Could you please tell me what level your ferritin was at when you needed an iron transfusion? Thanks

Once you've confirmed you are not bleeding internally, you might want to look into Injectafer.

I've had issues with anemia since I had the DS (16+ years) and have tried a number of different infusion drugs. The last one was Injectafer at the recommendation of my hematologist. It has kept my numbers over 200 for almost 2 years. It was designed specifically for people who don't absorb oral iron.

Hope you find some relief.

I'm always reluctant to post on this topic but maybe it's helpful for you. I had the exact same concerns as you especially with the malnutrition and side effects like gas. I was worried the DS might be overkill since my BMI was around 40, not 50+. I was ok with the vsg but worried about regain. Also my surgeon was moving cross country.

In the end, I was referred to a dr at Lennox Hill in NY that specializes in DS but also does a variation called a Sadi DS. He sold my on the longer common channel and lower surgical risk. There are also fewer vitamins needed and less risk of malabsorption.

I had this done 5 years ago and lost every once of fat, had some minimal regain which I needed. I'm generally very lean and healthy today. I would suggest researching this, but only use a surgeon that has experience with whatever procedure you decide on.

My vitamins are limited to about 6 pills in the morning. Flatulance is not an issue if you stay away from certain foods. For me it's too much dairy. I can eat anything and not gain weight which was also important to me.

You are not alone. We see new people with VSG or even gastric bypass looking into revising to the DS all the time. It has the best statistics of any bariatric surgery not just for percentage excess weight loss, but also for maintaining that weight loss and for permanent resolution of almost all comorbidities.

Yes, it comes with side effects, but malabsorption isn't a side effect. It's how the surgery is intended to work, and it does work. It allows for a diet that requires sufficient protein and allows you to eat fat freely, though you do still have to watch carbs. As others have stated, there is a both an adjustment of your guts and also a learning process necessary for success, but that success is there for you if you want it.

Deficiencies can be avoided if you eat adequate protein and take your vitamins and minerals faithfully. This is a commitment that you make to and for yourself, and it's a life time commitment. Most (not all!) of the people who get into nutritional trouble are the ones who decide they are special and slack off on the supplementation. You will need to be well informed and follow your labs, but really, it's all doable.

Larra

What dosages do you take of the C and Proferrin?

And thanks for the info on symptomatic bowel movements. I'm definitely not having those.