OK another Iron question

Lisa, Yeah this is what I am learning..... Thanks.... Debra P

Hi Deb - I've been taking Niferex Gold and really liking it. I only have to take one tablet instead of 2, and it contains colase so it helps with constipation...it actually makes me WANT to take it! It has 200 mg. of elemental iron. Mary Mc

Mary, Sounds good, I will have to see what my level are at and see if I need to worry about it now.....my last blood work came back ok but things sure do change and I am do for some tests.... Thanks again Debra P

Hi Deb- if you are really concerned about it - Donna Franco can issue you a perscription for Iron- I take 2 pills a day- and NOT at the same time as milk or calcium pills I have an issue with anemia- but it wasnt related to surgery at all . I am doing fine and my last lab numbers were good. Hope that helps- have a good day - Donna 325/231/145

I take that too...I have to break in half, hate the taste!

Hi Debra, Dr. Garber put me on 2 Chromogen Forte's a day back in December. It's 151mg of iron with B12 and Glycolax. My PCP took it down to 1 a day in January and dulcolax for the constipation that the iron was producing. The Glycolax I just stopped 'cuz it was not doing anything for me although my pcp said I should be exploding with it...but not. The instructions are to not eat for 1 hour after taking it or eating and waiting 2 hours before taking it. No milk or calcium with it at all. It's expensive even for insurance ...$30 for a 60 day supply with my insurance and the cost was listed at $63 without insurance. I've been thinking about asking for something similar but more easy to take. Hope that this helps a bit. :LindaM

Linda, I will have to call Donna to get a new script for blood work and have it done, I will be going in the office since I am 10 months out now and I have not been back since my 1st month check (you know how it is, to far to ride, loss of a days work and the tank of gas$$$) but I know I need to get back and let them look at my blood results..... Thanks hun Debra P

Hi deb... While research believes that iron from foods is not very beneficial after wls I am not saying to not take iron rich foods, it is just that the body after RNY if the food isnt chewed to a pulp, thouroughly warmed and meeting up w/ gastric juices it won't be absorbed....Iron needs the acidic environment, this is why vit c is recommended w/ iron.. here are my IRON RULZ! PS I will send u 2 pdf files on what a PCP should know and about vit/mineral absorption issues after RNY! Hope they help. Iron dose is based on LABS! Iron, Ferritin (iron stors), TIBC, % Saturtion is what is ordered or called an iron panel....TOO MUCH IRON is bad as well. The form u take is also important, some are very HARSH on the pouch! IRON RULZ 101: a.. take alone empty stomach if u can b.. Take with Vitamin C to aid absorbtion 250-500mg c.. never with calcium (it may/will not be absorbed as calcium wins out! they compete!) d.. never with any other vits (except C) *B12 is only exception e.. never with any other meds..wait 1-2 hrs before taking other vits/supps Never with: a.. dairy *this means NEVER with protein shakes sorry! b.. fiber c.. legumes d.. eggs e.. tea or coffee reg or decaf...they all hinder absorption (its the tannins) f. alcohol IF you have to a dry saltine is best to buffer it! (*but us carbaphobics seem to not want to do this!) ***AVOID ferrous sulfate (pouch burner and not best for absorbtion w/ WLS) Ferrous furmerate, ferrous gluconate are better as are Polysaccharide iron and carbonyl iron. Vitalady has a tender iron (carbonyl form) many swear by. I personally buy ferrous gluconate 100 tabs of the 300mg strength (this is equal to 35mg ELEMENTAL iron, the 300mg is salt weight)..I do one a day with 500mg vit C, I get a walmart NO RX needed ask pharmacyit is about $6 bottle! Some people need combos of forms of iron, some can noit absorb the oral and need shots and some need iron infusions! I wasn't anemi****il after plastics! Then I needed 2-3 iron a day now to maintin 1 seems to keep my iron stors up, iron up and TIBC in normal range! It can be a lifelong issue one that can pop up anytime in our journey! PS U got mail I sent the files!\\\So eat they leafy greens,andspinach for the fiber just dont count on the iron to be helpful! LOL Take Care, Jamie Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh 320/163 5'9'' (lost 45 before Surgery) Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"