anemia and gastric bypass - Anemia Message Board

sky1992 · 09-21-2003, 04:52 PM

Has anyone had the gastric bypass that has caused their anemia. I have been anemic for the past 2 years, becoming severe this year. I have been on iron supplements that are not helping. I take the Vit. C and the B12 and B12 shots - but nothing is helping. Because of the gastric bypass there are many foods that I can't eat that would help. I have been thinking about having the iron supplement shots, but I haven't come across enough information to make an educated decision. Any suggestions?

Birdlips · 09-27-2003, 02:19 PM

Hi!
I had the Doudenal Switch in May 2002. I have been on Niferex.
My surgeon wanted me to go off the Niferex in June 2003. Things really went down hill. I went back on the Niferex the third week in June. By mid August I was so weak. My iron numbers not good.

I saw my Internist. He sent me to a Hematologist who is familiar with bypass patients and iron defiency. He set me up for an iron infusion. I had my first one Thursday Sept 25, 2003. I can't wait to get stronger.

I am very familiar with the iron defiency with bariatric surgery.

------------------
Cherie

Birdlips · 09-27-2003, 02:22 PM

Hi!

I told my own story and forgot some suggestions.

I would see about getting a hematologist. See if your surgeon is familiar with one. Who knows about the iron defiency in bariactric patients.

Can you eat total cereal? That has a lot of iron in it.

squeek · 10-04-2003, 08:22 AM

Yes I have had a gastric bypass 8 yrs ago. I have now prenious anemia, I have been on b-12 shots for almost 4 yrs. I have also had to have the iron through an iv. I been through that 2 different times. The shots are better, because of having the surgry the intrinsic factor is not present, so the tablets that you may be taking are doing you no good at all. This is what my dr.s have told me. The shots will give you back some of the energy that you are missing. Here is something else that you may have to look forward to. I am in the stages of finding out if I have neuropathy. Which is nerve damage, caused from the anemia. Does any one else who has had this surgry, are they suffering from any of this.

marny61 · 11-05-2003, 09:13 PM

I underwent a gastric bypass 8 years ago - about 4 years ago I developed pernicious anemia and have been on B12 injections since that time. This past summer I started having fatigue, swelling in my lower legs, hunger and weight gain. Finally I was diagnosed with iron defiency anemia. I have started on Infed (iron) transfusions - today was my second transfusion - two more to go and then will undergo a hysterectomy. I am interested in anyone else, who has had a gastric bypass has had this problem and how they are doing. I am wondering when I will start to feel better. Thanks for you help!