Severly Anemic-11 years out

My first iron absorption test was done with the Tender Iron (carbonyl). I took two, and they drew my blood before, at one hour, two hours, and three hours, with no change in iron levels. I dont recall the time when maximum absorption occurs with the carbonyl.

The second test was with the heme iron (proferrin). I found either on their website, or via the package insert, when maximum absorption occurred, and from memory, it was one to three hours. I was tested before I took the iron, at 1 hour, 2 hours, and three hours. Nothing changed.

My hema concluded that I do not absorb organic or inorganic iron (my hemas words....all I really understood was that we tested carbonyl and heme!).

I never tried the poly iron.

For myself, the elimination of iron has allowed me to be way more compliant with my calcium and vitamins. My labs two weeks ago were wonderful, but as I expect to rely on infusions for iron, I will always carry the risk of the infusion itself.

All insurances are different and coding often is the key. I had two infusions earlier this year and each took an hour. My cost after insurance was about $200 per infusion. It was well worth it to me.

Hi,

I was reversed many years ago. Because I lost most of my stomach in the process, I began having problems with anemia. Due to potential side effects, I didn't want to have iron infusions. I searched around for an iron preparation that wouldn't cause digestive problems. I found Bifera (it's OTC) which works very well. In fact, I informed several other docs about it and they are recommending it.

I paid cash and it was a little less than $1000. Check cash prices...also it is not an inpatient procedure. Someone sure has screwed up codes.

I don't get it either.  I have had 3 infusions total and all 3 with the same results of a high price.  My infusions took anywhere from 5-8 hours.  The first two times I went to the hospital and sat in an easy chair with a lot of other easy chairs around me.  Then my doctor opened up a beautiful office where the infusion could be given on site.  When I first inquired about the cost I was told it would just be my co-pay since the procedure is now done on site, boy were they wrong!  Due to the coding I have to meet my deductible and then pay 20% on top of that.  This year my deductible was raised to $5,000, so this year my cost will be even higher.  Our insurance system is screwed up!

The issue is how the insurance treat the procedure at the facility it is performed, it is a clinic - insurance contract. I used to be able to get iron infusions for a small payment. But last year the contract was changed and now it is treated as "in hospitals" treatment therefore subject to deductible first then theory pay 80%. My last iron infusion series was 2750.... Plus additional doc cost plus lab work. It sucks. But there is nothing I can do.

I hope you get the infusion ASAP; severe anemia is very serious and can cause irreversible damage.

I find large amounts of greens, especially spinach, and vitamin C (with bioflavonoids) works wonders for me.

If your in Arizona, Mexico isnt far.  You might try Dr. Alberto Aceves, at Almater Hospital in Mexicali, Mexico.  He is a top Bariatric Surgeon.  No short cuts here.  The best of the best.  Thats why I will be having my DS with him in aprox. six weeks. He cost more but its because of his reputation, and skill level, and I like that.  Ive been researching daily since Sept of 2012. The hospital is beautiful, and it is onley a couple blocks across the border.  Im sure he would be able to help you with iron infusions.  I have onley found positive things about him.  To many to mention.  He was on the cover of Newsweek May of 2012.  Google him, and youll find his website.  Check him out on utube also.  I have to admit, that reading stories like yours scares the heck out of me.  Dr. Aceves is very thorough, and keeps his DS patients for six days in the hospital.  Im thinking about staying in Mexicali for an extra week or so just to make sure everything is fine....  Im just a worrier like that...lol

Thanks Dusty but a bariatric surgeon is not what I need for this issue.  I need a hematologist that I can afford!  lol  I highly recommend Dr Terry Simpson here in Arizona.  He performed my DS and later my lap band.  He actually saved my life when the lap band was put in.  Long story short my intestines twisted and I had to have emergency surgery.  The first hospital I went to sent me home 3 days later because the Doctor was afraid to touch me because of the DS surgery!  The Saturday night I was released I sent Dr Simpson an email because I was once again doubled over in pain.  He told me to get to his hospital asap and surgery was done immediately.  I am lucky that my intestines did not rupture, and even luckier that I was given the chance to continue my weight loss journey with the addition of a lap band.  Honestly had I known the problems I would have with the DS vs the lap band I would have went with the lap band over the DS.  The lap band taught me how to eat, the DS allowed me to still shovel crap in with little consequence.  It was easy at the beginning with the DS to drop weight quickly without trying.  With the band I had trials and tribulations with food, I was re-programmed.  I often compare it to Pavlo's Dog.  I started at 401 pounds, I am not sure the lap band would have been for me at that point because the weight loss would have been slow and I probably would have become bored and went back to my old ways.  I weighed 250 when the lap band was added and today weigh 158.  I lost 150 pounds with the DS and 100 with the band.  Today I feel like it has been my band that keeps me in check.  I have not had a fill in over 3 years or even more.  Last year and a half ago  I put on about 30 pounds that came from no where and took it off the same way.  I am really not sure what that was about!  Today I am on the losing side of things, not really interested in food so not having to watch the scale much!  Good luck with your surgery, just know that it comes with it's ups and downs.  Take your vitamins, monitor your blood work and educate yourself.

Uhg.....  After reading your reply, Im nervous all over again.  What I meant with refering you to Dr. Aceves was, that being a bariatric surgeon, and his knowlege of the D.S., that maybe he could give you the iron infusions that you need, or at least steer you to the right person in mexico where you can easier afford them.