low iron

How many have had low iron and needed iron infusions? If so how long did you have to have the infusions for and how soon after starting the infusions did you feel better? Thanks in advance. Koukla

I'm glad you posted this.  I found out today that my iron count was low.  They doctor is running more test on me and I will find out in a few weeks if I will need to take medication.  I am wondering if this has anything to do with having bypass surgery (even though it was 7 years ago).  If anyone can answer my question I would also appreciate it.

Yes, some people don't absorb iron after wls. That's why labs are so important. My hemotologist told me that either you absorb it or you don't.  My iron was very low. I think my ferritin was 7. I got the infusion and one month went back and it was up to 99.  Just make sure they check both your iron level and your ferritin, they both are important.  HUGS

my Hemotologist said it was because of the gastric bypass.  He said it's a common problem but the infusion will fix it. let's hope. Hope yours gets better soon. Koukla

Yes, it is directly related to your WLS. We do not "digest", since the food does not go into the stomach, (gastric is bypassed) and the food does not go past the iron-absorption sites in the duodenum, regardless of RNY or BPD type.

I always hope one day I'll wake up and see all WLS on supplemental iron (of an absorbable & agreeable type!) with vit C, with the "iron rules", but so far, there is usually not intervention until a person feels bad. That's so sad.

For now, all of ours here are launched on fairly large doses of iron, and different types are tried until the magic one is found. It can take some trial and error.

I know Repliva's been on the market just a year or two and it has worked very well for some, but not on the 21/7 dosage, more like 2-3 per day for all the days. I haven't seen it work well at the 21/7 for US. It's made for normies who can process eaten iron, where we cannot.

The age, or gender, or menopausal status has no bearing on what you can get IN (only on what goes out)

I had an iron infusion done a year ago. I only had to have one. I felt better fairly soon. It was a gradually kind of improvement. I can't remember what my iron levels were. I have them posted on my profile, somewhere. I wasn't terribly low. I was really dragging, though! I hope you feel better, soon.

Thank you. That is exactly how I feel.  Dragging.  I can't get out of my own way. I was really hoping that as soon as I had the infusion I'd feel better but  you say it's a gradual improvement. Well I guess I can't complain, as long as I get better. Thank you again. Koukla

I have had low iron, but never needed an infusion.  I just take iron pills for awhile.  Then next time it drops, I take them again.  Maybe not the best cycle to be on, but my doc doesn't seem concerned. 

I had problems with low iron and couldn't get them up no matter how many iron supplements I took.  Dr prescribed Repliva 21/7 and it's been the charm.  It's a prescription iron and has all the stuff in it we need - you can tell I didn't pay attention to the types and amounts - I just know that I've been taking it more than a year and my labs - done every 3 months - are great.  It has been the trick for me. 

I should talk to my doctor about that.  Maybe after the infusion he can put me on those to keep it up.  Does it constipate you?  sorry to ask but just wondering if I need to counteract it. thank you so much. Koukla