flip a coin - low iron or low protein more of a problem ?

gak
on 12/8/11 8:10 am

Revision on 06/21/13

I am looking for opinions. I have talked to a few others, and maybe I am over thinking this and maybe not.

I have been struggling with low iron and low protein levels, they are both in range at the low end on last labs.

YES, I have upped intake of BOTH. I am dragging my behind almost daily. I know I am busy, but gesh, I do not have time to be tired, especially this time of year.

While I wait for the latest labs to return, which do you think makes us more tired ? Or does it not matter ? I am getting enough sleep thanks to Lunesta and I wake up feeling rested, but half way thru the day I am dragging again and ready for nap.

I am really curious to see this set of labs. I always had so MUCH energy and it's gone. I do not like this !

Thanks for any insight.

Ginger<><
Revision #2 Dr John Rabkin June 21, 2013; First Revision DS - Dr Maguire 5-18-09; First DS 7-15-2003 Dr Clark Warden = Third time is the charm

MajorMom
on 12/8/11 8:31 am - VA

DS on 08/09/07

Yep, I've heard your energy gets zapped with either low iron or low protein. Let's hope it's low protein and you can bring that up yourself with 4 or 5 shakes a day.

--gina

5'1" -- HW 195/SW 187/GW 115 July 08/CW 121 Dec 2012
******GOAL*******
Starting BMI between 35 and 40ish?
Join us on the Lightweights Board!
DS on Aug 9, 2007 with Dr. Hazem Elariny

gak
on 12/8/11 8:53 am

Revision on 06/21/13

HI Gina,
Yes I have been in getting 3 guaranteed shakes, and often 4 and 5 a day since we talked. I am just still dragging. Hate feeling like this. Will have new labs back next week. So we will see what they say.

Ginger<><
Revision #2 Dr John Rabkin June 21, 2013; First Revision DS - Dr Maguire 5-18-09; First DS 7-15-2003 Dr Clark Warden = Third time is the charm

Emily F.
on 12/8/11 9:07 am

DS on 04/05/10

Also, wondering about sleep apnea? You say you are tired but getting enough sleep?

gak
on 12/8/11 11:12 am

Revision on 06/21/13

Emily, Tested negative for apnea long before surgery. Wouldn't that be odd now after weight loss if I never had it before ? Hubby never has said anything about snoring or weird breathing, just that I am out and sound asleep when I sleep.

Ginger<><
Revision #2 Dr John Rabkin June 21, 2013; First Revision DS - Dr Maguire 5-18-09; First DS 7-15-2003 Dr Clark Warden = Third time is the charm

Mom4Jazz
on 12/8/11 9:20 am

VSG on 04/18/11

My two cents worth: I had marginal iron and marginal protein. My iron has improved significantly, protein still marginal (protein malabsorption - it's not just for DSers, dunno how I got so lucky) and my energy has improved significantly.

Which is not to say marginal protein won't make you tired, just that for me improving the iron made a HUGE difference.

Can you do infusions?

Highest weight: 335 lbs, BMI 50.9
Pre-op weight: 319 lbs, BMI 48.5
Current range: 140-144, BMI 21.3 - 22

175+ lbs lost, maintaining since February 2012

gak
on 12/8/11 11:18 am

Revision on 06/21/13

I am working on my iron, with two dif types at different times of the day. I am interested in my new labs and maybe I should of waited to see the results. It is just not like me to drag like this and I am so frustrated and so wondered others experience.

I doubt PCP would agree to infusion as long as I am in range, even though it's low end. She already told me she thought it was my age

.. I say B. S ! Like I am just supposed to accept that I do not feel energenic ! I think NOT

. There has to be a reason ! Bet my surgeon will support it depending on labs. I have never had one.

Ginger<><
Revision #2 Dr John Rabkin June 21, 2013; First Revision DS - Dr Maguire 5-18-09; First DS 7-15-2003 Dr Clark Warden = Third time is the charm

provolisa
on 12/8/11 12:24 pm - Provo, UT

DS on 12/14/11

It sounds to me like you might be getting a double whammy, because I thought either one by itself could make you fatigued. Why does it have to be one or the other?

~Lisa

Recovering from the Duodenal Switch~
HW - 495 / CW - 382 / GW - 175 Joanne B. is my Angel

gak
on 12/9/11 12:13 am

Revision on 06/21/13

Lisa,
I feel like a double whammy ! I am not sure if it's one or the other or just a combo of both...that is why I was wondering what others have experiences. I am usualy a spitball full of energy, but not for awhile. Even hubby asks, are you feeling okay as I usually have more energy.

Ginger<><
Revision #2 Dr John Rabkin June 21, 2013; First Revision DS - Dr Maguire 5-18-09; First DS 7-15-2003 Dr Clark Warden = Third time is the charm

scubadiva
on 12/8/11 12:26 pm

DS on 11/04/08

I was taking 300 to 350 mg of ELEMENTAL iron at one point for several months in a chewable form. I took Bariatric Advantage Chewables... however many got me to 300 mg elemental. Some of it was fumarate some carbonyl. It worked. My ferritin went from 23 to well over 200. I have since cut back. I was low energy but am now better. I only do 1 protein shake a day if that. I eat a lot of protein otherwise. Hope you get it figured out! You can raise your iron without infusions! My pcp would not give them to me. So I took matters into my own hands and chewed tons of iron first thing in the morning-- 6 to 10 or more depending on brand.... and then brushed my teeth. (Iron can stain teeth). I hope you feel better. I know the feeling you are describing!

flip a coin - low iron or low protein more of a problem ?

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flip a coin - low iron or low protein more of a problem ?