Question:
I just want to make sure I've got this right...

Is this what I am supposed to be taking? Calcium with d 500 three times a day, 2 multivitamins a day, sublingual b12 1000mcg a week, and about the iron...I know it should be taken on an empty stomach with vitamin c, but how much is absorbed at a time and how much iron and vitamin c should I be getting a day? My iron right now is at 26 and I want to get that up. I'm just not sure how much iron you can take at one time. Also, if I take a bit more iron to get my level up, how long would I take the extra iron, and how much would I take if my iron levels are normal? Thanks for any help, I have looked in the library, but it just confused me more!! Have a great day. Lezli    — Lezli M. (posted on August 10, 2002)

August 10, 2002
Hi I am 4 weeks post-op and admit I was also a little confused with all the vitamins also. My surgeon's office recommended calcium carbonate, so I knew that was wrong and needed to do additional research. You may want to check out bariatricsupplementsystem.com. I started taking these vitamins one week post-op. They have everything you need, are easy to take, great absorption factor, automatic shipping once a month, and cost $29.95 per month. Good luck.
   — Joanie J.

August 10, 2002
Not all iron needs to be taken on empty. Some do fine with some mild food. Just not caffeine or dairy for an hour. But with your non-milk protein supp or some toast, maybe? Your IRON is at 26 or your ferritin? Depending, I might point you in a diferent direction.
   — vitalady

August 10, 2002
Lezlie, Make sure you separate your doses of calcium from the iron. Calcium interferes with iron absorption (my doc says 2-3 hours). I was told to take Iron (Ferrous Sulfate 325mg) 3 times per day. If you take two multi-vites then take one iron with each of them (separate doses). This will provide the C to help absorption for them. Then if you have more Iron to take, take it later. Unless your doctor has specifically ordered the extra C, I don't advise it, you can get too much. As for the iron stores, I would estimate that your stores should be built back up in about a month, then it will be left up to the doctor to decide when/if to lower the dose. (I cannot do Iron on empty it kills my tummy).
   — Tina B.