Question:
Are any post-ops using iron in pill form successfully?

My doc recommended liquid iron. I thought I could handle it the first few times, but now I really don't take it enough because of the horrible taste. I'm not usually so sensitive to these sorts of things, but I can not take it very often. Is anyone successful with pills and if so, what brand and how much? Thanks--Happy Holidays!!    — Dot W. (posted on December 13, 1999)

December 13, 1999
I am using a combination pill for B12 and iron. It is prescribed by the doctor. It's called Contrin. About 2-3 weeks post op I was tired all the time and all I wanted to do was sleep. After taking these pills for only 2-3 days I felt so much better. I have to take 2 a day, and I do best if I take them right after eating something. I have not had any problems with them. Good luck, as I know I would have trouble taking a liquid iron....Yuck!...LOL Jan
   — Jan B.

December 13, 1999
The lack of absorption of iron is often caused by the lack of trace element minerals in our diets. With low calorie intake and absorption problems adding to the problem of proper nutrition, spray technology is the answer to this problem. As an exhibitor at the ASBS conference and the IFSO congress in Salzburg, Austria, we have proven that our sprays are the future of nutritional supplementation. Popular sprays for bariatric patients are our Colloidal trace element Minerals (in organic form, not metallic), Revitalizer spray (B12), and OsteoCalMag. For your free Oral Absorption Journal with over 40 references to studies regarding oral buccal mucosa absorption, please send your address to me via e-mail. Also, feel free to browse my webpage and gather additional information regarding these quality of life changing sprays. http://www.credden.mybsns.com E-mail: [email protected] James Redden
   — James R.

December 13, 1999
We take two different ones, depending on how much iron we need. Both are small, easy to swallow and of the most absorbable forms. How many mg ELEMENTAL does your doc prescribe for you?
   — vitalady

March 19, 2000
TRINSICON or CHROMAGEN are special prescriptive iron supplements that are prescribed to many WLS patients that may be prone to anemia. If you are taking an iron supplement, do not take it at the same time as your calcium supplement. Calcium and iron compete for absorption in your body. This means that you should not take your iron pills with milk, yogurt, or cheese. As a side note, vitamin C helps aid the absorption of iron. Vicamin C is rich in tomatoes, red bell peppers, and may other vegetables. Meal suggestion with iron supplement: TOMATO PIZZA: Take a slice of fresh tomato, cover with pizza sauce, grated cheese, deli meat, onion, green pepper, olives, etc.. anything that sounds good. Warm if desired and eat.
   — Shar /.