Anemia

Hello, I had the lapband for 20 years, didn't work, they took it out in January, now I'm revising to RNY, but my primary doctor doesn't want to clear me because I have anemia, which she had known fir years did to iron deficiency and she never told me to do anything about it other than to take iron, but it was so harsh in my stomach that I admit that I didn't take it, now my surgery is supposed to be I. Two weeks, everything else done, but I nneed her clearance, I'm so upset, what do you think I should do or how to proceed now? I had the same anemia in January when thd surgeon removed my band, and nobody was concerned with the anemia, now it seems to be a problem, please advise, I'd appreciate the help, anybody has gone thur this? Please help

I think you should take iron.  I use carbonyl iron, which is not harsh on the stomach like ferrous sulfate or the other ferrous salts are.  But I don't think your iron will come up very much in just two weeks, so you may need to postpone your surgery.

You do understand you'll need to take iron after RNY, right?

I suggest you contact your PCP and your surgeon to discuss the best course of action now, as well as get started on some carbonyl iron ASAP.

I'm taking iron now every day , I wonder if they could give me iron infusions and maybe a couple if blood transfusions so that I don't have to postpone my surgery, that will get my hemoglobin up fast... I think 

I don't know if they will do that or not.  They might, or they  might feel that it is safer just to postpone surgery and have you take your iron supplements.  I assume iron infusions and blood transfusions do carry some risks, right?  But I think you need to contact your PCP and surgeon to discuss your options.  I'd do that tomorrow if it was me.

I will call the surgeon and pop tomorrow , thank you so much

Good luck.  I know I wouldn't want my surgery postponed.  I hope you can get it worked out.

You need to see a haemotologist - PCP's, surgeons etc are NOT experts in anaemia.   Get a referral if you need one, or self refer - with this problem before surgery, you are almost CERTAIN to have it after.

Taking iron supplements if you have a low Hb or worse still, a low ferritin level is like sticking a band aid on a stab or bullet wound.  

I have had iron deficient anaemia, and pernicious anaemia for 20 years - both of these are treated by a haemotologist because he (he just happens to be a man!) is the person who is the expert in his field - I would wholeheatedly suggest you do the same! 

Carbonyl iron is easy on your tummy.  I was anemic prior to RNY and had to take iron.  I continue to take my iron and have had no problems.  I will be three years out Oct. 11.

Nice to see a member who joined 3 weeks ago - welcome!

Your body may no longer be absorbing the oral iron supplements.  You may want to get a referral to a Hematologist.

I had RNY 4 years ago and for the last 1.5 years, I have been dealing with anemia. No energy, leg cramps, muscle spasms and I looked even worse. Very pale almost grayish in skin color.

My bariatric surgeon's NP took one look at my blood work (Ferritin was 4 and H&H levels both below 10) and referred me to a Hematologist. Best thing that could have ever happened.  After reviewing my labs, HEMOC advised that my body was no longer absorbing the iron supplements and prescribed feraheme injections.  I received 2 injections spaced 8 days apart and followed up with lab work 1 month later.  After the injections,  my Ferritin and H&H levels had returned to normal range and I was feeling so much better.  I asked my hemaologist if I should continue to take the oral iron supplements and he advised no because my body was not absorbing them.  He told me to incorporate more iron rich foods into my diet. 7 months later, the anemia symptoms returned and I was given two more feraheme injections.  I will probably have to do this for the rest of my life. 

The injections are administered in an outpatient setting in the oncology department at the hospital.  It is a series of 2 injections spaced 8 days apart and the injection is a 15 minute push of feraheme followed by 45 minutes of observation to keep an eye on you for possible allergic reaction. 

One interesting symptom that I failed to mention earlier is that when my levels are low, I crave and eat ice morning, noon and night.  This is how I know that I need to get my levels checked.

Colleen (Amelie2005)