Question:
Iron and b12 problems after 4 years

Has anyone had absorbsion problems after gallbladder removal. I became iron deficient and my b12 isn't good I take tons of vitamins but iron is not being absorbed. I need to see a Hemotologist now to see if they can get it up through the vains. The iron right now is just constipating me and I've put on 30 pounds it's depressing.    — ANNAJEAN (posted on June 30, 2007)

June 30, 2007
Hi Anne, You should be taking IB12 under the tongue or getting shots. Also they can give you iron intraveniously. I have Kidney Deseas and that's what they do for me. You need to go back to your surgeon or to your Primary Care doctor and get this straightened out.
   — bderuiter

June 30, 2007
Hi Anna, thanks for writing. I know gaining weight can be so depressing and such a heavy feeling (no pun intended). I find it odd that this happened after 4 years, is that when you got your gallbladder removed? Mine came out the first year. My iron was creeping low, so I began a gnc supplement of iron along with my multivitamin, but I also try and get iron in the foods I eat. You can get a list of iron rich foods, but also research how iron is absorbed and maybe you are missing that component which makes taking iron useless for you? I think that if you are in basically good health except for the b12 and iron issue, that you should be able to solve this with good food and a good supplement that is easier to absorb, and not needles and bags of stuff. I think if you take on your depression and begin with the basics again of protein, water, lots of water, and exercise, that you can get this under control (the depression), and maybe get your bowels moving. Also, the over the counter "miralax" is a NON habitforming laxitive that you can take daily. It works very well and has NO flavor to it at all. Give it a try. It really works well. I only use a half dose because of my pouch, but I do use it when I struggle with my bowels. Take care, and fight for your health, you are worth it. Don't let depression set you back. It is a strong emotion, but the TRUTH is you lost weight before, you can do it again. The TRUTH is that is is always hard to lose weight, but you are worth it, and you are in for a fight, but hey, you can fight for yourself right? Begin today, cut out the crap in your life food wise, take a look at your personal issues and adjust those as well if you need to, but fight for your health, you are worth it. Take care. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

July 1, 2007
Anna, I still have my gallbladder and am 2 years post-op but I haven't been able to get my iron level up to what my Dr. wants it to be. My level now is about 18 and they want it to be 30 or more. I take Vitron-C ( I take 4 times the dosage on the box) and I try to drink OJ with it to help it absorb. As for the constipating issue been there and done that too. I use Benefiber daily and also take fish oil capsules to help but I also take this for my skin and hair. As for B-12 no problem there and actually mine is really High probavbly due taking B-12 shots . I was taking them very week for about a year before surgery. I started taking them for the extra engery and then just liked the way they made me feel. I have cut back to twice or once a month since surgery because my doctor said my level was Off the chart and I should cut back. ( level was 1500 and they should be about 400-600). Good luck .
   — jpcal

July 2, 2007
Last year, at 6 years out, I was diagnosed severely anemic. I had to go through blood transfusions. I started taking Perfect Iron from Sundown with 500 mg of Vitamin C twice a day and within 2 months my iron was back up in the 11-12 range. I took 4 perfect iron with the C twice a day. As far as the B12, are you getting regular shots? I get a B12 shot every two weeks. Good luck to you!
   — rinnchris

July 2, 2007
these two deficiencies are quite common, but dangerous. no one size fits all nutrition program really does fit all. i cannot take most irons, constipation, falling levels. took me awhile to find a good iron and i was lucky. my doc starts us all on iron! b12 is also individual. while it must be under the tongue or injection, some will need daily, some monthly. i'm 13 yrs out, i take b12 shots weekly to hold the lousy 700 level. my husband is 12 yrs out, takes one per week and holds 1500 easily. both of us have stellar iron levels, but again, we probably tried 6 irons before we found one.
   — vitalady