Blood iron levels

Hi there! I am a little over three years out (open RNY) and doing well - biggest problem I have, however, is anemia. I started on supplemental iron shortly after my surgery, take it religously, and have my levels checked every 6 months or so (more often if there's a problem - which there is). Here's the scoop - even after having had the dose quadrupled over the last three years, I'm still anemic. I don't take my iron with my calcium (as the two don't like each other), I follow the doctor's directions, yet my levels just keep dropping. So here's my question - who here has struggled with anemia? HOW anemic have you been, and at what point (what blood iron level) do they decide to transfuse you? If you've been anemic, but found a specific supplement that worked, what was it? How much did you take? Thanks for any input!

Hi Lisa. I wouldn't know I have a problem if they didn't call and tell me - I feel OK - tired all the time, but that could have to do with lifestyle, too (working full time, graduate school full time, we're moving, etc., etc., etc.). However, if I can, I want to avoid needing a transfusion, so I'm hoping to be able to turn this around with diet and supplements. It's good to know that the transfusions have worked so well for you, though! Thanks! Karen

I am not anemic, but I have been told that Ferrous Fumarate is the fastest absorbing form of iron supplements recommended for gastric bypass. Is the iron you are taking Ferrous Fumarate?? I hope you get it all sorted out. Best wishes, Karen G

In gastric bypass patients iron deficiency can be a problem because iron is partially absorbed in the duodenum. The duodenum is bypassed along with the stomach. Iron absorption seems to be enhanced by adequate Vitamin C intake. Articles seem to suggest that when one is iron deficient and trying to replace iron stores, increasing Vitamin C intake to 500mg per day may be helpful. In addition iron containing foods: Organ meats such as liver Meat, fish, and poultry Shellfish, especially oysters Dried beans and peas Whole-grain products such as breads and cereals Dark-green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli Dried fruits such as figs, raisins, apricots, and dates Hope this helps. Mary

Thanks everyone! I'm doing the right things dietarily - but I'll try the vitamen C idea - it's water soluable, so it would be difficult to take too much! Thanks!

Karen, I have just had a horrible problem with Anemia. I had restless legs so badly that I couldn't get any sleep. This is why I sought out medical care and had blood work done. My iron level was 3! My hemoglobin was 8.0, critical. They immediately put me on Ferrous fumutate.. This is better absorbed. The best medication you can take is called VitronC. I take 6 pills a day to get my iron up. It has 'c' in it also so it is absorbed wonderfully. You can get it at Rite-aid. After taking it for one week, my symptoms ceased. I feel wonderful again, like my old self! Ferrous Sulfate constipates and is absorbed poorly by gastric bypass patients. VitronC is for people that are anemic and works FAST! GOOD LUCK! SHELLY

Thanks Shelly - my levels aren't as low as your, but close. I will go riffle through Rite-Aid tonight and find VitronC! Thanks, everyone, for the input! I appreciate it! Karen

Karen, sorry to hear you are experiencing anemia. I haven't been diagnosed anemic yet, but have steadily saw my iron level and ferratin going down. I just recently began taking Tender Iron from www.vitalady.com and chewable vitamin C, I feel better already just in the past 3 weeks. I'm scheduled for labs in June so I'm hoping to see the numbers going back up. Dana

I hit my year this past February, and I've been anemic from the beginning. I had my tummy tuck in Mid march and I had to go in the day before for 2 units of a blood transfusion because my doctor told me just how severly anemic I was. I had some idea, because I'd been experiencing PICA (I wanted ice ALL THE TIME) luckily, I wanted nothing else associated with PICA. I was always tired...could fall asleep in 2 secs flat and was unable to drive long distances because of this. I've been prescribed 3 iron pills a day, 3 stool softeners a day, and I have to drink 12 glasses of water a day at LEAST to avoid constipation (doesn't always work)...I am going to have it tested again soon because even though I don't want ice, I am starting to feel tired again...but I'm a very busy military spouse...hubby is deployed, kids have activities, I have a job, I volunteer..how could I NOT be tired! *L*

Wow, i have been experiencing this for some time now. I found out in january my iron level is 2 and my hemoglobin is 7. I am taking two iron pills a day. I have to go in june for more bloodwork and if it hasnt risen I will start transfusion. However now that I have visited this site i will try the VitronC. These board on obesityhelp are definitley filled with information. I am glad I found the 1+ board.