Question:
I HAD A VBG IN SEPTEMBER 2001. I AM NOW SEVERELY ANEMIC.

I thought this was exclusive to the mal-absorbtion types of surgery. It may be unrelated to my WLS and a female problem. Any other VBGers out there anemic? What did you do to recover? I have a TT and breast reduction coming up and can't have it done with this anemia. Please ANYONE TELL ME HOW TO GET MY LEVELS UP!    — beth N. (posted on August 10, 2002)

August 9, 2002
Are you on any supplements or vitamins? It depends on what type of anemia you have as to what you take, ask your PCP. Regular iron deficiency anemia can be helping by just taking over the counter iron supplements (FeSO4=ferrous sulfate. It will take several months for the levels to improve. Eating a lot of iron rich foods, usually green leafy vegies will help too. You need to know what type of anemia so you can treat it correctly, so talking with your PCP is a good idea. Good luck and congratulations on your weight loss.
   — Lynn L.

August 9, 2002
Hi there. I too am having surgery in the near future and I am extremely anemic. I have been on iron injections which you could have, iron infusions, which you could have, and they are going to transfuse me before surgery. It's the only way that they can do this for me. Maybe one of those things will work for you. Good luck.
   — Barbara H.

August 10, 2002
Even though you are not malabsorbing, you might want to use one of the rions that work well for us for max benefit. Try finding a carbonyl iron or polysacharide form, depending on how amenic you are. If you're not too deep in a hole, and find a good form of iron, sometimes you can turn your levels to an upswing in several days. Iron + C, not with caffeine, milk or any meds, other vites or minerals (for about an hour).
   — vitalady