What about pale coloring? I lost my healthy look!

[VDB 800]

Hi everyone. Three weeks post gastric bypass. I am normally healthy looking, great color. But since surgery, my skin tone is either a bit pale gray or white. Anyone know if this is normal? I have been getting some sun on walks, taking my Vitamins etc but my wife thinks I look sick even though I feel pretty good considering major surgery.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Are you getting your Protein and Water?

[LeeRN 32]

If you are paler than before you should ask your PMD to check your hemoglobin and hematocrit along with Iron studies (ferritin, etc) to be sure you aren't anemic. Are you taking iron supplements that are easily absorbable after bariatric surgery? Check with you're surgeon or nutritionist to be sure you're taking the right supplements.

[VDB 800]

Yes, getting lots of Protein, always get my full Water allotment, am using the recommended Multivitamin with Iron. I am seeing my PMD on Monday next week, and will ask her to check the hemoglobin and hematocrit. Thanks!

[LeeRN 32]

Yes, getting lots of Protein, always get my full Water allotment, am using the recommended Multivitamin with Iron. I am seeing my PMD on Monday next week, and will ask her to check the hemoglobin and hematocrit. Thanks!

Great! I was very anemic pre-op. My hemoglobin was only 8.9 (no wonder I was exhausted all the time!) and my ferritin was low indicating iron-deficiency anemia. I was worrying that I wouldn't get it high enough to have surgery by my scheduled date but I did it! Just squeaked by at 10.6. I saw my hematologist just last week and I thought for sure I would be anemic because there are days I forgot my Iron supplement but alas I was 11.1..whew! Good luck and I hope you get the answer to why you're a bit pale.