Low Iron Levels

I am 9 months post op RNY. For the 3rd time my md tells me my iron levels are still low and may be a reason for my lack of energy.

I am now taking a 65mg iron tablet once a day.  Has anyone else encountered this?  How much iron is OK to take?

Thanks
Kevin

I'm certainly not a vitamin expert, but I have just been through this myself. The American Society for Bariatric Surgeons says our levels of iron should be between 15 - 200 when you have the labs done and that about half od the RNY patients have a deficiency. They suggest taking between 18-27 mg/d  of elemental iron in a supplement and getting a total of 50-100 mg/d each day total including what's in your diet. So, depending on your diet and whether your multi has iron, you may need more in supplemental form. You must separate the iron tablets from your calcium. And, you must take Vitamin C with the iron to help you absorb it (about 250 mg with each 20-30 or iron). My PCP put me on 3 tabs of 25 mg each per day. I'm told that carbonyl iron causes less problem with constipation than ferrous iron; however I'm not seeing the carbonyl as any better - or maybe I just have a stubborn digestive system. 

Be careful that you are watching the amount of ELEMENTAL iron as your guide. And, make certain you are taking the C with the iron.  Plus, calcium and iron do not play well together and must be separated by at least two hours or you might as well just not take them since you won;t absorb them.

If you want more info try the www.asmbs.org website or go to the RNY board and post.  One of the vitamin queens, Kelly, Andrea, etc. will hop right on this. They are well-versed and very helpful with these questions.

My Iron levels were low after two months. I found that I got really cold. Too the point where I would shiver (this was in the summer).

Once I started taken iron problem went away. I take vitalady tender iron-c I like this one as it makes me less constipated then some of the others that I have tried.

You can reach out to Vitalady on OH. She has an e-mail she can send you on a vitamin regimen by the surgery that you had.