Question:
If you're Dr prescribed this for you to get your Iron/vit C/B-12/Intrinsic factor

I would love to hear from anyone who is taking this. Did you get good labs? Have any problems with constipation, nausea etc. Any pros or cons... I'm having Lap RNY 7/11 and was considering asking the Doc for a script for after surgery. Is this better than taking B-12 shots once a month? I'm aware of the sublingual B-12. Thanks for your input.    — Shelly R. (posted on June 14, 2003)

June 14, 2003
I am still pre-op and cannot give you first hand information, however, from listening to post-ops in my support group, they all highly recommend the trinsicon...they say they have much better energy, excellent labs, and just generally feel better when they are taking it. Some report increased gas though, and some increased constipation (although I think any iron supplement will do that). Nearly all though, say it's worth it. I plan to take it post-op. Also, a note... many people say they don't think they need it because their labs are fine... but our doc says it's a "preventative" thing...it will KEEP your levels high, and not allow them to get bad. Good Luck.
   — Kelly B.

June 14, 2003
If it's Trinsicon you're referring to, I've been on it since my surgery a year ago because my doc prescribes it to his post-ops as a matter of course. I did have to add some B-12 sublingual "dots" under my tongue at about 8 months out or so, which brought my B-12 right back up again (from low normal to mid-normal range), but otherwise my iron and B-whatever levels have been good. I never had to go to B-12 shots, so I can't compare those. I also can't say whether Trinsicon causes nauseau, though with any iron supplement, sometimes you have to take it with food to avoid that problem (my pouch doesn't seem to be bothered by it, though). Constipation is something I've battled from time to time since my RNY, but I can't point to Trinsicon as a cause in particular 'cause I've never been off of it since my surgery -- just adding fiber to my diet seems to keep it in check. All in all, Trinsicon seems like a good little supplement to me. :~) But ... don't forget to add in your calcium citrate supplements (1500 mg. a day, with Vit. D and magnesium), plus a multivitamin. Trinsicon doesn't cover those areas.
   — Suzy C.

June 14, 2003
Trinsicon is one of the 3 best iron supps for us...the other 2 are Niferex and Chromagen Forte. None of them should upset your stomach or cause constipation, and if they do, be sure to add some fiber into your diet. Everyone with a bypass should take iron. Shortages often don't show up until 3 or 4 years post-op, so be sure to get copies of all your labs because docs often just look to see if everything is in the normal range. We have to be responsible to look for trends...any major changes up or down, so we can adjust our vitamins before we hit the danger zone.
   — Leslie F.

June 14, 2003
The shots are always best. 100% predictable, if taken IM. Trinsicon works for many of us. For iron. I have not seen it work with B12 over the long haul. Just do what Leslie suggested, get labs quarterly & collect copies yourself. If your B12 holds steady, it's right for you. If it's not right for you, you'll see it before you get into trouble.
   — vitalady