Question:
What type besides prescription for long term use?

I need some advice for my Iron Supplements..I am 15 months post-op Open RNY..I am still getting my Iron tablets from an original perscription from my surgeon..Anyway I would like to find an Iron tablet I can take that is "over the counter" for the rest of my life..I no longer have medical insurance so I am hoping for something that is not too expensive..The pharmacist only recommended a couple that were way out of my price range so I am hoping some of you have a good one for me to take...I am now taking 2 Ferrogel Forte tablets a day...The pharmacist told me that only the really expensive Iron pills have the same ingredients as these...Any suggestions? Thank you ahead of time...    — Suzanne S. (posted on June 22, 2003)

June 22, 2003
Hi... is their any reason you have to take a "special" iron supplement? Besides this surgery? My surgeon and nutritionist recommended just a good multi-vitamin for women (I am a big time monthly bleeder too... I have polycystic ovaries). I found one at GNC. It is the GNC brand of Women's Ultra Mega. Here is what the label tells you: High potency vitamina nd mineral formula designed specifically for a woman's nutritional needs <TIME RELEASED>. Supplement Facts: Vitamin A (50% as beta-Carotene; 50% as Retinyl Acetate, 10,000 IU <200% DV>; Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid) 200 mg <333% DV>; Vitamin D, 400IU <100% DV>; Vitamin E, 100 IU <333% DV>; Vitamin K, 75 mcg <94% DV>; Thiamin (Vitamin B-1), 80 mg <5,333% DV>; Riboflavin (Vitamin B-2), 80 mg <4706% DV>; Niacin, 80 mg <400% DV>; Vitamin B-6, 80 mcg (1333% DV>; Folic Acid, 400 mcg <100% DV>; Vitamin B-12, 80 mcg (1333%); Biotin, 80 mcg <27% DV>; Panthothenic Acid (as Calcium d-Pantothenate), 80 mg (800% DV); Calcium, 500 mg (50% DV); Iron, 27 mg (150% DV); Iodine, 150 mcg (100% DV); Magnesium, 200 mg, (50% DV); Zinc, 15 mg (100% DV); Selenium, 100mcg (143% DV); Copper, 2 mg (100% DV); Chromium, 100 mcg (83% DV); Molybdenum, 50 mcg (67% DV); Dong Quai Root Powder, 50 mg; Bee Pollen Powder (extra Vitimin B-12); Citrhus Bioflavonoids Complex, 25 mg; Choline, 10 mg; Cranberry Concentrate (bladder clearing agent), 10 mg; para-Aminobenzoic Acad (PABA), 10 mg; Royal Jelly (additional B-12), 5 mg; Slica, 2 mg; Boron, 2 mg; Red Rasberry Leaves, 2 mg; Lutein, 500 mcg; and Insoitol, 10 mcg. Other Ingredients: Cellulose, Rice Protien Chelate, Titanium Dioxide <natural mineral whitner>, Vegetable Acetoglycerides, Rose Hips Powder (vitamin C); Acerola; Chlorophyll, and HPC Hydrolyzed Protein Chealte. It costs about $25.00 (I think...?) per 180 tablets. Taking only one per day keeps my blood work absolutely perfect. For the first time in my life, my iron is excellent, even during my period! I don't eat "organ" meat where the most iron is found becaus they are too high in cholesterol. My cholesterol is excellent, too! AND I eat an egg each day!! (It was 453 prior to surgery. It is now 200, one point above the normal range... my doc can deal with that!)I don't/can't eat a lot of veggies, either, because they make me dump! My surgeon can't figure out why, except for the possibility that my body can't handle all the fiber. Hence, this powerful multi-vitamin. I also take a Calcium supplement (2000 mg) in the evening so I absorb it better. Having 100% of Folic Acid is a great plus, too. One of the things that convinced me to buy it is the Vitamin K. Why? It is THE vitamin that your fingernails and hair really need to promote healthy growth. Yes, you do need protien more, but Vitamin K is necessary, too. If you are a person who craves cinnamon, your body may be lacking in Vitamin K. Now... I'm not a doctor, this is just stuff I have learned over the past thirty years of researching vitamins, etc. I am not, do not, and will never claim to be any kind of expert on vities. I am just telling you what I have found, okay? Good luck and I hope this has helped you some! :~) Hugs
   — Sharon M. B.

June 22, 2003
thank you Sharon...I will look for these..They sound like they are pretty powerful and full of what I need on a daily basis..The reason I still take the "prescription" iron is I was very ill at one time and these Iron pills pulled me through..I guess I am scared that if I stop taking them I will get sick again..Have a great day..
   — Suzanne S.

June 22, 2003
You are quite welcome! I understand about needing iron supplements and being ill. I bled for 22 weeks straight...yes, literally. That's when we discovered I had PCOS. So... I know how you feel about iron and being scared. That's why I looked so hard for so long for a good women's multi! I wish you much good health. We have both struggled so long just to feel good. :~) Hugs!
   — Sharon M. B.