Question:
Will being anemic with low iron WLS?

In Oct 02 was 9.8 and hadn't taken iron pills and but then given iron pills and have taken them though not cosistent and I do have heavy periods. Thought would take care of it but blood work done a month ago says I am now 8.8 instead of the 12-16 range and 18 in the 35-150 range...Have started taking iron pills every day now but am upset it may cause a delay in surgery....any sure way to up that iron to a level that will be acceptable?    — Rhondaroo78 (posted on May 28, 2003)

May 28, 2003
Hi! I am a GYN nurse and would make 2 suggestions. First, if you can tolerate it, take 2 iron tabs per day and then up it to 3 per day if your tolerating it ok. Secondly, get in touch with your GYn office and ask if you can stop your periods for awhile. Continuous birth control or Lupron injections will do this for several months which will give you time to boost your levels. You are fairly anemic and I suspect it is from the heavy periods. Also, high iron food- green leafy vegetable and organ meats will help. Good Luck!
   — krogers56

May 28, 2003
I went through the very same thing, except my hemaglobin was 7.2 when I had my lap R&Y performed. The doctor said, you may need a transfusion, but it didn't turn out to be required. Now, when I had my hysterectomy and tummy tuck performed, the plastic surgeon sent me to a hematologist before he would operate. I ended up having two iron transfusions done before surgery. This did up my levels. My hemaglobin is steady, as the heavy bleeding stopped after the hysterectomy was performed. I went on Lupron for two months before the hysterectomy; however, it does put you in early menopause for the time you are on it! No fun there! Anyway, I hope this helps and I wish you the best.
   — sheron H.

May 28, 2003
What KIND of iron? Perhaps changingn the type will help you absorb it better & your numbers to climb more quickly?
   — vitalady