Low Iron - Problem??? xPost

Weird...   I went into Carter Blood Care to donate and have low iron (11.3) vs. the mandatory 12.9 for women to donate which got me to thinking....

Anyone out there have these issues 2 years post op and how did you handle???

A month ago, I went to the OB/GYN for a checkup; that day, my iron was 9.0 and I was shocked.... It's never been so low before.  I promptly went by my WLS surgeon's office and talked with the nutritionist.   They provided a great list and I've been working on it, including lowering my caffine intake (slightly addicted to coffee)...

Just wondering if anyone else out there has problems and how did you handle?

Thank you for any/all advise.

Do you take any extra iron?

I have been taking the chewable Tender Iron from Vitalady since I had surgery.  I had my iron up to 77 at 6 months (started at 52 pre-op) but it was back down to 57 at a year.  I had cut back on the iron I was taking because it constipates me so badly.  I can't win!

I hope you can bring it back up - low iron is nothing to mess around with! 

Lisa,

I had that problem a couple of years ago and ended up being hospitilized and had an iron infusion. Take this serious and listen to your Dr.

Take care,
Loni

I just had my 2 year bloodwork done and my iron is low.  Not sure of the number.  I have a hard time taking iron so they suggested Ferrett IPS liquid iron.  They say it's easier to absorb and it's not suppose to constipate you.  I am going to get some and see how it works.  I bet it taste NASTY!!!LOL

Let me know how the Ferrett IPS liquid works out as far as constipation.  If you are like me, you will know in a week. 

I don't have it yet.  I haven't found it in stores.  It's suppose to be over the counter.  Walmart said they could order it for me.  It's $22 for an 8 pz bottle.

Lisa, you are at the stage many post-ops see the iron tanking.  Definitely need to start taking good doses of iron.  I find carbonyl iron to be less hard on my tummy.  I was taking Tender Iron and got tired of taking 8 per day and not seeing an increase, Michelle recommended 12 and I just didn't want to ADD more to my day. 

I'm now taking this http://www.vitalady.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&k ey=1720 once a day (when I remember, bad me) and haven't had problems AT ALL with constipation.

Be sure you are taking at least 500 mg of chewable Vitamin C (for better absorption with it).  I take 1000 mg when I take mine.

My biggest vice is the coffee also, I know it depletes iron and I'm also working on lowering how much I drink a day.

Dana, have you had your iron checked since you started on the Poly-Iron?  I have some from vitalady and I am alternating between it and the Tender Iron chewables to basically use the chewables up.  I used to like the taste, but they changed their formulation and it has an odd, chemical aftertaste now - blech.  I won't be buying any more Tender Iron.

I haven't had it checked since Sarah.  I do love the fact I take 1 per day instead of so many.  I get sick of taking so much but my labs dictate I need allot, lol.

Thank you for the information and help.   I'm researching and checking with my surgeon's office, but will get started right away on a supplement.  Believe me, I can feel a difference in my energy levels lately.