 oz (0.9 mg) 
·  bread, whole wheat, 1 slice (0.9 mg) 
·  chicken breast, skinless, 1/2 breast (0.9 mg)

wow almost a year!
 i know spinach is high in iron and a fruit is also...
i had the same problem i switched my mrs to low carb slim fast no problems now

Here's another list. Of course, you won't be able to eat some of this.

Iron in Breads, cereals, and grains
Bran flakes, 1 c	11.0
Oatmeal, 1 packet	6.3
Samolina, Cream of wheat, 1/2 cup cooked	5.5
Wheat germ, 2 tablespoon	1.2
Whole wheat bread, 1 slice	0.9
White bread, 1 slice	0.7
Iron in Vegetables (1/2 cup cooked)
Sea vegetables	18.1- 42.0
Swiss chard	2
Turnip greens	1.6
Prune juice, 4 oz	1.5
Spinach cooked	1.5
Beet greens cooked	1.4
Potato, 1 large	1.4
Bok choy cooked	0.7
Peas, cooked	0.65
Green beans, cooked	0.60
Tomato juice	0.6
Broccoli, cooked	0.55
Watermelon, 1/8 medium	0.5
Iron in Legumes (1/2 cup cooked)
Lentils	3.2
Black eye beans	2.6
Navy beans	2.5
Pinto beans	2.2
Lima beans	2.2
Kidney beans	1.5
Chick peas (200 g)	6.2
Iron in Soy foods (1/2 cup cooked)
Tofu	6.6
Soybeans	4.4
Tempeh	1.8
Soy milk	0.9
Iron in Nuts/Seeds (2 Tablespoon)
Pumpkin seeds	2.5
Figs, dried, 5	2.0
Dried apricot, 5	1.6
Almond, 1/4 cup	1.3
Tahini	1.2
Sesame	1.2
Sunflower seeds	1.2
Cashew nuts	1.0

I'm sorry your labs weren't where you want them to be.  I hope the lists that Mary gave you will help.  They helped me.  Thanks for asking a really good question!

I hope you get your levels up soon.

I am scared about what my labs are going to look like.  I am not taking my pills daily like i should but i am just horrible about taking any pills for that matter.  Anyways

I read the other night in "Eat this Not That" that Black Beans are indeed a great source of iron.  boil them then mash them up and put them in a low carb tortilla with some 2% cheese, a little pico del gato, and voila and great bean burrito.  Iron and protein in one easy meal.

Dan, Dan, Dan....you of all people should know better than to no take your supplements!!!  You've been working and going to school in the health care business.  If we get behind on a lot of that stuff, especially the B's it can cause irreservable damage!!!  (My son is a GI doc and he preaches at me all the time....)  We sure don't want our Harem King sick!!!  Get a pill box and put them in our pocket....better yet, ask the new girl to help you, remind you or give them to you!!!  My husband is on me all the time about that part because I wasn't good to remember them either.

Sorry to hear your lab results news!!!! I will definately keep you in my prayers that they come up and stay up!

Hugs

Even pre surgery (lap band) iron was tough for me and continues to be.  I feel better when I'm not low, at least until I get so constipated I want to explode.....and a heavy does of supplement (like slim fast and pills in one day) will make me sick to my stomach.  My body has a love hate relationship with iron.

 I take my b12 shot religiously...I just forget to take my multivitamins everyday.