low iron

Hi  Everyone   I have low iron now.  I had high iron for the last few years so I have been giving blood. I gave blood in February the first week. I had my blood work done and now my ferrition(5) is 5....and my D3 is low.... How did you get yours up....I have not needed to take iron...and yes I do take calcium and a multivitamin  for bariatric patients.  I had surgery in 2010 April so I am almost four years out.  I have lost 310lbs......and doing pretty good no complications...Thanks for you advise

Jules

According to the ASMBS, you should have been taking iron all along. When was the last time you had your ferritin checked, and what was it? Deficiencies don't show up right away, most often they develop over time, and you need to watch the trend over time.

A 5 for ferritin is dangerously low. Low enough that you should not even consider increasing it with supplements. It is so low that you should see a hematologist right away for an iron infusion. Seriously.

When the red cross tests for blood donations, they test what is currently available, or as some say, what you have to spend right now. Ferritin is a measure of stored iron, or what you have saved for the future. You are almost bankrupt. See a doctor now, and start taking supplemenral iron for long term health. And do not donate blood again until a doctor says it is ok.

Clearly you do need to take iron.  The ASMBS recommends all RNY patients take iron from the beginning.  With ferritin that low, you probably need iron infusions.  I would see a hematologist ASAP. But I would also begin taking iron orally.

How low is your vitamin D?  Most RNY folks need at least 10,000 IU D3 daily and many need more than that.

Hey   Thank you for the advice   I had just had high ferritin till this last time I had my blood checked and then my level was normal.   I called my doctor to get more details and information