Low Ferratin and B12 - 22 weeks

Hi everyone,

I am 22 weeks pregnant with my second child - first post-op (1.5 yrs out).  I've had a pretty unremarkable pregnancy aside from acute morning sickness (had with first also).  I had some lab work done recently as I am hypothyroid and need to closely monitor my TSH. 

The latest results came back with low iron stores (6 when 41 is acceptable) and borderline low B12.  Just curious if anyone else had any issues during pregnancy after WLS.  I am supplementing with Ferrous Sulfate and sublingual B12 but wondering if its worth asking for B12 shots considering that they use cyanide as a binery agent in the B12 pills.

Any thoughts or comments based on your experience would be appreciated.

Thanks

I would also consider asking for IRON INFUSIONS....

Hi, Congratulations on your pregnancy!

I am 24 weeks and also have a low ferritin level (6.6 my doctor says normal range is 15.0-205.0) but my iron level is within normal range.   My obgyn explained it like this... I have enough food on the table but the food in my cupboard is getting low (ferritin is the iron stores).  She said she would test my hemolglobin at 28 weeks and if that was low I would need an iron infusion.  I have been taking two iron pills a day 4 hours apart and my ferritin level has not gone up. 

I hope this helps.

Hi there - thanks for your post.  How long have you been supplementing with the iron?  I will discuss the potential of an infusion and see what my OB thinks but it would be helpful to know how long it may take for levels to increase by supplementation orally vs. iv.

C

at 14 weeks I increased my iron from one tablet a day to two a day.  I take vitron-c which is 65mg elemental iron and vitamin c to help absorb the iron.  My ferritin just keeps dropping at 14 weeks I was at 9.7

Good to know.  Until now I haven't been taking supplements and I've just started with Ferrous Sulfate (2x 300mg).  I'll follow-up with my OB and see if I can get the wheels in his head going to contemplate B12 and an Iron infusion.