6 years out struggling with low ferritin and hemaglobin

Hey there,

Has anyone struggled with this years after surgery?  My hemaglobin is 98 and Ferritin is less than 5. I'm following up with Dr. this Tuesday after she left a message to start taking oral supplements. With any of my research, it says Ferritin is absorbed by the stomach and duodenum. Well after RNY we all know I have neither of these left. LOL I'm exhausted all the time. I know this is my making as I don't eat alot of meat and rarely take supplements. Just wanting to know if anyone has gone through this and what helped. I need a quicker fix!

Thanks Guys

Ive recently showed low hemoglobin on a CBC (134 with 135 being low normal) but my ferritin was normal. Sadly my physician is completely lost when it comes to anything bariatric and getting in touch with a nurse at Ottawa WMC has been difficult. Ill be a year since RNY in May.

Im glad that youve asked your question because I also have questions regarding low hemoglobin. I dont mean to railroad your question but perhaps you may know if its at all normal for hemoglobin to be low but ferritin normal after WLS/RNY. I dont want to search the net with it as ill end up thinking I have cancer. Been down that road before. The net isnt exactly the best place to take a health question LOL

You should talk to Leona Oknee Dove about this, she's the expert in this.

As Monica said please refer to Leona Oknee Dove about this - she is an expert-it is her field of expertise!

I am also an RN but I was not aware of the information Leona has posted.  I have battled anemia for years due to heavy periods.  Now with my intake being less I knew I would have issue.  However being proactive I have researched and read Leona's posts and am on top of the iron and ferritin issue.

Being anemic is something truly difficult to get on top of once you are behind the 8 ball.  If you can stay on top of this it is far better.

I suggest if you have had issues in the past with anemia and you are early out of surgery therefore following up with your center bring it to their attention and ask for their help as well. 

Cheers!

http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/oknee/blog_page,2/

Here is Oknee`s blog about this.  As mentionned by Monica, she IS an expert in Ontario.

Judy

Oh HELL yes.  Low iron, low hemoglobin, been hospitalized 3 times for blood transfusions..... seeing my hemotologist regularly, have to get both back up before hysterectomy surgery in July (which will also greatly help those levels!).  I've recently started taking FereMax - will have blood work done this weekend and hoping it is working! 

I am 4 yrs out and have struggled with my iron. I am not sure what my hemaglobin levels are but my Ferritin is a 6. I am exhausted all the time and have other low iron symptons too. The specialist I am seeing has reccomended Iron Infusions which I will be starting on April 20. The specialist I am seeing has stated that I will need to go ever 2 weeks for at least the next 4 to 6 months and then he will see where we go from there. Taking iron tablets did not work for me.

Kerry

 my iron has always been low.  im 5 years out of surgery now and have had iron injection sets 2 times.  oral dose did not bring it up.  i can tell when its getting low because i start to crave ice cubes and crunch them non stop.  the more ice i chew the lower my iron is.  

the shots are easy to take.  there are 15 shots, every day for 3 weeks (less weekends).  i go to the local health centre and there is an injection nurse on call so i never have to wait long at all.  the shot takes literally 30 seconds and its done for the day.

If your doc is at a loss for how to proceed, you should ask for a referral to a hematologist.

Sorry to preach but supplements are required for life after Bariatric Surgery.
Not just once in a while when you are having issues.
At the minimum you should be taking a Multi Vitamin, Calcium and B-12 and probably D-3.
Just taking an iron supplement without the other vitamins and minerals will probably not get your levels up. Liquid or chewable supplements are best.
If your physician does not know what you need to be taking ask to be referred to a Hematologist.
You may need a couple of iron infusions to get your levels up where they should be. You may then be able to keep your levels up by taking your oral supplements every day.

Linda