I am now 16 years out and I am now informed that I need to Iron Infusion (x2). I wonder why after 16 years, my iron levels are low. My annual physical revealed I am anemic. I did my Colonoscopy and an Endoscope to rule out a bleeding ulcer in the pouch. None. He said all was good and now wants to do (2ea) Iron Infusions....

I would like to hear from anyone else who has had a similar experience. My PCP put me on Iron Tablets (Ferrous Sulphate 320 mg). The Gastroenterologist said that I won't absorb enough of that to make any difference. My PCP knows very little about Bariatric Surgery.

Jeff

it's not uncommon for iron issues given the malabsorption. I take preferrin for my iron and 2X the dose. When you look back at your labs, do you see the trend of the ferritin dropping? You should watch it after the infusions plus the daily supplementation and see how it trends over time.

I was about 12 years out when my body stopped absorbing the ferrous sulphate. I get an infusion about once every two years. I use Proferrin which costs more, but keeps my iron levels up most of the time.

Which Proferrin do you use? I was looking into switching from my bariatric iron chews to a pill and there are a couple different ones.

Proferrin ES Heme Iron Polypeptide Dietary Supplement Tablets, Blue/Green, 90 Count, Basic

Can you comment on the cost after Insurance? I have health insurance and I read the Cost can range from $400 - $ 4000 each. My gastrointerologist wants be to do two infusions.....

Jeff

I have Anthem and it is 100% covered. Your doctor can check with your insurer. Every plan is different.

I am missing a couple of my lab reports but now I see the Hemoglobin has continually dropped:

2016 15.2

2017 16.0

2019 13.3

2022 11.1

You should look at your Ferritin (iron store) as well.

Ferritin does appear anywhere on my 3 page report. I just made an appointment to see my PCP on Aug 5. That may be something that he needs to request on my Blood order. I really like my PCP. He doesn't know much about Bariatric issues. He is relatively young. Everyone is to me.

Thank You, Jen

Jeff W Waldrop