Iron/ Ferritin frustrations

I am approx 1.5 years out from RNY. I had blood work performed to check my iron.

Ferritin- 14 ( range 13-150) I was at a 10, 6 months ago

Iron 113 ( range 37-160)

Iron Binding Capacity 470 ( range 245-400)

I have been taking Preferrin Heme iron for the past 3 months. My primary doctor said that I need to contact my bariatric surgeon. My bariatric surgeon feels that my ferritin numbers are fine since they are in range and my other numbers are fine. I am feeling beyond frustrated. How much iron can I safely take to get my ferritin up?? What else can I do to increase my numbers? Also, what is iron binding capacity??

I feel good. I have good energy, I am just concerned about my ferritin. Any suggestions??

I assume you are taking Proferrin 3 x per day? You know it's working because your ferritin is trending up, so don't stop that!

The only thing that will increase your ferritin hugely is an infusion and because that is not without its risks, Dr's are only going to want to do that as a last resort.

Mine is only at a 16, but I feel fine, I'm just in 6 month watch instead of 12 month and I've upped the Proferrin to 3 x per day.

Thank you for your reply. Where are you buying your iron? I have been buying it on Amazon and its around $30 for 30 pills.

go to the progestin website and buy it directly from the manufacturer.

I have it on autoship from the manufacturer here in Colorado (Colorado Biolabs). They're awesome and you know it's fresh coming direct from them. There's no shipping cost, $60 ish for 90 pills. I have crappy insurance and infusions run around $2k, so this is more cost effective and less risk.

Call them and they'll do it over the phone or you can do it on their website.

It's expensive but so much better than other over the counter iron.

https://www.proferrin.com

Hey thanks, I put some on autoship. In my opinion, this iron problem is one of the most difficult to resolve. I have a doctors meeting tomorrow and am planning on bringing everything I am taking. Also demanding a ferritin test, which will not be covered by insurance. Very frustrating.

With Ferritin low - monitor your RBC and hemoglobin. Even thoughmy ferritin is 16, nmy BRC (blood red count) dropped form 4.4 to 3.9, my hemoglobin dropped from 14.4 to 12.

And at this point I feel horrible, When my ferritin drops below 30, I start having symptoms or iron deficiency (RLS type pain - very tiring)

As long as you feel OK- save the money and get more Profferin. It is pricey, but taking it it may prevent symptoms of anemia.

I feel the worst if my red blood count goes below 10.

Well, that sucks. My RBC is 4.39.

I got mixed up. It is hemoglobin below 10 that wipes me out. RBC is fine at 4.39