x posted: Is Chronic Severe Anemia reason for revision?

  I have a lap RNY about 7 years ago. I had sucess with weight loss and then after multiple pregnancy gained some weight back. I am currently about a 29 BMI. I was at one time a 18 BMI. I have suffered chronic anemia that includes multiple iron therapy infusions and blood transfusions. Multiple ulcers and stomach pain. I cannot get my iron up to a decent level. The highest hemaglobin I have seen is 9 after blood transfusions. The hematologist just keeps transfusing and infusing as they don't know what else to do. 

I'm exhuasted, have hair loss, headaches, bone pain, extreme fatigue and I want to be able to have some energy. I'm sick of being sick.

Is this a reason for revision? Also what kind of revision? Would it be the sleeve to stop the malabsorbtion issues? 

Thank you for your help.

Are you taking any iron supplements? what type?  how much? and with what?

BTW: I had a problem taking most supplements. But a friend recommended heme iron. This iron can be absorb any time, even when taken with calcium. I stared taking that, and in 3 months my ferritin went from 11 to 18.  I will get new blood work in a few months and I hope that can show even more improvement,
The iron I take is profferin ES by biolabs.

http://www.proferrin.com/?gclid=COf0s8HdrqgCFdI32godmmFvHA
I take 1 pill. 3 times a day.  It is expensive... but I thing it may be it.
Check it out before you decide you need a drastic surgery. That may help or may not.
 

I was just asking my surgeon about the anemia issue....since I was chronically anemic a couple of years ago.

I don't know your age, circs...but have you though of an endometrial ablation? That has really helped me. I have much more energy and have stopped my iron supplements.


I hope you feel better soon!

I have a band over bypass. i had marginal ulcers and was hospitalized several times after my rny (2002). the caloric malabsorption is no longer there (how lucky, lol) but i still suffer with severe anemia. supplements and iron-rich foods are pointless when your levels are that low. several hematologists and doctors have told me that- and actually the supplements and injections can cause abdominal problems. once my levels got so low (also, my ferratin levels, which are your blood stores, dropped to a 1... normal levels should be at 200) i had transfusions and would get regular infusion therapy at a hematologist. it would raise the levels and then they would drop again. i will say (sorry) that the anemia was no different at my thinnest or when i gained weight (pre lap band). Unfortunately it is a side effect that some will suffer from from the RNY. I do not know if a different surgery will rectify this. the lapband does not. best of luck to you. I hate the exhaustion and fatigue, too- i feel your pain.

Just wanted to say I am in the same boat now. Posted about it on the grads board and searching for solutions  So far just geting infusions and not transfusions for my iron deficency anemia due to my RNY.  Due to severe allergic reactions to my 1st two treatments  (Fereheme shot  and Venofer Infusion) they are now talking about making me do it inpatient.  I hate the idea of having to do the steriods and so much pre-medication.  It will probably take me a couple weeks just to recover from the treatment.  

Me too!  For the past year I have struggled with anemia, and am allergic to the iron infusions...of course the docs say that I'm not actually allergic to the iron, but what does it matter if I can't get the infusions without going into a reaction!