Low Iron Levels

[leanne1126 84]

I just had my 6 month post op appt on Tuesday. My surgeon gave me a script for routine labs. As it turns out, my Iron is low. As a result I'm going to start taking another iron supplement at bedtime along with Vitamin C to help with absorbtion. I have to have another blood draw in 6-8 weeks to ensure that my levels are up and I don't become anemic. Ironically, my other levels, B12, Calcium etc were fine. Has this happened to anyone else? I just find it odd that I can absorb the calcium, D and B12 just fine and the iron is low.

[red37 116]

My Iron is low also, though D is low too. I started taking "Blood Builder"-iron-6 weeks ago and will have my 6 month blood work next Friday-we will see if it's any better. I think Iron is the most common deficiency for us.

[beachgal2935 596]

@@leanne1126 What Multivitamin are you taking? Is it a bariatric specific? Hopefully not Flintstones. Also are you taking your multi at least 2 hours apart from your Calcium? I missed that important detail in the beginning so the first month post-op I was taking them together. Ever since then, I take my Calcium with Breakfast and then 1/2 of my opurity multi 2 hours later on an empty stomach. I had my 6 month post-op blood draw a couple of weeks ago and all my levels were spot-on. This might help:

TIPS FOR TAKING Iron

Iron is absorbed the best on an empty stomach. Yet, iron supplements can cause stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea in some people. You may need to take iron with a small amount of food to avoid this problem.

Milk, calcium and antacids should NOT be taken at the same time as iron supplements. You should wait at least 2 hours after having these foods before taking your iron supplements.

Foods that you should NOT eat at the same time as you take your iron include:

• High Fiber foods, such as whole grains, raw vegetables, and bran
• Foods or drinks with caffeine

Some doctors suggest taking a Vitamin C supplement or drinking orange juice with your iron pill.