Tell me about the patches

I am going to wait till after my appointment to discuss my blood work. But the more I read and think about the patches I like the idea of slapping one (or two.. I was thinking iron and calcium?) and not having to worry about what I am eating the pills with or timing them.

For those who have used them.. tell me the good and bad. Has anyone fixed iron issues with them if they can't get (or won't get) a transfusion? Any downsides other than the cost?

Thanks!

They work great for some and not at all for others. Just make sure to monitor your labs in case you fall in the latter category.

I was so excited when I found about patches. Unfortunately... From what I heard they don't work for most people who tried it. Specially calcium and D.

Iron worked for some people.

I do not (yet?) use the patches, but I have some experience with "transdermal" meds.

Sites need to be rotated and applied to clean, dry skin. Also, if skin tends to be dry and flakey, exfoliation may improve absorption but applying moisturizer will block it.

Why do sites need to be rotated?

The skin needs a chance to "rest" to prevent irritation from the adhesive and/or the medication. In this case vitamin/mineral. If an irritation is present the med/vitamin/mineral will not absorb properly, if at all.

The Center for Weight Management where I had WLS continue to say there is not enough data out for them to give a recommendation.

I am 5 months post op. I use 3 (2 during the day multivitamin and vit d3/calcium and iron at night).

I am down 85 pounds. My labs are great, they are working for me.

Love them!! I use all four. My picky pouch loves that I don't try to force those nasty chewables into my system via my pouch.

Ceci