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Iron Deficiency- absorption
My name is Alison and I had gastric bypass in 2001. I am 59 years old. My highest weight was 285. I lost down to 170. I have gained and lost through the years. I now weigh 220 and starting to work on it again. I had iron and anemia issues for several years. My sister had the same surgery and had iron transfusions.
Over the years I have noticed absorption is an issue I need to be conscious of in all aspects of medications and supplements. The two things which have helped me in terms of my iron is in being vigilant in taking my b12 shots and an iron supplement called hema-plex. I have better results when I take a capsule rather than a tablet or soft gel. Liquid is always best for me but in this case I just disliked the taste too much.
In March I had a hip replacement and asked for liquid antibiotic. I have recovered beautifully.
My sister and I both have avoided anemia for many years. I think the supplement has contributed.
I would do the gastric bypass surgery again without a doubt.
I think the discussion of what you can personally absorb and the form is a good discussion with the doctor.
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Thank you for the information. I was only told to take am iron supplement. There were never any specifics for type...I will definately check it out!
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1 ReactionGlad you found this helpful. I'm not sure why your surgeon did not specify the type of iron needed for maximum absorption, but it is CRITICAL that you take the correct type, amount, and that you take it daily.
NEVER TAKE IRON & CALCIUM TOGETHER.
For optimal absorption of iron, it should be taken separately from calcium. In fact, iron and calcium should be separated by at least 2-4 hours. This is critical for bariatric surgery patients as the risk of iron deficiency actually increases over time.
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1 ReactionI had gastric bypass in 1978. I'm now 69 years old. First time I discovered my anemia it was 6.8 yet I was walking around feeling fine. I took iron and monitored my hemoglobin monthly until it was normal. It was years before this happened again. I followed the same and levels rose to normal again. This seems to work for me but I'm wondering if I should be on a daily iron tablet to help keep my levels normal.
I had my gastric by pass and went from 193 to 145. But after 2 weeks with Covid I went down to 104 lbs, now I'm 95 lbs and the doctors don't know what is wrong with me. I can't gain weight. Anyone going through this too?
Me again my surgery was in 2016.
I had the RNY bypass in 2016. Due to blockage I had ileocecal valve removed
Which is area of absorption. I get iron infusions annually. I also take b12 injections weekly, vit D 50,000 weekly and high dose calcium daily