Question:
How can i quickly increase my iron level?

I recenttly have been scheduled for surgery on June 8th. but i found out that my iron level was 11.3 and the norm starts at 12. i have to take another cbc and hemocult before June 4th. Has anyone had this problem that had their surgery at Barix clinic in Groveport, Ohio? Did they cancel your surgery?    — Beverly M. (posted on May 27, 2004)

May 26, 2004
i have been anemic for years ... one year testing I showed normal and I didn't do any vitamins.. the only thing I remember doing prior to testing even eating different was crawfish... later I found them to have iron in them.. so just to be safe before my testings now I have me a good fill. Shrimp would have iron as well. If you like that hey its worth a try.. eat it twice the week before... just a suggestion but dont hold me to this working... I do have a list of things on my profile that are high in iron... please be careful not to overdose on iron pills tho....very dangerous on the liver
   — WLS_Deb

May 27, 2004
Hello, I take Fergon iron supplements. You have to take vitamin c with your iron for it to work. Are you eating any citrus fruits or veggies with vitamin C? This will help to absorb your iron into your blood. This should help with your iron levels. Please ask your doctor first. Walmart keeps the iron supplements in the pharmacy. Just ask and they will give it to you. Good luck.
   — Suzann G.

May 27, 2004
Try using cast iron cookware your food will absorb the iron from the pan.I use these as did my mother when I was growing up and I've never had an iron deficiency. Cathy
   — Cathy G.

May 27, 2004
Since low iron is a side effect of WLS and we don't absorb much iron from food, you might try using a supplement that is not ferrous sulfate. Polysaccharride is the highest elemental iron form available non-Rx. Iron is taken with vit C, never with dairy, caffeine, whole grains, vites, minerals or meds. Alone together for at least one hour.
   — vitalady

May 28, 2004
I've started taking "Blood Builder" which is a tablet derived from whole foods. I bought these at Mana Grocery which is a health food store. Apparently the body is better able to absorb the iron because it comes from whole food sources. At any rate my iron level increased quickly and I started feeling better within a few days.
   — Etta M.

May 30, 2004
Your hemaglobin is not that low and I cannot see why the doctor would cancel surgery. Try to take an iron supplement, eat iron rich foods and that should help increase it. If your hemaglobin was much lower, you might still have had surgery with the possibility of a blood transfusion. But generally your hgb must be much, much lower than what yours is. Best of luck....
   — Marni

June 1, 2004
Hello there, I am also low on iron and I am scheduled to have my PS on June 8th. Talk about things in common. Right now I am eating iron enriched cereal and foods. I take 3 iron pills a day too. I have been taking them with other pills too but I will stop now as I see that its not a good thing to do. I too have to do blood work again on Friday and if my iron levels are not up they will cancel so I'm doing all I can do. My hematocrit is 32 and that was beofre I did my blood tranfusion(give 1 unit of blood in case I need a transfusion during surgery) and it didn't help that it was also my monthly cycle too. I am wondering if that also has alot to do with things. That's alot of blood loss.
   — Janine O.