Anyone Else Having Problems with Absorption?!?

I had my RNY in May of 2003 and I believe it was successful. I lost a hundred pounds in the first 10 months and then I went up and down in my weight but always staying about 180 to 200 lbs. When my hair started falling out and my nails grew ridges, I knew there was something wrong but the doctors told me I was fine.  Ten months followed with me chewing ice constantly to the point of cracking two molars. I was tired all the time and could remember simple things.  That's the first clue I had that absorption was going to be a problem. I just didn't know how bad.

Well, once the blood work was in the doctors' all had to agree that I wasn't absorbing iron from food nor supplement. I received an iron infusion and started feeling like myself again but it didn't last long. It was like my stomach was shutting down more and more of its surface was not working.

To make a long story short, I am now taking B-12 shots, iron infusions, lovenox, and still I am having difficulties with many of the medication but my life seems like I'm in battle. Fighting to get me the proper treatment. So if there is any information that you have to give, even ideas at this point I would be grateful. 

Hi Karene,
I do not have any suggesstions for you. I unfortunelty have the same problem has you do, I have been receiving iron infusions. My MD basically told me that could take a iron supplement if I really felt strongly about, but that it would be just a waste of money since I do not absorbing iron from anything.
How much does your MD charge of a Vit B injection? How often do you receive injection? once a week? 2 times a week?
So sorry you have to go through this. Let me know how those b shots. Please..  I'm always tired!!
I did find a place that helps with that. i will have to tell you later, I'm needing to go lay down now.
Thanks,
Jeanne~

Hey Jeanne,

Thanks for replying even without any suggestions. Iron infusions are something that I hate and would love to avoid considering the pain that follows after wards. Every bone in my bone starts using the iron at the same time and makes me feel like I wa**** by a bus. I unfortunately can't rely on vitamin, iron or mineral supplements due to the absorption problem. 

Due to the fact that we have two insurance policies, I am not charged for my Vit B injections. I get it one a week. I do feel the difference right away and it does help with the fatigue.

Again, thanks for the reply and I will definitely share what information I obtain from my appointment with the Gastroenterology specialist. Take care...

Hello,
 I had my RNY in August 1999. Honestly, I have not been diligent with my long term aftercare. I currently weigh almost 300lbs. My weight the day of surgery was 476. My highest weight was 576. A couple of years ago, I asked my Dr. to draw everything they could think of because it had been awhile since my labs had been done. The results showed I was severely anemic. I was given 4 units of blood. I was then scoped like crazy in a quest to locate a bleed, to no avail. A couple of days ago, I got reestablished with a new Dr, back in the same city where I had my WLS. My new Dr had my blood drawn and I came back anemic again, but also discovered that my Vitamin D level was undetectable. They've put me on oral Vit D supplements and are trying to find an iron suppement that won't make me sick, but won't I just be in the same boat? In my heart of hearts, I'm wanting a revision. I just feel so lost right now.