Iron Question

I hardly ever post on this forum.  Can't really say why.

But I do have a question, that needs to go out to men regarding iron.

Six months ago, I had my blood work done and the doc told me I don't need to take iron any more.  So, it has been six months since I have taken iron, and my numbers are still steady.

I see a lot of people who suffer from iron deficiency and end up having an infusion.  Every one of them was a female.

Have any of you guys stopped taking iron?  Any of you ever have any iron problems?  Just curious.

That's interesting. My doctor says that RNY patients need to take iron, multi-vitamins and calcium for life.

I wonder why different doctors have such different policies.

Iron deficiency is mainly a female problem before and after RNY.  Iron suppliments also help bind you up and we have enough of a problem with that already.

So most of you guys don't take any iron whatsoever?

I don't take Iron, my doc  and I discussed it and as long as my blood work is good he said there is no need.

Same here - no extra iron. 2 multvitamins and 2 calciums per day, plus a b12 each morning. That's it. I am 9 months out - next labs in 3 months. I guess we'll see then.

Georgie!        Welcome to the MF, padner ..  


   Funny you should mention that ..   I remember Dr. Husted posting to the DS forum sometime back that, IIRC, he advises his patients that they can stop their iron supps a few months out, as they should no longer need them past that point ...  (I guess the body needs the extra iron to "heal" from the surgery, only?  ) ..       He is the only DS surgeon I know of that has given that advice, or any other WLS surgeon, for that matter ...       (I have to admit that I thought that advice "crazy" and irresponsible when I first read it, IMHO .. since it is so much against the grain of what all the other surgeons recommend ...      but then, he IS a very respected WLS surgeon  )

   I'd say if, while not on your iron supps for at least 3-6 months, if your blood levels of iron, hemoglobin and hematocrit are withinin range, (as well as your ferritin body iron stores)  you may in fact no longer need to take them ..    

Thank you everyone for your responses.  Please continue.  I do feel better now, as I was mildly curious.