Low Iron - 10 years from RNY

When I had my iron checked in March, it was a little low. In July it was a lot low (should be over 20 and it was 9) so my dr ordered an iron transfusion. He suggested it could be the RNY (2006). My iron has be in the normal range for 10 years. Does it make sense the now it would suddenly go low due to the RNY?

You probably had enough iron stores to help you out. What has your Ferritin been like?

I am about 15 years out and I have my Ferritin checked regularly and when it gets below 50 it's time for an infusion. My hematologist says that I am not absorbing oral iron so I just have infusions as needed. My iron numbers aren't bad yet. But they will get there eventually without infusions.

As my ferritin had been low recently I did some digging found some statistics that said 50% of RNY patients can expect to have an iron problem by 7 years out even if they are compliant with their vitamins, even men and post-menopausal women. The number is higher for menstruating women.

So yes, could be your surgery

With RNY one of the places in the intestine that absorbs iron is removed. Even though you take supplements you can get low because your body does not absorb enough iron.

Thanks everyone for the replies. I really would not have expected to have problems 10 years out (actually, it'll be 11 years on 9/20). I still don't fully believe it but the lab test doesn't lie.

I received my first infusion this past Friday and my second on this Friday. For those of you who've had infusions, how long does it take to see results (in lab test, rise in energy, calming restless legs, etc)?

It's really common, especially further out.

Long term, you need to watch your ferritin number. Iron lab numbers are equivalent to how much money is in your pocket right now. Ferritin is similar to money in the bank. As your ferritin falls, you will eventually be in big trouble.

Keep up with labs after this infusion, especially ferritin. When it drops too far, you'll need another infusion.