Question:
Any suggestions on how to treat pre-op anemia and how long expected until normal.

One day before surgery and found out surgery is postponed due to anemia. Any suggestions to move this along. I am ten weeks post op from hysterectomy that resulted in a lot of blood loss. I have been taking iron. Doesn't it take some time to get back to normal. the doctors are concerned that it is coming back too slow. Any suggestions would be appreciated. thanks    — Cindy M. (posted on September 18, 2001)

September 18, 2001
The same thing happened to me as well - I was postponed for about a month. I had to build up my iron or not have the surgery at all. My PCP had me take 4 Feosol pills per day. I took them for about 2 weeks but they were making me sick so I reduced it to 3 per day. I also ate foods rich in iron ie: liver, vegetables, nuts etc. For me it was the longest month ever, but is was well worth it. I am now 10 weeks post and down 66 lbs. Best of luck to you and eat nothing that is not high in iron.
   — [Anonymous]

September 19, 2001
I think your doctor should give you something, but you should eat foods rich in iron ie liver, spinach. or take some multivitamin with iron. Heres something that just popped into my head, try the baby cereal with iron, it's loaded with lots of iron. I hope it helps.
   — sherri W.

September 19, 2001
You may not care to hear this, but an Iron deficiency can be very dangerous. I don't know how low it is, but your body will be challenged again with the WLS. Post-op from an RNY you will absorb less iron and definitely be able to eat less. So I think your health will be better if you can get the iron levels back up. I'm no expert, but we have a member of AMOS here who has severe iron deficiencies post op and it has been awful for her. Good luck, and enjoy eating those high iron foods while you can.
   — kcanges

September 19, 2001
You might want to consider taking the irons we take post-op (not ferrous sulfate), because of their superior absorption. Iron is taken with vit C, but not with milk or caffeine or Tums or any other meds or ulcer treatments. It's OK to take it with toast or something if you don't like to put pills on empty (I don't, either). Give them an hour head start before you take anything else. BUt since you are taking iron now (presumably), just be sure you are not negating it by taking it with anything else. Iron simply is uncooperative, so we play by its rules or we don't get it!
   — vitalady

January 10, 2005
Cindy, I am currently suffering a SEVERE low iron count and ferritin counts! I am currently getting my ferritin counts back up by iron IV's. Not fun, but I have the cause and lots of information to ask your doctor on my profile if you'd like to read it! Good luck and get your iron in and ALWAYS take your vitamins!
   — Carole M.