Still waiting anyone that's post-op 4> years about iron deficiency

I know most people on this web site are looking to have surgery, I really understand that cause that was me 5 years ago! My anniversery is June 8th this year, i'll be 4 years out! I am very happy I had surgery, but the consicencies are amazing! I have to have Iron IVs dripped into me, not cause of anything but having the gastric bypass. I was 320 when I had surgery,I'm tall (I guess) at 5'9" . I'm at 207# now, but I've lost 25# since i've started the IV therapy 3 weeks ago! Its amazing! I haven't done anything that I normally wouldn't do.,except I can take a walk for more than 1/2 mile! Does anyone around here know anyone that has to do the same? I'd REALLY like to know, not because of other things, just having the gastric bypass surgery. I've heard from people about how they know someone who knows someone, who did has to do this because of something else thats wrong (usually women's periods). I have to do this forever. I'm only 34! My iron level is very low, it's getting up there though! My Dr, (blood specialist) has 40 patients now who have had a gastric bypass (in Lima,Oh! very small, like 40,ooo people) that have to have these treatments. So some has to know someone here! Let me know!!! Love,andi

Andi, I sympathize with you. I do know someone who had/has vitamin probs she is 4.5 years post op. She has just had a reversal of her operation as the deficiences were too bad to be treated. It all stems from the type of gastric bypass surgery that was done. The "normal" amount of intestine bypassed is 150-175 cm. That allows for some malabsorbtion, but should generally not cause the severe vitamin deficiencies. However, some surgeons for whatever reason opt to bypass more. My friend had 275 cm bypassed. There was almost NO absorbtion of any vitamins. It is very important to find out how much was bypassed. It sounds like you may have had alot bypassed as well. You should be able to contact the surgeon who did your bypass and request a copy of the Op NOtes. That will tell how much was bypassed. You may want to consider speaking with a surgeon to see what treatment options would benefit you, before the vitamin deficiencies become worse. Not all gastric bypass patients have this problem, it all stems from the amount bypassed. Have you been compliant in taking your vitamins and supplements. I personally am only 5 mos out and I take 2 chewable multivitamins, a liquid b-complex, biotin, and iron ( I am anemic by nature). I hope this helps a little Sherri

Andrea, I am from Lima also. I am only 3+mos. out and do not have this problem (yet) but understand that it can happen. I am taking all the supplements that the dr. prescribed and hope that this does not happen. I would think they IV is better than the iron tablets. They taste awful. Congratulations on your great progress. Kasey

Andrea, I am so sorry you are having to go through all this! I hope you don't mind my asking but what vitamins did you take up until you developed this problem? I am using Bariatric Advantage and their iron tablet is not bad at all, it is very small and tastes kind of like a strawberry sweet-tart. I had braced myself for something that would be horrible tasting, and now it is my "favorite" among my vitamins, if there is such a thing. Did you use bariatric vitamins? I am just wondering if this is something I would have to go through in the future. Good luck to you, Sending you prayers and good wishes, Kitty B. RNY 12/13/04 251 / 173 / someday 145