Are [men] being told to take iron?

Are men being told to take iron supplements? I met someone yesterday who had his surgery done at Stanford and he said men do not take iron, only women... what's your experience? Thanks in advance, Rob

I'm having my surgery tomorrow at Vanderbilt. Iron is definitely one of the supplements they have you take. In fact, I was slightly anemic so they had me start my iron supplement 2 weeks ago. Also, they have you take calcium citrate with vitamin D, and a chewable multi vitamin daily. Some have said you can take Tums for your calcium, but the NUT at Vanderbilt said that is not correct. She said Tums is calcium carbonate and is not absorbed readily by the body. Calcium citrate is the correct calcium to take.

Yes I agree on the calcium 110%

Oh, PS, GOOD LUCK on your surgery!!  

Thanks Rob!

Bama, good luck on your surgery tomorrow brother.  I will be saying a prayer for you.  I know you will come through with flying colors and lots of weightloss.  Taz

Thank ya Taz! Appreciate that!!

Good Luck Bob, I am 3 weeks out and down 30 pounds!! corkyspop

My surgery group never mentioned it pre-op but it was on a follow-up questionaire.  I really started taking it on the advice of the guys here.  I take a women's supplement because I was told it absorbs more easily.

I was never told I had to take iron supplements. BUT, if pre op or post op blood tests indicate anemia, then I would thing the doctor would tell the patient that some iron supplements would be needed.  Women of child bearing years, tend to be low in iron, primarily due to their periods.  My surgeon's support group now tells women in this age group that iron is suggested, and the dosage can be modified upon review of periodic blood tests. Some women are so anemic they require iron IV fluids, as the pills aren't doing the job.  I'm 2 years post op and I take no iron supplement, and there is just a trace of iron in my daily liquid vitamins.